FAYETTEVILLE — The Arkansas football team was unable to replicate its home-field advantage against a top-10 opponent on Saturday night.
Eighth-ranked LSU dominated throughout the game, ultimately defeating the Razorbacks 34-10 in front of 75,893 fans at Reynolds Razorback Stadium, marking the fourth largest attendance in the stadium’s history. By the game’s conclusion, much of the crowd had shifted in favor of the visiting fans clad in purple and gold.
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier showcased his efficiency, completing 22 of 33 passes for 224 yards, while running back Caden Durham contributed significantly with three rushing touchdowns, leading the Tigers (6-1, 3-0 SEC) to their sixth consecutive win. This victory marked LSU’s third straight win over Arkansas and its fifth in a row at Fayetteville, with Arkansas last defeating the Tigers at home in 2014.
Arkansas (4-3, 2-2) failed to capitalize on its open week, losing for the first time after a bye since 2020. This game was also the Razorbacks’ first match since their narrow 19-14 victory over then-No. 4 Tennessee on October 5.
Like Tennessee two weeks ago following its own bye, Arkansas struggled to start the game. Durham’s 22-yard touchdown run capped off LSU’s opening drive, benefitting from a couple of penalties against Arkansas. A potential touchdown catch for Mason Taylor was nullified by an offensive pass interference call, while LSU faced a series of false starts throughout the game.
On a second-and-goal from the 22, Durham evaded three tackles and reached the pylon for a touchdown. He finished the night with 101 rushing yards on 21 attempts, scoring all of LSU’s touchdowns.
In the first half, Damian Ramos added field goals of 33, 48, and 33 yards, helping LSU secure a 16-7 lead at halftime. He also made a 47-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, extending the Tigers’ advantage to 27-10.
Ramos continued his strong performance against Arkansas for the second consecutive year, having previously kicked a last-second field goal in last year’s meeting that led LSU to victory.
Arkansas narrowed the deficit to 13-7 when Taylen Green connected with Andrew Armstrong for a 25-yard touchdown pass late in the second quarter, capping a strong 9-play, 75-yard drive. Green, who had been dealing with a bruised left knee, finished the game completing 21 of 31 passes for 239 yards but suffered a critical interception late in the third quarter, thwarting any chance of a comeback for Arkansas.
After trailing 16-10, Green’s pass attempt was deflected and intercepted by Whit Weeks, who returned the ball to the Razorbacks’ 3-yard line. Durham scored another touchdown on the following play, and a successful 2-point conversion from Nussmeier extended LSU’s lead to 24-10.
LSU dominated the turnover margin, capitalizing on Arkansas’ mistakes to score 11 points off turnovers. The Tigers sealed their victory with a lengthy 14-play, 80-yard drive that consumed 8:22 of clock time, ending with a 1-yard touchdown run by Durham with 2:20 left in the game.
Nussmeier excelled on third downs throughout the drive, completing 9 of 12 passes for 72 yards. LSU converted on 8 of 14 third downs (57.1%) against an Arkansas defense that had allowed a 33.3% conversion rate prior to this game.
The 24-point victory was LSU’s largest over Arkansas since their national championship season in 2019 when they won 56-20, marking a significant change in momentum in this rivalry where the last four games had been decided by a field goal.
Arkansas’ next matchup is scheduled against Mississippi State next Saturday at 11:45 a.m.