Arkansas football vs. LSU: Scouting report, score prediction for Battle for Golden Boot

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas football's next test is a tough one: LSU. The No. 7 Tigers (No. 7 AP/No. 8 AFCA coaches) have won their last three.

The Razorbacks (5-4, 2-3 SEC) might be without quarterback KJ Jefferson, who is questionable due to soreness in his throwing shoulder. LSU (7-2, 5-1 SEC) is coming off a wild overtime win over Alabama.

"LSU’s actually had some back-to-back good opponents that they’ve had success with," Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said. "But I think the physicality of Alabama certainly is a point to consider when you’re playing a team after they play Alabama."

Here's a look at how Arkansas and LSU will match up on Saturday (11 a.m. CT, ESPN).

INJURY UPDATE:Arkansas football quarterback KJ Jefferson questionable for LSU with shoulder injury

MORE:After loss to Liberty, getting bowl eligible got a whole lot harder for Arkansas football

Defense helped LSU take down Alabama

One of the keys to the Tigers' big win over Alabama was LSU affecting the Tide's passing offense. LSU kept Heisman winner Bryce Young and his receivers off balance for most of the game, allowing the Tigers' offense to keep the score close enough for the overtime win.

It was LSU's stars on defense that made it possible. The Tigers seem to have found the right way to balance defensive end BJ Ojulari and linebacker Harold Perkins in the pass rush. Each sacked Young once, and the two combined for five quarterback hurries.

Arkansas will need to be wary of the LSU pass rush. Quarterback KJ Jefferson isn't fully healthy and if he plays, he can't afford to take as many hits as he did against Liberty. If the Razorbacks turn to backup QB Malik Hornsby, they might be able to rely on his speed to open up the quarterback run game and force LSU to be multiple on defense.

Jayden Daniels, mobile quarterback

LSU's Jayden Daniels isn't the same style of running quarterback as the big, physical Jefferson, but he's having plenty of success. He leads the Tigers in rushing yards with 619. He ranks No. 9 in the SEC in rushing yards per game with 68.78, the most of any quarterback in the league.

He's not just a threat to run, however. He's had some exceptional performances as a passer, including back-to-back performances of 300 yards or more against Tennessee and Ole Miss. He has the SEC's second-best completion percentage (69.8).

Arkansas needs its defensive front to stop Daniels if he opts to run or pressure him if he chooses to pass. The secondary has shown it can't be trusted on deep balls or to tackle in the open field, so the Razorbacks' front seven will have to try to bail them out.

"To me, Daniels is the difference in their offense, and it's not just running the ball," Pittman said. "They're very talented, but everything starts with him."

Razorbacks, Tigers swapped players via transfer portal

In the offseason, Arkansas lost two talented defensive players to LSU via the portal. But it also gained two former Tigers, and both have been solid contributors on the Razorback defense.

Arkansas will face two of its former defensive backs in Joe Foucha and Greg Brooks Jr. Both were starters at Arkansas, and both are now starting for the Tigers. LSU's stars in the secondary are safety Major Burns and cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse, but Foucha and Brooks Jr. are playing well in their roles.

The Razorbacks gained cornerback Dwight McGlothern and defensive end Landon Jackson from LSU. McGlothern has started all nine games for the Razorbacks and has been one of Arkansas' better players in the secondary. He started the season with interceptions in back-to-back games and has a total of three on the year.

Jackson has started six games at defensive end and has 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Pittman has said he expects the sophomore to develop into a significant pass-rush threat over time.

Score prediction

LSU 31, Arkansas 24 — There's talk of this being a trap game for LSU, but with last week's disappointment and the uncertainty at quarterback for Arkansas, the Razorbacks will have a hard time keeping up with the Tigers. LSU will be able to combine Daniels' passing ability and its strong rushing attack to wear down the Razorback defense.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas football vs. LSU: Scouting report, score prediction