Arkansas’ Red Zone Failures Cost Another Victory, Losing Streak Continues

By now, this has become a familiar story. There is little surprise or sorrow when Arkansas falters. Even when the Razorbacks jumped to a 14-0 lead and delivered a near-perfect first quarter, the excitement remained muted. Fans know the pattern well: Arkansas starts strong and then lets the game slip away. That pattern repeated itself against LSU.

Arkansas’ struggles were apparent across the team, with both the defense and the offense, once ranked among the nation’s best, underperforming in a rivalry that dates back to 1901.

This marked the 10th game of the season for both the Razorbacks (2-7, 0-5 SEC) and the Tigers (5-4, 0-4 SEC). Each team sought a win to break its respective losing streak under interim coaches, but the outcome ultimately favored Frank Wilson and LSU. Tiger Stadium, the SEC’s second-largest venue with 102,000 seats, erupted in celebration of LSU’s comeback.

Early Turnover Sets Stage for Razorbacks’ Edge

After LSU won the opening toss and deferred to the second half, Arkansas took the first possession and moved the ball smoothly before a miscue. On third-and-one at the Tigers’ 27-yard line, Mike Washington fumbled a toss, recovered by LSU, stalling the drive. The Razorbacks’ defense forced a quick three-and-out to limit the damage.

Arkansas grabbed a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter in spectacular fashion. Wyatt Simmons and Caleb Wooden teamed up to block LSU punter Grant Chadwick’s attempt, with Wooden scooping the ball and running untouched 16 yards for the touchdown at 10:58. Scott Starzyk converted the extra point.

The Razorbacks’ offense struck again on their next drive. Taylen Green converted a fourth-and-2 keeper before keeping it himself on fourth-and-short for an 11-yard touchdown run with 4:06 left in the opening quarter. The drive covered 52 yards over 11 plays and 5:50 of game time, extending Arkansas’ lead to 14-0.

LSU Responds Before Halftime

LSU countered early in the second quarter. Caden Durham broke free for a 27-yard touchdown to end a 9-play, 75-yard drive, cutting the Razorbacks’ lead to 14-7. Arkansas’ next possession ended in a punt, giving LSU a chance to trim the margin further.

Justus Boone sacked LSU quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. on third down, forcing a field goal attempt. Damian Ramos converted a 50-yarder with 7:02 left before halftime, making it 14-10. Arkansas looked to respond, but Taylen Green threw his first interception of the day, picked off by Harold Perkins Jr. at the Arkansas 30. LSU quickly turned that into another field goal, with Ramos hitting a 42-yard attempt to make it 16-14 at halftime.

At the break, LSU held a slight edge in total yards, 180-179, and led 3-0 in turnovers, which proved pivotal in the tight first half.

Razorbacks’ Big Plays Keep Game Tight

The third quarter began with LSU moving the ball downfield, but Xavian Sorey Jr. recorded a key sack to force a punt. Arkansas responded with a 7-play, 87-yard drive that ended just shy of the end zone when Green’s quarterback sneak was stopped on fourth down with 8:57 left in the third quarter.

Washington and Green combined for a touchdown later in the quarter, with Washington punching it in from nine yards out and Green completing a two-point conversion keeper around the left side to put the Razorbacks ahead 22-16.

 Arkansas’ defense held briefly, giving the offense a chance to extend the lead.

LSU Mounts Comeback to Take Late Lead

The Tigers regained the lead in the fourth quarter with 7:53 remaining. Van Buren connected with Bauer Sharp for a 12-yard touchdown following a 12-play, 92-yard drive that consumed 6:17 off the clock, making it 23-22.

Arkansas had a chance to retake the lead after LSU’s kickoff went out of bounds, setting the Razorbacks up at their own 35-yard line. But Starzyk’s 48-yard field goal attempt came up wide right, snapping his streak of nine consecutive makes.

Freshman tailback Harlem Berry iced the game for LSU with a 13-yard run on third-and-three, allowing the Tigers to drain the clock and secure the one-point victory.

Missed Red Zone Opportunities Cost Arkansas

Arkansas reached the red zone four times against LSU but converted on only two of those trips. One attempt ended with an interception, and another resulted in a turnover on downs, a critical factor in the Razorbacks’ one-point loss. 

The first missed opportunity came on Arkansas’ final drive of the first half, with 37 seconds left at the LSU nine-yard line. Redshirt senior quarterback Taylen Green targeted redshirt senior wide receiver O’Mega Blake, but Blake and LSU senior defensive back Mansoor Delane were in a physical battle for the ball. Delane came away with the interception, though many felt pass interference could have been called.

LSU converted the turnover into points, finishing a six-play drive with a 42-yard field goal to take a 16-14 lead at halftime. Petrino later said the interception resulted from defensive pass interference that went uncalled.

The second missed opportunity occurred on the Hogs’ opening drive of the second half. Arkansas had a fresh set of downs at the LSU seven-yard line. On second-and-two, freshman running back Cam Settles carried the ball but slipped, resulting in no gain. On third-and-one from the one-yard line, Washington attempted a run but was stopped short. Arkansas then tried a quarterback sneak with Green on the final play of the drive, but LSU’s defensive line held firm, denying the Razorbacks for the third consecutive play.

Next Up: Rivalry Clash with Texas

The Razorbacks will face No. 10 Texas next weekend in Austin. Expectations are low, as Texas holds a higher ranking and appears to be in better form, while Arkansas is struggling and showing few positive signs. Despite the challenges, the historic rivalry gives both the Razorbacks and their fans reason to stay engaged. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., or 6:30 p.m. CST, with the broadcasting network yet to be announced.