Update: Arkansas 17, LSU 41. First Half was as expected, but during the second half the Razorbacks' inability to get their running game going, and contain LSU's running game, resulted in a shut down of Wilson's passing game, and enabled LSU to move the ball at will. As the game progressed into the Fourth Quarter, it became apparent that Arkansas knew they were in trouble, and costly mistakes began to emerge. Overall, LSU played like a number one team, and deserves their placement into the SEC Championship Game, and after they beat Georgia their placement in the National Championship Game.Arkansas will be better next year, with the quarterback, Wilson, returning as a senior. This big game will serve as a memory of what they can accomplish, and what is needed to go to the next level. Arkansas will return to having a shot at the National Championship again next year. . . and I have a funny feeling it will once again come down to the final game against LSU.
Original Post:
By Douglas V. Gibbs
Never have we seen this kind of a situation in College Football. The top three teams in the nation are all from the same conference. . . and even the same division of that conference. Number 1, LSU; Number 2, Alabama; and Number 3, Arkansas are all from the SEC. The SEC is guaranteed at least one team in the National Championship Game, and quite possibly, two.
Going into last weekend, the Arkansas Razorbacks ranked BCS number 6 in the nation, and the only way they would have a chance at a shot at the National Championship would be if an awful lot of teams lost.
Last Saturday, after all of the dust had settled, Number 2 Oklahoma State lost, Number 4 Oregon lost, Number 5 Oklahoma lost, and Number 7 Clemson lost. Suddenly, there was no choice but to catapult the Hogs to number 3 in the nation.
Arkansas has historically carried some kind of stigma that always seems to result in them being underrated. This time, with only one loss, and that loss to Alabama at a time when the Tide was number 1, Arkansas has defied the critics, and is one win away from having a legitimate shot at the National Championship.
The conundrum is that if Arkansas beats LSU, the critics say they will have to look good against LSU to move up. In other words, unless Alabama loses to Number 24 Auburn in a rivalry clash lovingly dubbed the Iron Bowl, the Hogs could actually beat LSU, yet not move up in the rankings - Leaving LSU and Alabama to face off against each other for the national title.
Sportscasters are not giving the Razorbacks a very good chance against LSU, giving the Hogs a slight chance only because of their good passing game. Arkansas' defense was dismantled by the Crimson Tide's brutal ground game early in the season, and LSU boasts a similar ground and pound that many say is too much for the Razorback Defense. LSU's defense is also considered to be good enough to contain Arkansas' speed, and Tyler Wilson's accuracy.
I disagree. A lot has happened, and a lot of growth has occurred, since that loss to Alabama.
LSU will score easily at first, and then the Razorback defense will settle down. The offense, however, will be in Hog Heaven. I believe the Arkansas running game, the speed of the receivers (especially Wright), and Wilson's incredible growth as a quarterback, will stun LSU, and have the Tiger secondary backpedaling the entire game.
I predict 45-42, Arkansas Razorbacks over LSU. That's right - high scoring, and it will be the Hogs' special teams that will be the decider. Watch for LSU interceptions, too. Remember, too, that Arkansas has beaten LSU three out of their last four meetings, and one of those times, the Tigers were number one in the nation when it happened.
Auburn will make a good run at Alabama, but I don't think they can beat the Tide. . . then again, stranger things have happened.
I see Alabama winning fairly easily against Auburn, with Auburn making them nervous early in the second half. The Crimson Tide will be going to the the SEC Championship game to square off with Georgia. . . and barely pulling that one off. I think the Bull Dogs are better than advertised.
Arkansas' win against LSU will move them to Number 2 in the nation, and place the Tigers at Number 3. . . putting the Hogs into the National Championship Game without having to worry about playing in the conference championship - something that will make the powers that be in the NCAA look long and hard at considering a playoff system.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
Going into last weekend, the Arkansas Razorbacks ranked BCS number 6 in the nation, and the only way they would have a chance at a shot at the National Championship would be if an awful lot of teams lost.
Last Saturday, after all of the dust had settled, Number 2 Oklahoma State lost, Number 4 Oregon lost, Number 5 Oklahoma lost, and Number 7 Clemson lost. Suddenly, there was no choice but to catapult the Hogs to number 3 in the nation.
Arkansas has historically carried some kind of stigma that always seems to result in them being underrated. This time, with only one loss, and that loss to Alabama at a time when the Tide was number 1, Arkansas has defied the critics, and is one win away from having a legitimate shot at the National Championship.
The conundrum is that if Arkansas beats LSU, the critics say they will have to look good against LSU to move up. In other words, unless Alabama loses to Number 24 Auburn in a rivalry clash lovingly dubbed the Iron Bowl, the Hogs could actually beat LSU, yet not move up in the rankings - Leaving LSU and Alabama to face off against each other for the national title.
Sportscasters are not giving the Razorbacks a very good chance against LSU, giving the Hogs a slight chance only because of their good passing game. Arkansas' defense was dismantled by the Crimson Tide's brutal ground game early in the season, and LSU boasts a similar ground and pound that many say is too much for the Razorback Defense. LSU's defense is also considered to be good enough to contain Arkansas' speed, and Tyler Wilson's accuracy.
I disagree. A lot has happened, and a lot of growth has occurred, since that loss to Alabama.
LSU will score easily at first, and then the Razorback defense will settle down. The offense, however, will be in Hog Heaven. I believe the Arkansas running game, the speed of the receivers (especially Wright), and Wilson's incredible growth as a quarterback, will stun LSU, and have the Tiger secondary backpedaling the entire game.
I predict 45-42, Arkansas Razorbacks over LSU. That's right - high scoring, and it will be the Hogs' special teams that will be the decider. Watch for LSU interceptions, too. Remember, too, that Arkansas has beaten LSU three out of their last four meetings, and one of those times, the Tigers were number one in the nation when it happened.
Auburn will make a good run at Alabama, but I don't think they can beat the Tide. . . then again, stranger things have happened.
I see Alabama winning fairly easily against Auburn, with Auburn making them nervous early in the second half. The Crimson Tide will be going to the the SEC Championship game to square off with Georgia. . . and barely pulling that one off. I think the Bull Dogs are better than advertised.
Arkansas' win against LSU will move them to Number 2 in the nation, and place the Tigers at Number 3. . . putting the Hogs into the National Championship Game without having to worry about playing in the conference championship - something that will make the powers that be in the NCAA look long and hard at considering a playoff system.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
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