FAYETTEVILLE -- Defensive end Quincy Rhodes has been a very bright spot on a defense that has had its issues this season.

Rhodes has 37 tackles, including 24 solo, 8 sacks and 1 forced fumble. On Monday, Bobby Petrino talked about how Rhodes has improved from last season.

"Yeah, I remember him a lot, just because, you know, you go against them all in practice and then in spring ball leading up to it," Petrino said. "Quincy was always like this big, talented guy that was young and inexperienced, and now he's playing completely different. Now he's playing like an experienced player. He's playing with a lot of confidence and speed. It's amazing how much, when you really understand and know your position and know what the other side of the ball is doing, how much faster you play. He didn't get faster, you know, physically, maybe a little bit in the summertime, you know, in his quickness, but because he knows the game, he's playing faster and playing quicker and being a force out there."

Petrino talked about what he wants to see the last three games from Rhodes.

"I think continually just to understand how to defend the run game, because he loves the passing game," Petrino said. "He understands stances and knowing when the pass is coming a little bit better each and every week. We still need him to be a force in the run game. When he’s been in movements he’s made good plays defending the run, and then when he’s just had to hold his gap that’s where he’s got to continue to work his hands and his leverage."

LSU has surrendered 20 sacks this season. Petrino hopes that Rhodes and the defensive line adds to LSU offensive line's woes.

"They’ve had some protection struggles and some issues with their protection at times," Petrino said. "Certainly that’s one of the areas we need to try to take advantage of."

As far as the offense, the Hogs have seemingly gone as quarterback Taylen Green goes. What does Green need to do the next three games to impress NFL scouts?

"Yeah, I think there's no question he'll be able to make the transition," Petrino said. "He's improved tremendously from a year ago. His understanding of coverages, his timing getting the ball out of his hand. He's starting to see a lot of different looks now, a little bit more coverage looks, and he's just got to continue to go through his progression, know the defensive coverage, and take what they give us. There's a few times we've been a little bit greedy."

Arkansas and LSU will kickoff at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday in Baton Rouge. The game will be televised on the SEC Network.