Arkansas-LSU Preview Capsule

The Tide is trying to replicate last season’s run to the playoffs – also after an early loss to Ole Miss – that included a 25-20 win over a top-ranked Mississippi State team. Alabama has established the point it will not be beat on the ground, and Mississippi State has been beating teams with Prescott, so that’s the key macro-level matchup.

Alabama’s riding a six-game winning streak that has already included lopsided road wins over teams ranked in the Top 10 at the time, Georgia and Texas A&M.

Mississippi State is a good team that could easily cover the spread if Alabama falters. Prescott, a big play fiend last season, is more of a polished pocket passer this season who can still run when needed. Neither Jackson nor Fitzpatrick will probably get many chances for those against Prescott, however, because he’s thrown but one interception all season.

What’s also important to note is that Prescott – a quarterback built in the same mold of others that have given Alabama fits in the past – underperformed in last year’s meeting.

“He’s a guy we know we’re going to lean on, and if he plays well, we’re going to have an opportunity to win”, coach Dan Mullen said after last Thursday’s 31-13 victory at Missouri. The offensive line has to protect Brandon Allen and make holes for Alex Collins, and the defense has to make tackles. Arkansas comes into this game looking to add to its recent success, having won four of its last five. The LSU rushing attack has averaged 256.2 rushing yards in the last five games.

“Any time you have an emotional win, you’ve got to get your team to respond the right way and make sure that they’re focused on what they need to do to play just as well the next week or better”, Saban said.

I’ve been voting us No. 1 for three weeks. State is under the radar and waiting in the bushes. “They’re coverage oriented and I think that’s been huge”. Most of the blame falls on the Texas A&M defense, which has allowed 30 points per game over its three losses. Maybe it’s a lack of pressure that they feel because they’ve been in this situation before instead of not knowing what to expect or how to act in these situations. The Bucs are 9-1 in 2015, but still do not come close to matching up with the Crimson Tide physically.

The pressure is on Alabama. When the Bulldogs take on the Crimson Tide in Starkville on Saturday, November 14, he will have the nation’s eyes on him at the 2:30 p.m. kickoff. LSU coach Les Miles will not be watching, though.

I’ve experienced an entire range of emotions in Bryant-Denny.

In Miles’ third season as Tigers coach in 2007, his team lost in overtime to Arkansas on the final weekend of the regular season for its second defeat that year. Mississippi State’s defense has only allowed 12 points in the fourth quarter all season, including zero touchdowns.

The Razorbacks are second in the league behind Ole Miss with an average of 472.6 yards and are coming off a wild 53-52 win over the then-No. Auburn (5-4, 2-4). 10. Kentucky (4-5, 2-5). 12.

LSU is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Arkansas.

Versatile Gamecock: Jonathan Walton will see more time on offense after his successful debut at running back for SC.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Great group of guys and even better people”.