The Arkansas Razorbacks came within inches of a signature SEC victory on Saturday, falling 23-22 to LSU in a tense matchup at Death Valley. After trailing 16-14 at halftime, all momentum seemed to be on LSU’s side, but Arkansas came out firing in the third quarter, showcasing a strong defensive effort and controlling the clock. The Razorbacks scored a touchdown on a Mike Washington rush and successfully converted a two-point attempt to take a 22-16 lead.
However, the fourth quarter belonged to LSU. Michael Van Buren, making his first start as an LSU Tiger, orchestrated a 12-play, 92-yard drive that ended in a touchdown, giving the Tigers a 23-22 lead. Arkansas managed to drive down the field late in the game, setting up a potential go-ahead 48-yard field goal, but the kick went wide, and LSU ran out the clock to end their three-game losing streak while extending Arkansas’ SEC winless streak.
Van Buren was calm and composed, adding a dual-threat element to LSU’s offense that kept the Razorbacks off balance. He finished with a mix of passing and rushing success, helping LSU take care of the football in a critical SEC showdown.
Arkansas leaned heavily on the run game and time-of-possession strategy in the second half, aiming to shorten the game and minimize mistakes. Taylen Green finished 11-of-19 for 165 yards, threw two interceptions, and added 70 rushing yards with a touchdown. Washington contributed 85 rushing yards with a touchdown, helping Arkansas control the clock and balance the attack. Defensively, the Razorbacks performed admirably, recording four sacks and contributing to a blocked punt touchdown in the first quarter that initially set the tone. LSU’s passing attack produced 235 yards, with 155 on the ground, keeping the game competitive throughout.
The deciding factor in the matchup was the turnover battle. Arkansas committed two turnovers, both of which LSU converted into six points. Despite solid defensive and special teams play, the Razorbacks couldn’t overcome their own miscues.
With the loss, Arkansas falls to 2-8 overall and 0-6 in the SEC, continuing a season marked by close defeats and missed opportunities. While the team has shown flashes of competitiveness, the story of the season remains the same: they struggle to get out of their own way, letting winnable games slip through their fingers.