Arkansas vs. LSU 2015: Razorbacks Upset Tigers In Baton Rouge To Win The Boot
The College Football Playoff hopes for No. 9 LSU were dashed on Saturday, as the Arkansas Razorbacks upset the Tigers in Baton Rouge, 31-14. With two losses on the season, Les Miles' squad is expected to plummet in the polls.
The win means Arkansas jumps to No. 2 in the SEC West, and ahead of LSU. Entering the season as an SEC dark horse, head coach Brett Bielema earned a big victory after early losses to Toledo, Texas Tech and Texas A&M appeared to derail Arkansas' chances of earning a bowl bid.
"We're bowl-eligible now. Were' going to play Mississippi State ... and see where we go," said Bielema.
Arkansas, who improved to 6-4, finished with 440 total yards compared to 330 by LSU. Razorbacks running back Alex Collins outshined Heisman Trophy hopeful Leonard Fournette, whose 91 rushing yards were the second lowest of the season.
Collins' 80-yard touchdown run in the second quarter gave Arkansas a 21-0 lead. The junior finished with two touchdowns and 141 yards on 16 carries. Arkansas was also helped by Kody Walker, who rushed for 88 yards on 17 carries.
Many LSU fans were seen heading to the exits after a comeback appeared to be out of reach following Arkansas' perfectly executed fake hand off and sweep to Jared Cornelius, who ran 69 yards for a touchdown with 10:18 remaining in the fourth quarter. The touchdown was the final score of the game, as the Tigers failed to rally on their next two possessions.
LSU turned the ball over twice, but quarterback Brandon Harris' intercepted pass in the end zone in the fourth quarter only denied the Tigers a chance to make the final score look more respectable.
The Razorbacks, who defeated the Tigers in 2014, keep the rivalry's Boot Trophy, in the "Battle of the Boot."
Up next for Arkansas is a home date next Saturday with No. 17 Mississippi State, who will drop in the polls after their 31-6 defeat to No.2 Alabama. LSU will go on the road to meet Ole Miss, who were upset at home to Arkansas, 53-52, on Nov. 7 on lateral play and two-point conversion in overtime.
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.