After a quarter of play, LSU trailed 14-0, and it appeared the Tigers were in serious trouble.
But LSU interim coach Frank Wilson was able to rally the troops and secure a 23-22 win Saturday in Tiger Stadium.
“When adversity hits you, you find a way and you keep on punching,” Wilson said. “I wish I can tell you that we will shut them out and win 50-0. It’s not a reality. The reality is that you are going to have to earn everything that you get.”
LSU was without starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who was out with an abdominal strain. With him out, backup quarterback Michael Van Buren got his first start as a Tiger.
And, it didn’t start off the way he would have hoped.
After getting outgained 101-8 and allowing a blocked punt for a touchdown, LSU looked like a team without a purpose, getting dominated in all three phases.
Shortly after that, something seemed to click for the Tigers. LSU closed the second half on a 16-0 run, outgaining Arkansas 173-78 in that stretch.
Arkansas added a touchdown after a big punt return set the Hogs up on the 39-yard line in the second half.
But with 7:53, LSU backup quarterback delivered a 12-yard, third-down strike to LSU tight end Bauer Sharp. Securing a 23-22 victory.
It took a missed field goal and a goal line stop for LSU, but ultimately, LSU running back Harlem Berry secured the victory on an unselfish play, sliding to the ground with a first down, despite having a wide-open lane for a score.
Berry ran the ball 11 times for 52 yards. But it was LSU running back Caden Durham who led the team in rushing with 65 yards and a touchdown on his 12 carries.
LSU kneeled the clock out and secured the win.
By the time it was over, Van Buren’s rough start turned into a respectable outing.
He completed 21 of his 31 attempts for 221 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers. He also ran for 68 yards on six carries after adjusting for sacks.
Defensively, LSU limited Arkansas’ dynamic offense to just 15 points and 340 yards.
LSU safeties Tamarcus Cooley and AJ Haulcy led the Tigers in tackling with eight each.
