Arkansas Football Three Keys: BYU

Three-keys-Arkansas

Every now and then, you get a non-conference game in a weird spot. This is what we have here as the Hogs travel to Provo to take on BYU. Given that Arkansas is 1-3 in SEC play, this might be just the game that the Razorbacks need to get back on track in 2022.

By Steve Wright

Here are the three keys to an LSU win:

KJ Jefferson’s Health

I may be sounding a bit like a broken record here, but the health of quarterback KJ Jefferson is everything to the Hogs. With Jefferson, this is an unpredictable offense that can attack with a standard ground game, with a dynamic quarterback running the ball, or with Jefferson using his cannon of an arm to strike downfield. Without him, the offense is far more predictable and easy to stop (turnover). The good news is that as of Monday’s presser, Jefferson is expected to be available. The offense was uninspired (at best) in the 40-17 loss to Mississippi State last time out. Jefferson needs to be back in the lineup.

Turn This Into A Shootout

This depends on Jefferson being available, but the best way for Arkansas to win here is to make this game one with plenty of points. Jefferson has passed for almost 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns (with just one pick) on the season, and he will be going against a BYU defense that allowed 262 yards and three touchdowns through the air and over 200 on the ground to Drew Pyne and Notre Dame on Saturday. The Arkansas defense is not good – albeit they have played four ranked teams – and has given up almost 6.5 yards per play this season. Sam Pittman needs to know this and set his game plan to open this up into a high-scoring contest by taking chances when needed.

Be Prepared For Provo

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill non-con game. Provo is in an incredibly unique setting for an incredibly unique school. BYU is a tough, no-nonsense, hard-grafting team, unlike anything Arkansas has (or will) see in the SEC. The altitude will be a huge issue – there is no way to prepare for playing close to a mile above sea level – and that alone gives the Cougars a different home-field advantage. Keeping players working at their peak performance will involve more of the roster than usual, so those players will have to be ready to impact the game.

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