In the second game for LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson and the first start for Michael Van Buren, the Tigers keep the Golden Boot Trophy and improve to 6-4 on the season with a 23-22 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks.
“With Coach Wilson, it isn’t just about wins and losses. We felt like if we went in there and fought today, we would come out with the dub and that’s what happened. Today it was about going out there, playing as one, playing as a team, playing complementary football and going and getting the dub together and that’s what we did. I am just happy to be here; that’s really the main thing.”
LSU DT Jacobian Guillory
“To me, you can’t even tell he’s an interim coach. Yeah, Coach Kelly was here for a while but Coach Wilson had the mindset already so it’s kind of like it was second nature to him. With the preparation we had last week vs. this week, it shows you why he is a good coach and we truly go out there and play for him because we love him.”
LSU DT Jacobian Guillory
The win was certainly not pretty for the Tigers, but the Bayou Bengals were able to find a way. Despite facing a 14-0 deficit early on, the Tigers were able to outscore the Razorbacks 23-8 the rest of the way to get the victory.
In the first start for Michael Van Buren, the stat line does not jump off the charts, but he gave the Arkansas defense something else to think about with his legs for his first ever win. Van Buren finished completing 21/31 passes for 221 yards and the eventual go-ahead touchdown pass to Bauer Sharp with 7:53 left to go in the game. He also had a crucial 35-yard run late in the football game to help the offense preserve the one point cushion.
“It just feels great. My guys had my back the whole day, so it’s an unbelievable feeling getting my first win in Tiger Stadium. The SEC is a hard place to get wins in. Going out there and fighting adversity to get the first win feels amazing.”
LSU QB Michael Van Buren Jr.
After Arkansas started the game with a blocked punt returned for a touchdown and then a touchdown scamper from Taylen Green to take a 14-0 lead, LSU scored 16 unanswered points the remainder of the first half thanks to three Damian Ramos field goals and a 27 yard run from Caden Durham.
Being a running back coach by nature, Frank Wilson was going to make sure that the Tigers were going to run the football and they were effective as the duo of Caden Durham and Harlem Berry combined to have 23 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown. Berry iced the game at the end with a 13 yard run that could have been a touchdown, but slid in bounds in order for LSU to run out the rest of the clock.
“You know since he got here in the spring, he has developed so much. I am so proud of him. That’s like my little brother so I try to help him as much as I can even when I’m hurt and when I’m not hurt. Regardless of the situation, I’m trying to help him from knowing the play, blocking, running, or whatever he needs help with. I’m always going to be there for him.”
LSU RB Caden Durham on his relationship with Harlem Berry
Down by a point, Arkansas had an opportunity to take the lead but missed on a 48 yard field goal. LSU’s offense would milk the last five minutes to get the victory.
What also was key was timely plays by the defense. LSU forced three turnovers including a fumble that was recovered by Jack Pyburn, and interceptions from Harold Perkins Jr. and Mansoor Delane.
Two times, LSU got big stops in the red zone one which was an interception from Delane right before halftime and the other was a goal line stand that was stuffed by Jacobian Guillory.
“Being put in that position, you can’t ask for anything else or anything better. I’ve always dreamt of that moment. I feel like we were put in that position in the first game against Clemson coming out and I didn’t make the most of my opportunity so I wanted to make the most with my chance today. Thanks to God, thanks to the trainers being here, and thanks to all the coaches who believed in me, and thank you to everybody because I don’t have many years after this so big moments is what I live for.”
LSU DT Jacobian Guillory
Harold Perkins Jr. was all over the field making plays against the Razorbacks once again getting 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and one quarterback hurry.
LSU’s defense held an explosive Arkansas offense to only 22 points as Green was sacked four times, threw two interceptions, and only threw for 165 yards through the air.
There were four different lead changes in the game and Arkansas was able to go ahead with a touchdown run from Mike Washington and then a two-point conversion run from Taylen Green to make it a 22-16 lead, but LSU would eventually answer with the eventual game winning touchdown drive that was sparked by multiple trick plays.
“It’s the stuff we practice all week. We just went out there and executed. There’s nothing else to it.”
LSU QB Michael Van Buren Jr.
Frank Wilson was emotional after the game as the Tigers were able to overcome adversity in order to get the win. Overcoming adversity has been the microcosm of the season and the Tigers were able to do that.
“When adversity hits you, you find a way and you keep on punching. I wish I can tell you that we will shut them out and win 50-0. It’s not a reality. The reality is that you are going to have to earn everything that you get. We find ourselves in the first quarter down 14-0. It tests our resolve and it makes you look in the mirror at yourself to see if you have what it takes. I am so proud of our football team and how they represented themselves and our university in a Never Say Die spirit. I am proud to be in the position that I am and to lead them to this victory.”
LSU HC Frank Wilson
Not only was this the first win for Frank Wilson, but with the win, LSU is now bowl eligible with their sixth win of the season.
LSU will have two more games the rest of the season including one more home game next week against Western Kentucky.
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