I've always assumed the "magic number" formula was the same no matter the sport.1 for LSU, is 2 for Arkansas?
Total games team A has played = X
(+) 1
(-) total wins of team A
(-)total losses of team B (team trailing team A.)
G + 1 - W - L = magic number.
Alabama and LSU:
13+1= 14.
14-12=2
2-4 = -2 (LSU two games back.)
Alabama and Arkansas:
13+1= 14
14-12= 2
2-4 -= -2 (Arkansas two games back.)