Razorbacks Finally Get SEC Win
By Chase Foster
Saturday, October 13th, 2012 was the last time the Hogs won an SEC game. An incredible 763 days later the Razorbacks finally won another SEC game against rival LSU.
This Saturday, November 15th, 2014, Arkansas players and fans rushed to the Golden Boot after a 17-0 victory over the LSU Tigers. The victory marked the Razorbacks first SEC win in 18 games, Bret Bielema’s first SEC win as head coach, and snapped a 3-game losing streak against LSU.
Nov 15, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; “The Boot” trophy on display before the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the LSU Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Arkansas dominated from start to finish as they drove the field on their opening drive. After connecting on a field goal from Adam McFain, the Hogs promptly held the Tigers to a 3-and-out. Arkansas added a 2nd quarter touchdown when Jonathan Williams ran one in from 1-yard out. The Hogs led 10-0 at the half and never looked back.
The Razorbacks added a 4th quarter touchdown with a 5-yard run from Alex Collins and the Hogs held on for a 17-0 victory. Arkansas held the Tigers to an incredible 123 yards of offense and only 36 yards rushing on 32 attempts.
The shutout was the first for Arkansas in 8 seasons. It also marks the first time they’ve shutout an SEC opponent since 2002 against South Carolina.
The defensive performance was one Hog fans will talk about for ages. Defensive coordinator Robb Smith currently has the Hogs ranked 22nd in total defense, which is a significant improvement from the 2013 ranking of 73rd.
Senior Martrell Spaight led the way with 10 tackles and a sack against LSU. Trey Flowers added a sack, and moved into the top ten in school history with 15 for his career. Flowers also had 1.5 tackles for a loss which bumped him to 3rd all-time in school history.
The win moves Arkansas to 5-5 on the season and only one win away from reaching their first bowl game since the 2011 season. The Razorbacks host No. 8 ranked Ole Miss next Saturday at 2:30pm. The Hogs will then travel to No. 19 ranked Missouri to close out the season.
The win against LSU obviously pleases Razorback Nation as Arkansas finally proved they belong with the best, but it’s already time to take the next step. Arkansas faces two challenging opponents to finish the season, and Bielema will be poised to gather his team and knock off another top 25 team in Ole Miss.