LSU and Arkansas kicked off before the morning dew even had a chance to leave the field.
The Tigers got off to a great start on defense after Arkansas return man Gary Cross muffed the opening kickoff and was downed at the 3 yard line.
However, LSU had return problems of its own, and senior receiver DJ Chark muffed the ensuing Arkansas punt but promptly recovered it at the LSU 49 yard line.
Junior running back Derrius Guice picked up a first down on the first play of the game for LSU, but the Tigers drive stalled after a holding call on junior guard Garrett Brumfield.
After the Tiger defense held Arkansas again, LSU drove down the field into the red zone on eight plays. A series of miscues, including a 12 men on the field penalty, forced LSU to attempt a field goal.
What seemed like an automatic kick for redshirt freshman Connor Culp, who had previously made eight in a row, missed a 32-yard field goal.
The LSU defense once more held the Hogs, and this time the LSU offense was able to capitalize.
With a little over a minute remaining in the first half, senior quarterback Danny Etling connected with a wide open Chark for a 45-yard touchdown pass.
It’d be the only score of the half for LSU after a later drive in Arkansas territory fizzled out. Etling tried to find redshirt sophomore Derrick Dillon in the end zone, but the ball went through Dillon’s hands and fell incomplete.
On its finally drive of the half, Arkansas was able to cross midfield for the first time and put up its first points of the day. Running back Devwah Whaley capped off a 10 play, 86-yard drive with a one yard touchdown run.
Stats
Danny Etling 5-of-8, 76 yards, touchdown
Derrius Guice 9 carries, 48 yards
DJ Chark 2 receptions, 53 yards, touchdown
Devin White 8 tackles, 1/2 tackle for a loss
Donte Jackson 4 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 1 sack