Razorbacks eager to end SEC streak against LSU
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Bret Bielema isn’t one to follow betting lines, but he admitted this week “it’s not surprising” Arkansas is favored over LSU.
Maybe not for the Razorbacks coach, but the spread is notable nevertheless — particularly because Arkansas (4-5, 0-5 SEC) brings a 17-game conference losing streak into its matchup against the No. 20 Tigers (7-3, 3-3) today (7 p.m., ESPN2).
Despite Arkansas’ repeated overtime and lastminute defeats, Bielema’s confidence has remained high. And he’s ready to see that confidence translate into his first conference win since leaving Wisconsin for Arkansas after the 2012 season.
“Sometimes you’re the last person to know how really good you are, you know,” Bielema said. “And I’ve told our guys repeatedly, if all these other people think so many great things about you, but you haven’t reaped the rewards of it, why wait any longer?”
One of Arkansas’ missed opportunities under Bielema came last year at LSU, where the Razorbacks led late before quarterback Anthony Jennings led the Tigers on a 99-yard scoring drive in the closing minutes.
“From what I’ve seen, Arkansas is definitely a hungry team,” said LSU cornerback Jalen Collins (Olive Branch).
The Tigers have had their own heartbreak this season, none worse than last week’s overtime loss to Alabama — a game in which LSU took the lead with less than a minute left before penalties and miscues led to a 20-13 loss.
FRIDAY’S GAME
UCF 31, Tulsa 7 at Orlando, Fla.: Justin Holman threw for 291 yards and a career-high three touchdowns for Central Florida.
UCF (6-3, 4-1) moved into a tie with Cincinnati and Memphis for first place in the American Athletic Conference. The Knights rolled up 506 yards total offense and held the Golden Hurricane (2-4, 2-8) to 201.
VOLS, ’CATS SIMILAR
Mark Stoops looks at Tennessee and sees a mirror image of his program.
Like Tennessee coach Butch Jones, Stoops is in his second year, as the coach at Kentucky. The Vols (4-5, 1- 4 SEC) and Wildcats (5-5, 2-5) are making similar progress in Year 2 and also taking occasional steps back. The teams meet today (SEC Network, 3 p.m.) at Neyland Stadium.
“We’re looking forward to another great challenge this week to go on the road and play a Tennessee team that I think is a lot like us,” Stoops said. “Working extremely hard to improve. Doing some great things at times and being inconsistent at times.”
Jones and his assistants also see similarities, and progress.
“I think they’re doing a really good job of recruiting,” UT defensive coordinator John Jancek said. “I think they’re increasing their speed. I think you could certainly say the same thing about us.”