The LSU Tigers offense in 2022 has progressively played better each week. After a season-opening loss, the unit took a few games to get the communication where they wanted it. Aside from the blowout loss to Tennessee, the Tigers have played exceptionally well on offense. Coming off a 32-32 overtime win over then No. 6 Alabama, LSU is in a position to win the SEC West. What makes this an even better story for the program? It is only Brian Kelly‘s first year as head coach in Baton Rouge. Sitting at No. 7 in the College Football Playoff poll, the Tigers now travel to face Arkansas.
LSU Tigers Offense Seeks to Keep Momentum Going Against Arkansas
There is no denying that Jayden Daniels is the sole leader of this offense. On the season, the Arizona State transfer quarterback has put up 1,994 passing yards with 14 touchdowns to just one interception. He also leads the team in rushing with 619 yards and 10 scores on 131 attempts. To add to his numbers, Daniels now holds the all-time program record for most rushing touchdowns in a single season by an LSU quarterback. As dominant as Joe Burrow was in 2019, he did not even accomplish that feat.
At running back, Josh Williams and Armoni Goodwin have taken significant snaps. Williams has 359 yards and five touchdowns. Goodwin has rushed for 261 yards and five touchdowns. This season, LSU is effectively running the ball out of the backfield. Not that it is hard to stop, but the rushing attack has proven to be a major bright spot. One player of note is John Emery Jr. He has only run the ball 45 times this season. For someone that sat out due to academic issues, one would think Emery would receive more touches. Nonetheless, Daniels is putting up potential Heisman Trophy numbers on the field. Plus, the Tigers tailbacks are adding to the mix as well.
Playmakers on the Outside
LSU’s wide receivers are lengthy and there is a ton of depth at the position. Freshman tight end Mason Taylor made the miraculous catch in overtime to upset Alabama. He has certainly become a fan favorite as he has 214 yards and two scores on 22 receptions. Malik Nabers and Kayshon Boutte lead the team with catches and yards. Nabers has 504 yards and one score on 42 receptions. Boutte, a preseason All-SEC selection, has 339 yards and one touchdown on 34 catches. As the Tigers travel to Fayetteville, the outside passing threat will be interesting to watch.
What to Watch for From Arkansas
The Razorbacks will be without defensive back Myles Slusher and Freshman defensive back Anthony Brown. Slusher ranks 13th on the team with 20 tackles, two sacks, and one pass defended. Speaking of the Arkansas defense, linebacker Bumper Pool will be a key player to watch for against this Tigers offense. His ability to elevate into the backfield off the snap is top-notch. That could cause issues for Daniels and the running backs.
Facing Arkansas won’t be easy, though. If Hogs quarterback KJ Jefferson plays, this could end up being a quarterback duel. Whichever team makes the first mistake could wind up losing this match-up. Jefferson has proven to be a crucial asset to the team. In 2022, he accounted for 1,981 passing yards with 17 touchdowns to three interceptions. On the ground, he has compiled 425 yards and six scores. As dynamic as Jefferson is, the Razorbacks’ offense needs playmakers to step up. Tight end Trey Knox and wideout Ketron Jackson have to create open space in the open field. Arkansas’ top two pass-catchers are Matt Landers and Jadon Haselwood. The two have a combined 1,047 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
If Sam Pittman is going to coach his team to a win, the offense must keep pace with LSU. But, the Tigers’ defense continues to defend well and elevate at each position. Arkansas could have a tough time in this game if Jefferson and the offense struggle to find success early.
While Arkansas won last season, the Tigers are seeking to reclaim The Boot and fly home with a big conference win over an arch-rival.
A Chance to Win The SEC West
LSU enters this game 7-2 overall and 5-1 in the SEC. Arkansas comes in at 5-4 and 2-3 in conference play. A win over the Hogs would put LSU in a position to win the SEC West. However, Alabama would have to defeat No. 11 Ole Miss on Saturday afternoon. Even if the Tigers were to lose to Texas A&M at the end of the season, the team would own the tie-breaker over Bama and Ole Miss.
What Daniels and this LSU Tigers offense have accomplished this season is nothing short of great. Before the season, this team was projected to finish between six and nine wins. Now, at 7-2, the Bayou Bengals control their own destiny. A win over Arkansas and an Ole Miss loss automatically send LSU to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. Kelly and his staff have nearly completed a one-season turnaround in Baton Rouge.
