We’re just one day away from the Battle for the Boot as LSU and Arkansas prepare to face off following impressive victories over Top Ten teams. One notable storyline from last weekend was LSU’s wide receiver injuries, with Kyle Parker out for the season and Chris Hilton Jr. and CJ Daniels missing the game.
It looks like CJ Daniels is set to return this weekend, as Brian Kelly has listed him as probable for the Arkansas matchup. However, since he’s dealing with a knee injury and has a history of knee issues, the Tigers will likely take a cautious approach.
On the downside, LSU will again be without Chris Hilton Jr. The speedy receiver has been unable to play due to a foot injury he suffered during the summer, raising questions about whether a redshirt year might be the best option for him as the season progresses.
Getting Daniels back is crucial, especially against an Arkansas defense that recently stifled Tennessee’s offense. While Daniels hasn’t yet replicated his explosive performances from Liberty, he had been showing signs of improvement before his injury.
LSU will need all of the big plays it can get
Winning on the road in the SEC is one of the most challenging tasks for any team, given the conference’s overall toughness. Aside from their matchup against Oklahoma State, the Razorbacks have kept every opponent under 30 points, demonstrating their strong ability to limit big plays. For LSU to secure a victory, they will need to capitalize on big plays whenever possible, as engaging in a defensive battle with Arkansas would not be ideal.