LSU Wears Down Arkansas, Retains Golden Boot Trophy

© Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Led by a stellar effort from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, No. 8 LSU (6-1, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) took down Arkansas (5-2, 2-2) by a score of 34-10 on Oct. 19 inside Razorback Stadium.

LSU took an early 13-0 lead and remained in control for much of the contest, with Arkansas never seriously threatening to take the lead.

Nussmeier threw for 224 yards on the evening, with kicker Darian Ramos making four field goals in the win.

Game Summary

LSU got the scoring started right off the bat, marching down the field on the opening drive of the game to take a 7-0 lead. Arkansas answered with an impressive drive of its own, but a 43-yard field goal from Matthew Shipley went wide, leaving the Hogs scoreless.

Another long LSU drive ensued, but the Razorback defense finally got off the field in the red zone, holding LSU to a 33-yard field goal by Ramos. However, the Razorbacks immediately squandered their newfound momentum, as a fumble by Rashod Dubinion gave the football right back to the Tigers.

LSU took their ensuing drive into the second quarter, extending their lead to 13-0 after Ramos knocked through a 48-yard field goal.

Arkansas' offense finally woke up on its third possession of the game, as quarterback Taylen Green led a nine play, 75-yard drive that saw Green fling a perfect pass into the waiting hands of Andrew Armstrong. The score cut LSU's lead to 13-7 midway through the second quarter.

LSU responded with another long drive, but a rash of pre-snap penalties contributed to an Arkansas stop. Ramos kicked another field goal, extending LSU's lead to 16-7 with three minutes to play in the first half. Arkansas managed to move the ball on the ensuing drive, but three consecutive incomplete passes from midfield resulted in Arkansas' first punt of the game.

Arkansas' first drive of the second half stalled out in LSU territory, but Shipley redeemed his earlier miss by nailing a 51-yard field goal that cut the LSU lead to 16-10.

© Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

LSU once more drove into field goal range, but crucial holding and offensive pass interference penalties pushed the Tigers back and forced punter Blake Ochsendorf into action for the first time. Unfortunately for Arkansas, their momentum wouldn't last long. An interception on the first play of the drive set LSU up inside the Arkansas five-yard line, and another rushing touchdown from Caden Dunham helped extend LSU's lead to 24-10.

Another stalled Arkansas drive forced Devin Bale to punt for the second time, giving LSU the ball back with 1:36 to play in the third quarter. Ramos connected on a 47-yard field goal with 11:57 to play, pushing the LSU lead to 27-10.

The final score of the game came on another Durham touchdown run that gave LSU a 34-10 advantage.

Turning Point

Trailing 16-10, Arkansas had control of the football and the momentum. Unfortunately, a batted ball turned into an interception that set up LSU inside the Arkansas 5-yard line. A touchdown and subsequent two-point conversion gave LSU a 24-10 lead that it never looked back from.

What It Means

LSU now controls its own destiny concerning the College Football Playoff race, and will meet with No. 14 Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0) next week in a game that will determine the new leader of the SEC. Meanwhile, Arkansas will travel to Mississippi State (1-6, 0-4) in an attempt to move within a victory of bowl eligibility.