LSU snaps 3-game skid with dramatic victory

The LSU Tigers finally returned to the win column on Saturday, edging the Arkansas Razorbacks 23-22 in Tiger Stadium and ending a three-game stretch of frustration. The victory gives the team a 6-4 overall record and offers a much-needed reset after a tumultuous midseason stretch that included coaching changes, injuries and offensive inconsistency.

Interim coach Frank Wilson earned his first win at the helm as LSU leaned on the poise of new starting quarterback Michael Van Buren, the stability of its defense and a refreshed offensive identity that showcased more creativity than fans had seen all year. The result may have been narrow, but the energy shift inside Death Valley was unmistakable.

Below are the 3 major moments that shaped the win.

No. 1: Michael Van Buren steps in and stabilizes the offense

The Tigers entered the game without Garrett Nussmeier, who was ruled out with an abdominal injury shortly before kickoff. That opened the door for 1. Michael Van Buren, the sophomore transfer from Mississippi State, to make his first LSU start — and he delivered exactly what the Tigers needed.

Van Buren played with an even temperament throughout the afternoon, extending plays when necessary and keeping drives moving with both his arm and legs. He completed 21 of 31 passes for 222 yards and connected on a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown strike to tight end Bauer Sharp that put LSU ahead for good. His 36 rushing yards added another layer to the offense, giving the Tigers a mobility element that paid off in several key moments.

Though not every series was flawless, Van Buren’s decision-making helped LSU avoid turnovers, which proved vital in a one-point game. His presence also infused the group with confidence as the Tigers pushed to break their losing streak.

No. 2: Harold Perkins anchors a defense that answers the call

LSU needed its defense to step up after weeks of inconsistent results, and 2. Harold Perkins delivered one of his most complete outings of the season. The veteran linebacker attacked every level of the field, contributing multiple tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a quarterback hurry and a timely interception that shifted the momentum in LSU’s favor.

Perkins was the tone-setter, but he wasn’t alone. Cornerback Mansoor Delane added an interception with several pass breakups, and defensive lineman Jacobian Guillory provided steady pressure. Collectively, the unit held Arkansas to 165 passing yards and kept dual-threat quarterback Taylen Green from generating explosive plays.

The Razorbacks entered the day averaging more than 33 points per game. Holding them to 22 represented a significant rise in performance at a time when the Tigers needed it most.

No. 3: Fresh play-calling helps LSU find balance

Much of the conversation around LSU this season has centered on the offense’s predictability. But with head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan no longer leading the unit, 3. Alex Atkins brought an invigorated approach in his first major game handling the play-calling duties.

Atkins showed a willingness to take risks, especially during a lively third-quarter stretch that featured multiple trick plays. The offense flowed through a diverse mix of personnel packages, and Van Buren spread the ball to nine different pass-catchers. The rushing game added 147 yards, complementing the 235-yard passing performance to create one of LSU’s most balanced outings of the season.

Most important, LSU protected the ball and avoided the types of drive-breaking mistakes that have plagued the team during its recent skid.

What’s next for LSU

The Tigers return to Tiger Stadium next Saturday for a nonconference matchup against the Western Kentucky Hill toppers. Kickoff is set for 6:45 p.m. CT as LSU looks to carry this momentum into the final stretch of the season.