LSU Boots Arkansas 31 - 26
The LSU Tigers were looking for respect. They got it.
The boys from Baton Rouge believed before this game that they were the best in the SEC. Even with today's win, fans in Gainesville will point out UF's victory over LSU in The Swamp as proof to the contrary. But the Tigers put on quite a performance in Little Rock this afternoon which will surely allow them to jump the Razorbacks in the polls.
Now picture this: If Florida loses to Florida State tomorrow or to Arkansas next week, LSU could easily become the highest ranked SEC team in country. That would mean it is possible for the best team in the conference, according to the rankings, to not have played in the conference championship game and perhaps not even go to a BCS Bowl Game. Although I would say LSU will probably get there after this win.
If any conference deserves an at-large bid to a BCS Bowl, it's the SEC. If any team in the SEC deserves it, it's LSU. Why? Four road games against top 10 teams, and a 2-2 record in those games.
If Arkansas beats Florida and earns the automatic bid to the Sugar Bowl, should LSU get the at-large over UF? That would be a topic of conversation for next week.
For now, let's look at LSU's performance against this great Arkansas team in this loud War Memorial Stadium.
No, the Tigers did not stop Darren McFadden. McFadden and Felix Jones combined for 319 rushing yards, averaging 8.7 and 8.6 yards per carry, respectively. But, yes, the Tigers did shut down receiver Marcus Monk. Monk caught one pass all day. It was a 21 yard touchdown pass that required a nifty catch and a great effort to reach the endzone, but Arkansas needed more from Monk and didn't get it. You can thank cornerback Chevis Jackson for that, and don't forget about safety LaRon Landry. Landry was one of the best defensive players out there today.
LSU hangs it hat on its defense, but the defense was far from great today. LSU allowed 360 total yards and forced just one turnover. They were clearly not prepared for McFadden's "Wildcat" formation in which he plays quarterback out of the shotgun. But when a great team's great defense is struggling, the offense and special teams need to step up.
JaMarcus Russell quarterbacked his team to this five-point win with an efficient 14 for 22 day, including 210 yards and two touchdowns. Facing third down and 10 at his own 26 - fourth quarter, about three minutes remaining - Russell completed a 16 yard pass to Dwayne Bowe to extend the drive. Speaking of Bowe, he abused Arkansas' best cornerback, Chris Houston, in ways that other elite receivers could not. Receiver Craig Davis hauled in a 47 yard touchdown early in the second quarter. Keiland Williams gained 68 yards on just 13 carries, and Jacob Hester exploited the interior of the Arkansas defense consistently in the second half.
Let's not forget the 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Trindon Holliday immediately following McFadden's 80-yard touchdown dash.
I don't think LSU expected to give up 26 points, but despite the unusually weak defensive effort, the Tigers pulled through. That's what great teams do.
And in the end, LSU's defense showed up when it had to. This long game that featured 57 total points, 688 combined yards, 10 penalties, three turnovers, and several game-changing plays came down to one possession with 2:04 to play.
Arkansas trailed by five with the ball on its own 27 yard line. This was the undefeated run through the SEC, the National Championship hopes, and the Golden Boot all on the line with this one possession.
First down. A deep ball to McFadden. Knocked away by Jonathan Zenon.
Second down. A pass to Monk. There's Zenon again knocking it away.
Third down. Another pass to Monk. Here comes Landry to break the pass up.
Fourth down. Another long ball, up the left sideline this time. Looking for London Crawford. Chevis Jackson with the blanket coverage and the pass breakup. The crowd wanted pass interference. It looked close. It could have gone either way. It went LSU's way.
The Tigers came into Little Rock hoping to prove to a national television audience that they are the best in the conference. I'm sure a lot of people agree with that now.
