Arkansas vs. LSU: An objective analysis

In preparation of the upcoming matchup of Hogs vs. Tigers, I decided to look at their past performances objectively. While I’m a homer to no end, I still want to see the numbers. What I found was surprising: the numbers show that LSU isn’t as good as everybody makes them out to be.

This chart was created by using only the ESPN rankings of each team that both Arkansas and LSU have faced so far this season. At the end, to compare Hogs vs. LSU, I’ve essentially averaged the rankings from each team to form a strength of schedule analysis and how both LSU and Arkansas have performed in comparison. In short, this shows that Arkansas’ team ranks slightly higher vs. a slightly easier strength of schedule.

Considering all of the hype you see in the media and from LSU fans, I expected to see a much larger gap between the two. However, there simply isn’t one.

LSU SCHEDULE TO DATE (opponent rankings)
Team (Pass/Rush/Points/Defense)
Oregon (79/5/3/33)
NWS (not ranked)
MSU (82/48/70/17)
WV (5/97/16/63)
UK (110/89/115/64)
UF (95/66/83/20)
Tenn. (41/116/102/50)
Aub. (107/42/85/78)
Bama (71/18/24/1)
WKU (106/63/105/59)
Avg. (77/60/67/43)
Avg. of all team rankings vs. LSU = 62

ARKANSAS SCHEDULE TO DATE (opponent rankings)
Team (Pass/Rush/Points/Defense)
MZ St. (Not ranked)
NM (90/98/119/119)
Troy (26/109/95/105)
Bama (71/18/24/1)
TxAM (16/16/12/89)
Aub (107/42/85/78)
Miss (104/85/109/87)
Vandy (100/59/68/31)
SC (102/32/53/19)
Tenn (41/116/102/50)
Avg. (73/64/74/64)
Avg. ranking of all team rankings vs. Arkansas = 69

ARKANSAS VS. LSU
Team (Pass/Rush/Points/Defense/Avg. Rank)
Ark (11/73/13/30/32)
LSU (99/30/18/2/37)

LSU Average Rank = 37
ARK Average Rank = 32
Average Rank of Team vs. LSU = 62
Average Rank of Team vs. ARK = 69