Arkansas faces LSU in Battle for the Boot with interim coaches

LSU returns to Tiger Stadium on Saturday looking to steady its season as it hosts Arkansas in the annual Battle for the Boot.

The Tigers (5-4) and Razorbacks (2-7) will meet for the 70th time, with both programs led by interim coaches. Frank Wilson for LSU and Bobby Petrino guiding Arkansas for the fifth straight game. Kickoff is set for 12:45 p.m. EST on SEC Network.

LSU enters ranked 105th nationally in total offense at 341.6 yards per game, but its defense has kept the Tigers afloat. LSU allows just 19 points per game, good for 19th in the FBS, and ranks 14th in red-zone defense. Linebacker Harold Perkins continues to anchor the unit after recording nine tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in last week’s 20-9 loss at Alabama.

Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has thrown for 1,925 yards and 12 touchdowns, while freshman Caden Durham leads LSU with 382 rushing yards. Barion Brown has a team-high 405 receiving yards.

Arkansas brings one of the nation’s most productive offenses to Baton Rouge. The Razorbacks average 484.4 yards per game, which is eighth in the FBS. Hogs quarterback Taylen Green has passed for 2,372 yards and 19 touchdowns. Mike Washington ranks among the SEC’s top rushers with 828 yards, and O’Mega Blake leads the team with 661 receiving yards.

The challenge for Arkansas is its struggling defense, which allows 430.6 yards per game and ranks 125th in scoring defense. The Razorbacks also own a minus-seven turnover margin, while LSU sits at plus-three.

“It’s been hard-fought no matter the records,” Wilson said. “We’ll need our very best.”

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