The Boot Stays Home: LSU Rallies Past Arkansas, 23–22

Photo By: Bayou State Media Staff: Sam Becker Rodriguez

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In Tiger Stadium on Saturday afternoon, LSU found a way, not just to win, but to rediscover its fight. Behind freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr., the Tigers erased a 14-point deficit to edge Arkansas, 23–22, marking the ninth time in the last ten years that LSU has claimed The Golden Boot.

The victory snapped a three-game losing streak and gave interim head coach Frank Wilson his first win since replacing Brian Kelly. LSU now sits at 6–4 overall and 3–4 in the SEC, with one final home matchup against Western Kentucky next Saturday at 6:45 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.

First Quarter – Early Trouble

The Tigers won the coin toss and deferred, giving Arkansas the ball to start. The Razorbacks wasted no time, driving into LSU territory before a fumble recovered by Jack Pyburn gave LSU possession at its own 26.

But on LSU’s first drive, disaster struck, punter Jay Bramblett’s attempt was blocked and returned 16 yards for a touchdown by Caleb Wooden, giving Arkansas a 7–0 lead.

Arkansas doubled its advantage on an 11-play, 52-yard drive, capped by quarterback Taylen Green’s 11-yard rushing touchdown, putting LSU in a 14–0 hole with 4:06 left in the first quarter.

End of 1st: Arkansas 14, LSU 0.

Second Quarter – Tigers Find Life

LSU’s response came early in the second. On 3rd-and-5 from the Arkansas 27, freshman running back Caden Durham broke free for a 27-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 14–7.

With momentum shifting, Van Buren connected with Caden Durham and Barion Brown on chunk plays that set up a 50-yard field goal by Damian Ramos, making it 14–10.

Moments later, linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. intercepted Green at the Arkansas 20, setting up another Ramos field goal, this time from 42 yards, to trim the score to 14–13.

A second interception by Mansoor Delane, his third in as many games, gave LSU another short field. Ramos again converted from 42 yards out, giving LSU its first lead, 16–14, heading into halftime.

Halftime: LSU 16, Arkansas 14.

Third Quarter – Arkansas Strikes Back

LSU’s offense opened the half with a strong 34-yard connection from Van Buren to Barion Brown, but the drive stalled at midfield.

The Razorbacks responded with a grinding 75-yard drive, aided by a 3rd-and-19 conversion and capped by Mike Washington’s 9-yard touchdown run. Green added a 2-yard run on the two-point conversion to make it 22–16 Arkansas late in the third.

End of 3rd: Arkansas 22, LSU 16.

Fourth Quarter – Van Buren Delivers

Trailing by six, LSU started from its own 8-yard line with just over ten minutes remaining. What followed was the drive of the season.

Van Buren led a 12-play, 92-yard march, showcasing poise beyond his years. The Tigers mixed in trickery, tailback Ju’Jan Johnson completed a short pass, and wide receiver Zavion Thomas attempted another, before Van Buren found tight end Bauer Sharp in the back corner of the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown. Ramos’ extra point gave LSU a 23–22 lead with 7:53 to play.

Arkansas’ final chance ended when kicker Cam Little missed a 48-yard field goal, sealing the win for LSU. Van Buren’s 35-yard scramble on the ensuing possession helped the Tigers drain the clock and secure victory.

Final: LSU 23, Arkansas 22.

By the Numbers

• Michael Van Buren Jr. (QB): 21-of-31, 221 yards, 1 TD; 35 rushing yards

• Zavion Thomas: 6 catches, 80 yards

• Caden Durham: 1 TD, 27-yard scoring run

• Damian Ramos: 3-for-3 FGs (50, 42, 42)

• Harold Perkins Jr. & Mansoor Delane: 2 combined interceptions

  
  

The Golden Boot Stays in Baton Rouge

The win marks LSU’s fourth straight Golden Boot victory, and the ninth in ten years. The trophy, a 4-foot-tall, 200-pound, 24-karat gold replica of Arkansas and Louisiana — remains one of college football’s most iconic rivalry symbols.

Historical Note

Saturday’s contest was the first in Tiger Stadium history during the SEC era to feature two interim head coaches on opposite sidelines — Frank Wilson for LSU and Bobby Petrino for Arkansas.

What’s Next

LSU (6–4, 3–4 SEC) will close out its home schedule next Saturday against Western Kentucky, looking to carry momentum into the offseason and give Coach Wilson his second straight win.

Arkansas (5–5, 2–5 SEC) returns home to face Missouri, needing a win to secure bowl eligibility.

Final Thoughts

It wasn’t perfect — but it was progress. LSU finally found rhythm on offense, timely stops on defense, and, most importantly, belief under Wilson’s leadership.

The Golden Boot stays home. The fight is back in Baton Rouge.

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