The LSU Tigers snapped a three-game losing streak Saturday, rallying from a 14-0 deficit to defeat the Arkansas Razorbacks 23-22 in Tiger Stadium.
LSU improved to 6-4 overall and 3-4 in the SEC. Arkansas dropped to 2-8 and 0-6.
The win was the first for LSU interim Head Coach Frank Wilson. The game also marked the first start for quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr.
Van Buren completed 21-of-31 passes for 221 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. He also had a 35-yard run.
“He started a little slow,” Wilson said. “But he got comfortable and got going. That’s a huge responsibility for the quarterback of the LSU Fightin’ Tigers is to go into that arena.
“Our fans are the best in the world. Our fans can be tough at times as well. He knew what was in front of him and he got comfortable and began to take control of the game, of the football team and picked up huge yardage in opportunities in rushing and great throws at times as well. I was proud of him and thought he played admirably and got the game to a point he was able to effect change and dictate for our football team.”
Wilson said Garrett Nussmeier, who had started every game, reinjured himself in practice Friday and was unable to play. He wasn’t sure what Nussmeier’s status is for the remainder of the season, saying he will continue to be monitored.
LSU trailed 14-0 just over 11 minutes into the game. But the Tigers rallied in the second quarter.
A 27-yard Caden Durham touchdown run and three Damian Ramos field goals gave LSU a 16-14 halftime lead.
LSU trailed 22-16 after Arkansas’ Mike Washington Jr. scored on an 11-yard run with 4:02 left in the third quarter.
Van Buren led the Tigers on a 12-play, 92-yard drive for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.
He completed a 21-yard pass to Barion Brown on third-and-14 from the LSU 22. Ju’Juan Johnson completed a 14-yard pass to Trey’Dez Green.
Van Buren followed with passes of 10 and 6 yards to Kyle Parker. A facemask penalty moved the ball to the 16.
On third-and-6 from the 12, Van Buren found Sharp in the end zone. Damian Ramos’ extra-point kick gave the Tigers the 23-22 lead with 7:53 left to play.
Arkansas then drove from its 35 to a first down at the LSU 36. But on fourth-and-4, Scott Starzyk missed a 48-yard field goal.
Van Buren’s 35-yard run on second-and-16 gave the Tigers a first down at the Arkansas 41.
LSU picked up two more first downs on runs by Harlem Berry and ran out the clock.
The Tigers got production from the running game. Cade Durham had a team-high 65 yards on 12 carries. Berry had 52 on 11.
Zavion Thomas had six receptions for.80 yards.
Arkansas’ Taylen Green completed 11-of-19 passes for 165 yards with two interceptions. The Razorbacks had 175 yards rushing. Washington led the team with 85 yards on 13 carries.