Brune’s Rapid Reactions: LSU escapes with 34-31 win over Arkansas
LSU held on to defeat Arkansas on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium with a 34-31 win, improving to 3-1 on the season and 2-0 in SEC play.
After seemingly doing everything possible to keep Arkansas in the game, from busted coverages, to penalties, the Tigers escaped with a win and plenty of takeaways.
Here are my rapid reactions from the win and what I saw from Brian Kelly’s team on both sides of the ball.
Offense
It was a slow start for Jayden Daniels and the offense, with just three points into the final minute of the second quarter. Daniels had an interception, a few missed throws, and a lot of uncertain scrambles early on, but made a huge throw in the final minute before halftime to Brian Thomas to score and give the Tigers some life heading into the locker room.
It was a second half filled with points on both sides and when LSU needed a game-winning drive, the offense delivered again on the backs of Daniels, Logan Diggs, and Malik Nabers.
Overall, Daniels certainly wasn’t as sharp as he needed to be and if not for Arkansas’ ineptitude, LSU could have been in a bigger hole going to half. Instead, the Tigers had time to recoup, adjust, and light up Tiger Stadium in the second half. The run game came alive with Logan Diggs leading the way, while Daniels continued to find Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas regardless of the coverage.
It certainly wasn’t the dynamic passing attack we saw from Daniels and the offense against Mississippi State or Grambling State, but it was enough to punish Arkansas for not putting enough attention on the Tigers’ star receivers. Daniels’ throw to Nabers to put LSU in front 31-24 was an excellent throw and catch. Ideally, this offense finds a balance sooner in the game and doesn’t get rushed into some quick three and outs, negating any rhythm.
The offensive line struggled early, but they responded well to hold up against a solid defensive front. Daniels did a fine job of escaping and taking the short yards on the ground as a scrambler, but we’ll see how the offensive line continues to progress as the SEC season wears on and if the staff ends up making any changes or keeps it the same.
Defense
Things could have gotten out of hand if not for the Tigers’ defense bowing up in the redzone. Two of Arkansas’ first four drives went inside the redzone, but ended with field goals. Arkansas even got down to the one before having to settle for three after a false start penalty. Arkansas ended the game with multiple false start penalties, but constantly found ways to convert on long distance downs and ended the game 8-of-13 on third downs.
The key third down “conversion” came when Harold Perkins was called for a roughing the passer penalty, which Arkansas quickly turned into seven points to tie the game at 31-31 with 5:06 left.
The secondary struggled for most of the night in coverage, with Denver Harris giving up a touchdown reception in the first half, then Zy Alexander seemingly coming out of coverage to allow KJ Jefferson to find Luke Hansz for a 59-yard touchdown. Jefferson ended the game with 289 yards and three touchdowns passing, but had one interception immediately following Daniels’ pick. There were too many busts. The secondary continues to be a huge concern.
The defensive line was unable to dominate the game like it did against Mississippi State, but showed flashes with Harold Perkins, Bradyn Swinson, Dashawn Womack, and Mekhi Wingo making plays as pass rushers. Still, I think Arkansas’ ability to pick up LSU’s blitzes and pressures kept it in the game and allowed Jefferson to really pick the defense apart at times.
The Razorbacks’ ability to run the ball was a bit disheartening and should be something to monitor moving forward with LSU’s defense, but the linebacker play looked good once again with Whit Weeks and Greg Penn.
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