On Saturday afternoon in Baton Rouge, Louisiana the LSU Tigers beat the Arkansas Razorbacks in a close one by a score of 23-22. This win pushes the Tigers’ record to 6-4 on the year and 3-4 in conference play.
This win also keeps the legendary Golden Boot in Baton Rouge.
“Remarkable day for our university and our football team,” said Interim Head Coach Frank Wilson in his opening statement. “One that displayed resiliency and toughness.”
Resiliency and toughness were two ways you could describe the way LSU played football on Saturday. As the Fighting Tigers clawed all the way back from an early 14-0 deficit.
Before the game even started, LSU announced that Garrett Nussmeier would not be suiting up for the Tigers. Leaving the responsibility on transfer quarterback, Michael Van Buren, for his first start wearing the purple and gold.
Van Buren was 21-31 in the passing game, throwing for 221 yards and a touchdown. While also showcasing his mobility running for 55 yards, including a long 35 yard run late in the fourth quarter.
“It just feels great,” said LSU quarterback Michael Van Buren sharing his feelings on his first win as the starter. “My guys had my back the whole day, so it’s an unbelievable feeling getting my first win in Tiger Stadium.
One key component for the LSU offense in terms of moving the ball down the field was how they implemented trick plays on the game-winning drive. Double passes and direct snaps were on full display on Saturday giving the Tigers a breath of fresh air.
“It’s stuff we practiced all week,” Van Buren said when asked about preparing for the trick plays. “We just went out there and executed.”
On that game-winning drive Van Buren rolled out to his right, let the defender come to him and found a wide open Bauer Sharp in the endzone. Which gave LSU a one point lead with less than eight minutes to go.
The Tigers then held the Razorbacks to a 48 yard field goal attempt which was pushed right by Arkansas’ Scott Starzyck. LSU then just needed to hold on to the ball with five minutes to go in the game.
Toughness, the will to fight and maintain togetherness willed this football team to victory on Saturday.
“They kept on fighting and punching,” said Coach Wilson. “I am proud to be in this position to lead them to this victory.”
As the gatorade was poured on the head of Coach Wilson, you could see how much it means to him and this team. Not just to win a football game, but to win it in the way it was won. In true Fighting Tiger fashion.
LSU now looks to next week as they will host Western Kentucky for the final home game of the 2025 season. As the Tigers are now bowl eligible, they look to finish this season on a high note with just three games left.
