LSU gets tough win over Arkansas 13-10
Fresh off of LSU’s huge win over Alabama last week, the Tigers found themselves in a trap game against Arkansas (5-5, 2-4).
It was a cold 11 AM kickoff on the road in the SEC against a struggling opponent with its starting quarterback, KJ Jefferson, sidelined with an injury. These turned out to be the perfect ingredients for a sluggish performance, but nonetheless, LSU (8-2, 6-1) secured the ugly win 13-10.
With the win, the Tigers are one win away from a trip to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. Of course, that win may not be needed if Alabama takes care of business against Ole Miss later this afternoon.
Before the game, stadium crews had to clear the field of ice from the night before. Those conditions clearly impacted both offenses in this game forcing LSU and Arkansas to lean heavily on their running games.
LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels could only connect on eight of his 15 passes for 86 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. That interception was just his second of the season.
With the offense struggling, LSU’s defense rose to the occasion limiting the Razorbacks to ten points and 249 yards.
Leading that defensive effort was LSU’s freshman linebacker Harold Perkins who dialed up a performance to be remembered. He had eight tackles, including four sacks and two forced fumbles.
His final strip-sack came on Arkanas’ final offensive play securing the win for the Tigers.
Offensively, LSU turned to its running game to control the game. The Tigers had 51 rush attempts compared to just 15 passes.
LSU running back Josh Williams led the way running for 122 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels ran the ball 12 times for 51 yards, but after seven sacks that total was brought down to ten yards on 19 carries.
Despite the passing game struggles, LSU receiver Kayshon Boutte still managed to grab four catches for 49 yards.
With Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson injured, backup quarterback Malik Hornsby got the start and LSU’s defense harassed him for most of this game limiting him to just 4-9 passing for 24 yards. Hornsby, a dynamic runner, did run the ball 18 times for 37 yards, but it wasn’t enough to stay in the game.
In the second half, Arkansas coach Sam Pittman turned to his third-string quarterback, Cade Fortin, who gave the Razorbacks a spark completing eight of 13 passes for 92 yards and the lone touchdown. But, that spark was enough to secure the win as the Tigers outgained Arkansas 284-249.
***Story to be updated with quotes and information.
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