LSU OFFENSE VS. ARKANSAS DEFENSE:

Statistically, LSU boasts the best offense in the SEC. I'm sure by now you've heard of quarterback JaMarcus Russell. The guy looks more like Big Baby Davis than a typical quarterback, but he's got a great arm and great legs, and he might be a candidate for early entry into the NFL Draft. The LSU passing game is so good because Russell has a great trio of wide receivers. Dwayne Bowe is his main target, but Early Doucet and Craig Davis are no slouches. Also, watch out for running back Jacob Hester, who is a very good receiver out of the backfield. Arkansas sports a defense that has not gotten its credit because of the Razorbacks' offensive prowess. The defense has allowed only eight touchdowns in the last 26 quarters. Cornerback Chris Houston was last week's SEC Defensive Player of the Week. He had two interceptions and ran one back for a touchdown. Overall, LSU holds an advantage over the Arkansas pass defense, but that is a reflection of LSU, not Arkansas.

The Razorbacks allow just 117.2 rushing yards per game. That's pretty good for an SEC team. They'll have their hands full with LSU's stable of running backs. LSU gains 162.9 yards on the ground per game. Wow. Hester is the leading rusher, but Keiland Williams and Charles Scott, among others, provide great talent and depth. The player to watch on defense for Arkansas is linebacker Sam Olajubutu. This guy is for real. His 89 tackles lead the Hogs. Great matchup here, but again, LSU probably holds an edge.

Arkansas can take away the statistical advantages that LSU holds by pressuring Russell and winning the battle at the line of scrimmage. You may not be aware of it, but Arkansas' defensive line is quite good. Ends Jamaal Anderson (10 sacks) and Antwain Robinson (6.5) and defensive tackle Keith Jackson Jr. need to beat an LSU offensive line that has allowed just 15 sacks all season. When LSU has the ball, that will be the most important thing to watch.

The Razorbacks must keep JaMarcus Russell in the pocket. If Russell gets off and running, it will be a good day for the LSU offense. LSU typically dominates the first quarter, outscoring opponents 122-14. That will be important in a loud War Memorial Stadium. LSU's offense is better than almost every opponent's defense. Arkansas needs to win at the line of scrimmage and make Russell a thrower. Plus, Dwayne Bowe is great in the red zone. Take that option away.

ARKANSAS OFFENSE VS. LSU DEFENSE:

Okay, so LSU has the best offense in the SEC. Well, LSU has the best defense in the SEC too. Luckily, Arkansas has the best player in the SEC - running back Darren McFadden. McFadden is coming off an unusually unproductive game carrying the ball, but he did run a kickoff back against Mississippi State. Most of the offense will involve him. He will line up at quarterback out of the shotgun in the "Wildcat" formation. He will catch passes. He will carry and carry and carry.

LSU's rush defense allows a remarkable 74.6 yards per game. Defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey is one of the best in the conference, maybe the country. Defensive end Tyson Jackson is a good one too. It's a loaded defensive line that will compete against a terrific Arkansas offensive line. Sounds a lot like when LSU has the ball against the Razorbacks defensive front. Again, this will be the key battle. Arkansas has opened up holes for McFadden and RB Felix Jones so well this year. This will be the stiffest test. Hard to say which side has the advantage. Once the ball is past the defensive line, keep your eyes on LB Ali Highsmith, who is second on the team with 57 tackles. The LSU secondary can tackle well also. Safety LaRon Landry leads the team.

Quarterback Casey Dick took the starting job from Mitch Mustain and ran with it. Well, really he threw with it, and the offense has improved since he took over against South Carolina. Dick loves receiver Marcus Monk, a six foot six inch playmaker. Teams like to focus on stopping McFadden. I think they should focus more on stopping Monk. Monk gets little help from other receivers. LSU should put shutdown cornerback Chevis Jackson on Monk with a little safety help over the top. McFadden will likely get his yards. The key will be making things difficult on the quarterback. LSU has the players capable of shutting down the Arkansas passing game, and I think the Tigers will do a pretty good job in their attempt to do that.

Eventually, the game will be about McFadden and Jones. This is probably the best running back duo in the country. When you analyze the Arkansas offense, you realize that it isn't a methodical one that likes a 12-play drive. This is an offense that loves the big play. LSU must eliminate that. Arkansas also likes to throw in some trick plays here and there. LSU can't let that stuff work. I can't wait to see this Razorbacks offense vs. this Tigers defense. It may not be a great, well-balanced offensive unit, but somehow Houston Nutt finds a way to make it work every game.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

LSU kicker Colt David is just 5 for 9 this year and 3 for 6 from 40 or more yards. Punter and kickoff specialist Chris Jackson is a lot better. He has helped LSU win the field position battle with his 20 touchbacks this season. Kickoff and punt returns have been nothing special.

Arkansas has the best kickoff return average in the conference, and the Razorbacks have run two kickoffs back for touchdowns. Placekicker Jeremy Davis is good from short distances, but only 1 for 5 from 40 or more yards. Punter Jacob Skinner is exceptional at placing the ball inside the 20.

Arkansas holds a rather large edge on special teams, although I will say that I never think it's a good idea to have your best player returning kicks. That's what McFadden does for Arkansas.

PREDICTION:

Most people expect nothing short of a great game. LSU will play its fourth road game against a top 10 team this year. So far, the Tigers are 1-2 in those games. Maybe if this game were in Baton Rouge, the Tigers would prove how good they are. But it isn't.

LSU 17
Arkansas 23