LSU (2-3) at Arkansas (3-4)
Kickoff: 11:00 a.m.
TV: SECN
COVID: College football has a COVID issue and the SEC can't escape it. LSU saw its game with Alabama canceled last weekend, and playing Saturday was not a given. Arkansas's own COVID issues went down to Friday morning when the Razorbacks officially gave LSU the green light to travel. Coach Sam Pittman suggested this week the team was in danger of not meeting the roster requirements handed down by the SEC. That's a 53-player minimum, with a required number at each position. It's unclear how many and who won't play for the Razorbacks.
Longest Bye Ever: LSU has not played a game since a terrible 48-11 loss to Auburn on Halloween. They're not worried about rust, because they Tigers can't play worse. The big question is how much better did Freshman quarterback TJ Finley get? It's worth noting that LSU was unable to practice for a period last week during its own COVID issue, still three weeks to prepare, learn and study and can do a youngster good.
Run LSU Run: LSU is one of the worst rushing teams in the nation. Cue one of the worst run defenses in the league. There are only two teams in the SEC worse than Arkansas at stopping the run, Ole Miss is one of the worst in the nation, and Vanderbilt is marginally worse. If we break open the Tigers box score on the 41-7 win over the Commodores you'll find one of two 100-plus rushing efforts for the Tigers. LSU needs a a good running attack to help Finley, and the schedule may have granted them a golden opportunity.
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