With a trip to Arkansas sandwiched in between ranked contests against Ole Miss and Texas A&M, LSU’s meeting with the Razorbacks had “trap game” written all over it.
LSU avoided the trap on Saturday night. The last four meetings between these programs were decided by three points, but LSU got a comfortable win in this one. Despite being just 2.5-point favorites, LSU won 34-10.
If you’ve been paying attention to the SEC this year, then you’ll take a 24-point road win any day. For now, LSU is staying out of the chaos, and that’s good news for Tigers fans.
LSU led wire to wire in this one. [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] put LSU on the board on the opening drive and LSU outscored Arkansas 18-3 in the second half to put the game away.
Durham led the way with 101 yards and three scores on the ground. CJ Daniels, in his return from injury, led LSU in receiving with 86 yards.
Here are five takeaways from a big SEC win.
LSU wins the turnover battle
LSU protected the football and forced three turnovers of its own.
The biggest one came with five minutes left to go in the third. LSU put pressure on Arkansas QB Taylen Green, with a tipped pass leading to a Whit Weeks interception.
The turnover set LSU up on Arkansas’ two-yard line and LSU needed one play to punch it in for a score.
That put LSU up 24-10 and in control of the game. On a night where penalties killed LSU, the turnovers were key.
Tigers glad to have CJ Daniels back
Veteran receiver [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] was out against Ole Miss, but his return was welcome on Saturday night.
LSU got Daniels involved early. Nussmeier took a shot for Daniels on the opening drive that led to a pass interference putting LSU in position to score.
Daniels was critical in the quick game too, with LSU taking what the Arkansas defensive was giving it.
With seven catches for 86 yards, it was Daniels’ most productive night of the year.
LSU was efficient, but not explosive
The explosiveness element of LSU’s offense continues to be inconsistent, but LSU was efficient on Saturday, finishing with a success rate in the 88th percentile.
LSU kept the ball moving and picked up first downs as needed. Despite a lack of chunk yardage plays, LSU didn’t have to stress for yards in this one.
The Tigers finished with a success rate of 58% through the air. That’ll do after Nussmeier struggled to get comfortable last week.
Caden Durham is the feature back
With [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] healthy again, LSU gave the true freshman the bulk of the work. He carried it 21 times while Kaleb Jackson and Josh Williams combined for just 10 carries.
On 22 touches, Durham totaled 108 yards.
It’s been a while since LSU’s had a true feature back, but Durham looks to be rounding into form. There will be some more growing pains, but LSU has a home threat with Durham in the backfield.
He’s given this run game the jolt it needed after struggling to start the year.
Win sets up showdown with Texas A&M
LSU has another big one next week with a road trip to College Station. Just like LSU, Texas A&M opened the year with a loss but has rolled since then.
The winner of next week’s game should control its own destiny on the way to a potential SEC title and playoff appearance.
If LSU wins, the Tigers will add another significant win to its resume, allowing LSU room for error in November.
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