The SEC has become the deepest and most talented conference in the country, and this matchup between the No. 8-ranked LSU Tigers (5-1) and the Arkansas Razorbacks (4-2) proves that. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
LSU comes into this matchup riding high after a big upset win at home over Ole Miss, 29-26. The Tigers edged out the Rebels in overtime, catapulting them into the AP Poll's top 10.
However, they're now tasked with trying to carry that momentum on the road against an Arkansas team that handed the then-No. 4-ranked Tennessee Volunteers their first loss, 19-14.
Both of these teams are trending up, and the line is indicative of how tight this matchup could be, as LSU is favored by 2.5 points on the spread.
However, a side may not be the strongest angle to take, especially with the total at 55.5 points.
Here are my LSU vs. Arkansas predictions and my college football picks for Saturday.
LSU Tigers vs Arkansas Razorbacks Prediction and Picks
- LSU vs Arkansas Best Bet: Under 55.5
Pick
My LSU Tigers vs Arkansas prediction is on the under, with the best line currently available at FanDuel, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Spread
With a short spread on Saturday, I don't see value on either side here.
Over/Under
I'm betting the under in this matchup. I think both defenses will step up in a major way and that the offenses will struggle to get much going.
Moneyline
I'm passing on betting either side on the moneyline.
LSU vs Arkansas Odds, Spread, Lines
| LSU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -115 | 57.5 -105o / -115u | -140 |
| Arkansas Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -105 | 57.5 -105o / -115u | +120 |
- LSU vs Arkansas spread: LSU -2.5
- LSU vs Arkansas over/under: 57.5
- LSU vs. Arkansas moneyline: LSU -140 · Arkansas _120
LSU vs Arkansas College Football Week 8 Preview
LSU Football Betting Preview
It's safe to say that LSU has begun to play to its strengths offensively. The Tigers have the eighth-highest pass play rate in the country. Junior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has thrived in the Tigers' offense, ranking 35th in yards per pass and 48th in opponent completion percentage.
However, LSU's one-dimensional attack could be detrimental in this matchup against the Razorbacks. Arkansas' defense is better than the numbers show; the last time we saw them, the Razorbacks held Tennessee to just 14 points.
On paper, the Razorbacks' secondary is 44th in opponent completion percentage and 55th in yards per pass allowed. An even deeper look reveals that the Razorbacks are 101st in Pass Success Rate allowed and are 107th in PFF's Coverage grades.
However, Arkansas will be able to key in on the Tigers' passing attack and has had two weeks to do so, as it comes into this matchup off a bye.
The high of LSU's big win will be hard to replicate in this matchup on the road.
Don't be surprised if LSU doesn't look sharp offensively in this one.
Arkansas Football Betting Preview
On the other side of the ball, the Razorbacks will need Taylen Green to be dynamic in this one if they're going to move the ball.
Green has been below average as a passer this season — ranking 118th in completion percentage and 46th in yards per pass — but his mobility has been crucial to the offense.
For their traditional rushing attack, Ja'Quinden Jackson may run into some trouble. LSU ranks 27th in Rush Success Rate allowed and outrank the Razorbacks 37 to 71 in line yards.
Struggles on the ground mean Green will need to get creative with his legs, and he may be forced to do so, as the Tigers rank fourth in the country in sack rate.
However, Green breaking contain is far from a given, and if the Tigers' secondary holds up, we could see plenty of quick drives for the Razorbacks.
Arkansas vs LSU Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Arkansas and LSU match up statistically:
LSU Offense vs. Arkansas Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 95 | 20 | |
| Line Yards | 70 | 40 | |
| Pass Success | 12 | 48 | |
| Havoc | 3 | 59 | |
| Finishing Drives | 25 | 17 | |
| Quality Drives | 22 | 17 | |
Arkansas Offense vs. LSU Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 20 | 27 | |
| Line Yards | 71 | 37 | |
| Pass Success | 52 | 101 | |
| Havoc | 102 | 7 | |
| Finishing Drives | 93 | 25 | |
| Quality Drives | 29 | 78 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 22 | 84 |
| PFF Coverage | 89 | 107 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 63 | 59 |
| Middle 8 | 68 | 77 |
| Seconds per Play | 27.1 (61) | 26.2 (46) |
| Rush Rate | 38% (130) | 54% (64) |
How to Bet My LSU vs Arkansas Pick
This is a matchup in which both teams come into it riding high, but momentum is tough to maintain, especially in the SEC.
We should see the Razorbacks' defense well-prepared for the Tigers coming off the bye, but their own offensive success is a question mark.
With each defense set to win out on the majority of drives in this one, the under is a strong bet.
Pick: Under 55.5 (Play to 54.5)
LSU vs Arkansas Start Time, Channel, Streaming, How to Watch
| Location: | Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AK |
| Date: | Saturday, Oct. 19 |
| Kickoff Time: | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN |
LSU takes on Arkansas at Razorback Stadium on Saturday, October 19, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
College Football Betting Trends for LSU vs Arkansas
- 83% of the money is on LSU to cover the spread against Arkansas, while 60% of the bets are on Arkansas ATS.
- 57% of the money is on the over, while 58% of the bets are on the under.
LSU vs Arkansas Weather
