Want a close rivalry in the SEC? Try on the Battle for the Golden Boot, which LSU and Arkansas vie for each season. The past four games in the series have all been decided by three points—which is exactly the margin the Tigers are favored by Saturday night in Fayetteville, Ark.

The Razorbacks had last week off following their upset victory over Tennessee, and have covered in three straight and four of five against FBS opponents. LSU last week beat Ole Miss in overtime as a four-point home underdog, and has covered two straight after dropping its first three ATS against FBS foes. 

LSU vs Arkansas Odds

Odds as of October 15

LSU vs Arkansas Picks – Week 8

LSU is the polar opposite of the run-first, defensive-oriented Tennessee team that the Razorbacks upset before their off week. The Tigers throw the ball all over the place and then hang on for dear life, as they showed in a dramatic escape from South Carolina earlier in the season and then against last weekend in the thriller against Ole Miss. 

Can Arkansas play that type of game? LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is the second-leading passer in the SEC behind Jaxon Dart of Ole Miss, and the Tigers lead the league in pass attempts and are tied with Texas in passing touchdowns. The concern is that Arkansas ranks 13th in the conference in pass defense, having allowed 326 pass yards in a loss at Oklahoma State and 285 to offensively challenged Auburn.

Nussmeier’s eyes should grow wide when he sees those numbers. The Hogs rank second in the SEC in offensive plays and third in offensive yards, but those stats are a bit inflated by a 70-play, 687-yard pasting of FCS Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Add in uncertainly over the health of Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green, who missed the end of the Tennessee game with a bone bruise, and the pendulum swings a little further in LSU’s direction.

LSU vs Arkansas Week 8 Pick: LSU -3.0 (-105)

Arkansas has gone UNDER the total in three straight outings, and hasn’t managed to score more than 24 points in an SEC game this year. LSU has also gone UNDER in three consecutive games, the latter two against totals in the 60s. The total against Arkansas is the second-lowest the Tigers have faced against an FBS opponent this season, and it will be in danger against two teams that rank in the bottom half of the SEC in total defense.

LSU vs Arkansas Week 8 Pick: OVER 55 (-110)

*picks made as of Tuesday, October 15 at 5:00 pm ET

LSU vs Arkansas News

Arkansas coach Sam Pittman told reporters on Monday that Green practiced throughout the bye week. While he’s hopeful the quarterback will play against LSU, Green’s status remains uncertain, according to the Fort Smith Times Record. Left guard Patrick Kutas could also return from a back injury that’s kept him out all season, the newspaper added, while cornerback Jaylon Braxton is expected to be out once again with tendonitis. On the LSU side, SI reported that receiver C.J. Daniels is probable after aggravating a knee injury against Ole Miss.

LSU vs Arkansas Prop Bet: Ja’Quinden Jackson Anytime TD (-190)

The senior running back has been a mainstay of the Arkansas offense, and will be even more of a focus if Green is limited or out. Jackson has rushed for at least one touchdown in every game this season, and his 10 total TDs lead the Razorbacks and rank third in the SEC. And did we mention that LSU ranks 15th in the league in rush defense?

LSU vs Arkansas Betting Trends