The scene was set. LSU kicker John Corbello extended LSU’s lead to 20-14 with a 29-yard field goal with just 40 seconds left. The Tigers had shut down the Arkansas offense all day with the exception of one long run, and Razorbacks’ quarterback Matt Jones was only 2-of-13 passing.
The Tigers were headed to a second straight Southeastern Conference Championship Game.
As the kickoff team took the field, the LSU players began raising their arms to get a joyous, loud response from the fans who travelled north up Highway 167 to Little Rock, Ark.
The Razorbacks returned the kickoff to their 19-yard line, and the game seemed to be over; after all, Jones had completed only two passes up to that point.
Jones took the snap on first down, and he found a wide open Richard Smith up the right sideline for a 50-yard gain to the LSU 31-yard line.
The LSU fans in attendance grew quiet as the Arkansas fans finally had something to cheer about.
Again, Jones took the snap from center, this time his pass fell incomplete.
In what was the last play of the game, Jones dropped back and lofted the ball in the end zone, where it landed right in the bread basket of DeCori Birmingham for a touchdown.
LSU was not headed to Atlanta. In a miraculous last-minute drive, Jones – a running quarterback – ended the Tigers’ hopes of defending their SEC title – with his arm.
This season, LSU is in the same position – if it beats Arkansas Friday afternoon in Tiger Stadium, it will represent the Western Division in the SEC Championship Game.
“One of the things we took away from last season’s loss is that we have to play for 60 minutes,” said LSU linebacker Lionel Turner. “That’s the biggest statement we’re going to make.”
Jones is an option quarterback, a big option quarterback. At 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, Jones is one of the biggest quarterbacks in the SEC, but he is also one of the fastest.
LSU defensive tackle Chad Lavalais, who recently was named First Team All-American by the Football Writers’ Association, said Jones’ speed is deceptive because he takes long strides.
“You think he’s slow,” Lavalais said. “But he’s not. From what I’ve seen on film, he makes the first guy miss, and then he’s gone. We just have to try to contain him.”
Lavalais said the Tigers have not forgotten how Jones and the Razorbacks pulled off the unthinkable upset last season to keep LSU out of the SEC Championship Game.
“We heard about it all offseason,” Lavalais said. “If we would have three sprints left, we might be tired, and then coach would yell out, ‘Remember the last three minutes of the Arkansas game?'”
Jones is at it again this season as he ranks fourth in the SEC in rushing with 653 yards and seven touchdowns.
But just like last season, LSU cannot solely focus on Jones’ running ability as he also leads the SEC in passing efficiency (12th in the nation) with 122-of-204 passing for 1,768 yards, 16 touchdowns and only five interceptions.
“I think he’s very mobile,” said LSU defensive end Marcus Spears. “He’s quick, makes guys miss. He’s very elusive. Our pass rush lanes have to be precise, and we can’t let him get a corner.”
LSU coach Nick Saban said preparing for Arkansas’ option offense is difficult because it is something the Tigers have not seen all season.
“And because of the short week, we don’t get as much reps,” Saban said. “That is somewhat of a concern. They run the option out of so many different formations, and the formations is what changes everybody’s responsibility.”
Arkansas ranks fifth in the nation and first in the SEC by gaining 240.4 yards per game on the ground led by Jones and senior running back Cedric Cobbs, who has 1,010 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Razorbacks will attempt to sustain their high-powered rushing attack against the nation’s top run defense. The Tigers yield only 57.7 rushing yards per game, and on Friday, something will have to give.
LSU not only has the No. 1 rushing defense, it also boasts the No. 3 overall defense, giving up only 256.7 yards per game.
LSU strong safety Jack Hunt said this game will be physical, resembling that of the Auburn game on Oct. 25. A reporter asked Hunt on Monday whether the LSU defense has more pride now that it is garnering national recognition.
“We’ve always had pride in our defense,” Hunt said. “But we’re just now getting the recognition.”
Saban said the team remembers last season’s heart-breaking loss, but added this is a different season.
“Hopefully we are going to have the right mental attitude based on our preparation for this game to play good football,” Saban said. “I am sure everybody remembers that game, and that is going to have something to do with it, but I do not think it is going to be the sole motivating factor for the players in their competition.”