LSU is top-ranked in the country but continues to do just what it takes to get by. A similar effort here by LSU against Arkansas and it might not be so lucky. This SEC showdown is one of eight college football games on Friday’s board, starting at 11:00 AM ET, so don’t oversleep!

The latest straight up win-ATS loss for LSU came at Ole Miss this week. Though the Tigers won that game by 17-points, it was by no means a dominant effort, as the Rebels wasted several opportunities to make the game closer than the score indicated. The Razorbacks are 4-1 SU & ATS in their L5 games and would like nothing better than to spoil their rivals’ title hopes. LSU is 0-5-1 ATS in its L6 SEC games, but is 4-1 SU & ATS in its L5 games against Arkansas.

As American’s we love our champions to be strong and dominate. We don’t mind if they have to overcome adversity, in the end we want them to be worthy. LSU keeps finding ways to win with the most talented roster in the country. Statistically the Tigers show up very well, being the top defensive team in the country and a meant-grinder offense that chews up the opposition. It’s the eyeball test, where LSU comes up short, as they play in spurts as opposed to matching talent with greatness. The Tigers are 7-21 ATS in home games in November games since 1992.

The duo of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones leads the SEC in rushing and has made life uncomfortable for LSU the last two seasons, as the Tigers have pulled out narrow victories. This is just Arkansas’s fourth road game and it has been good, bad and ugly. The Hogs destroyed Mississippi 44-8, played poorly for 40 minutes against Alabama and were out-worked substantially at Tennessee in 34-13 thumping. The pride of the Razorbacks will be on display at Tiger Stadium.The Hogs are 11-24 ATS versus excellent defensive teams allowing 285 yards or less yards a game.

This series was thrown together as a season ending contest when Arkansas joined the SEC. LSU has always had the better teams, but much like this season has not played like it accounting for in part why the home team is 1-5 ATS.CBS will have kickoff at 2:30 Eastern.

Prediction – LSU by 20