By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas linebacker Jerry Franklin doesn’t care how much LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson has struggled this season.
It doesn’t matter to him, either, that the Tigers rank ninth in the Southeastern Conference in scoring offense (29.3 points a game), 11th in total offense (336.1 yards) and passing offense (151.9 yards).
The only thing Franklin notices is LSU’s 10-1 record. To him, it’s a pretty good sign the Tigers are doing something right offensively this season.
“They’ve been getting the job done, no matter how they’re getting it done,” Franklin said.
The rest of Arkansas’ defense is following the same belief as the Razorbacks (9-2, 5-2 in Southeastern Conference) prepare for sixth-ranked LSU (10-1, 6-1) on Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers may not possess the most potent offense Arkansas has faced this season, but the Razorbacks believe they’ll have their hands full in War Memorial Stadium. And for good reason.
For all of its struggles, LSU enters Saturday’s game enjoying some of its best success of the season. The Tigers put up a 443-yard performance against Alabama three weeks ago, then followed it with 470 more against Ole Miss last Saturday.
Both of the performances were key in SEC wins, which also have kept LSU’s BCS title hopes alive.
“I think definitely LSU’s offense has gotten better and better as the year has gone on,” Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said. “They’re executing very well now. They’re playing with a lot of confidence.
“Their ability to run the ball and throw it and convert third downs has improved.”
Jefferson was a big reason for the improvement last Saturday, completing 13 of 17 passes for a season-high 254 yards with touchdown in a back-and-forth game against the Rebels. The quarterback, who has been booed by LSU fans this season and shared time with backup Jarrett Lee, was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts.
LSU coach Les Miles called it Jefferson’s “best day to date,” which is obvious this year. He has thrown for 1,069 yards with four touchdowns and nine interceptions as a junior. In 2009, Jefferson threw for 2,166 and 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
“I can tell you at practice he has continued to want to improve,” Miles said. “There is an understanding that he’s got to get this, and he understands that. … I just think he’s improved and has a desire to get it right and be excellent, not just be the guy but be an excellent quarterback.”
The one constant in LSU’s offense has been its run game, which is primarily powered by running back Stevan Ridley. The junior is the SEC’s fourth-leading rusher with 967 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Ridley has scored one-third of LSU’s team touchdowns (36) this season. His success, coupled with Jefferson’s improvement, have helped make LSU much more of a balanced attack the past few weeks.
“I think the thing they’ve made great strides in, they’ve become more balanced with the passing game,” Arkansas defensive coordinator Willy Robinson said Tuesday. “They’re not a predominant run football team and the youngster is doing a much better job in the accuracy of his throws and the play-action passes. It’s probably a good thing for them.”
Arkansas’ goal will be starting much faster on defense than it has the past few weeks. Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Texas-El Paso and Mississippi State all managed to put points on the board in the first half before the Razorbacks settled down.
The good news: Arkansas didn’t allow any points in the third quarter for the fourth straight game at Mississippi State, which helped the Razorbacks take the lead in the back-and-forth game. Defensive end Jake Bequette said it stemmed from Arkansas’ ability to put more pressure on quarterback Chris Relf, who had surprising success with his arm.
“First half, all we thought about going into the game was stop the run,” Bequette said. “We didn’t think their quarterback could hurt us in the passing game. He was kind of doing a good job back there.”
It’s no surprise Arkansas sees a similar challenge this week. Jefferson and the Tigers haven’t been strong throwing the ball most of the season, but have done a better job of keeping opponents off balance with first down passes the past few weeks.
LSU is gaining confidence as an offense. But Arkansas’ goal is to make sure it isn’t extended with another strong performance in Little Rock.
“They’re kind of peaking at the right time,” Bequette said. “They’ve got a lot of talented guys and they’re kind of gelling right now. That doesn’t really affect us. We’ve still got to play the way we’ve played. But they’re doing some good things.”
Saturday’s Ticket
No. 6 LSU (10-1, 6-1 in SEC) at No. 12 Arkansas (9-2, 5-2 in SEC)
When: 2:30 p.m.
Where: War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock
TV: CBS
Radio: Razorback Sports Network
Satellite Radio: Sirius (Ch. 216), XM (Ch. 200)
Series Record: LSU leads 34-19-2
Last Meeting: LSU 33, Arkansas 30 (OT) in 2009
Coaches: Arkansas — Bobby Petrino (22-14 in third season); LSU — Les Miles (61-16 in sixth season)
