t was a lackluster affair for those who enjoy offensive fireworks. After all was said and done, it was Oklahoma (10-2, 6-2) slugging away with a 17-13 victory Saturday in Norman to keep its playoff hopes alive.
“I wanted it for them,” LSU interim coach Frank Wilson said. “They played hard.”
However, playing hard wasn’t enough to move the football tonight.
For LSU (7-5, 3-5), it was a familiar story in a disappointing season. The defense put up a superb effort, and LSU’s anemic offense couldn’t take advantage of easy scoring opportunities.
In fact, immediately after losing the lead late in the fourth quarter, LSU receiver Barion Brown returned the kickoff just shy of midfield.
That was the fourth drive of the night in which LSU got the ball within 51 yards of the end zone. Yet despite such advantageous field position, LSU could only muster 13 points.
After seven plays and 22 yards, that would-be game-winning drive for LSU came to a screeching halt and the upset bid was over.
And the numbers were ugly for the LSU offense. The unit generated 13 points, 198 yards, nine first downs, 2-for-14 on third down and a paltry 3.6 yards per play.
Oklahoma wasn’t much more impressive with three interceptions and 393 yards but it was enough to secure the win.
LSU quarterback Michael Van Buren had his most difficult outing as a Tiger. Going into the fourth quarter, he was 7-for-15 for 18 yards passing.
He padded that stat line in the fourth quarter to 14-for-25 for 96 yards with a touchdown and an interception, but it was far too little, far too late.
LSU running back Caden Durham was the leading rusher with 42 yards on six carries.
LSU linebacker Davhon Keys was the leading tackler for LSU’s impressive defensive outing. He had eight tackles, including one for a loss and a forced fumble.
