LSU in precarious position, try to overtake SEC West-leading Hogs, or lose ground

Published 11:00 am Thursday, April 14, 2022

A repeat of LSU’s road trip last week would land the Tigers in at least a tie for first place in the Southeastern Conference’s West Division.

On the other hand, if things turn sour, the Tigers could possibly wind up tied for last place in the same division.

That’s how tight things are as the SEC will finish the halfway mark of the conference schedule this weekend.

After a sluggish start, LSU (23-9, 7-5 SEC) seems to be coming around as it heads for a second road trip in a row, this time to face the SEC West-leading, Arkansas Razorbacks.

The Razorbacks (25-7, 8-4) had a string of 13 consecutive SEC series wins broken last week at Florida when they lost the final two games to the Gators. The streak dated to 2019.

LSU, meanwhile, got a sweep at Mississippi State to pull within a game of Arkansas, which was ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation.

It was LSU’s first conference sweep since 2019 against Kentucky.

“I’m very proud of the team for the way it performed at Mississippi State,” LSU head coach Jay Johnson said. “We prepared well and it led to success over the weekend.”

Alabama and Auburn enter the weekend tied with the Tigers for second in the SEC West.

“There are still so many games (23) left on the schedule — it’s about throwing strikes, about playing catch, about quality at-bats. Hopefully by playing well we produce positive results and positive feelings are generated.”

Of late, the Tigers have gotten just that.

LSU arrives in Fayetteville having won eight of its last 10 games.

“Our team has been competitive in every game this season, and I would stand behind them in terms of their confidence,” Johnson said.