Three key stats from LSU football's win over Arkansas

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LSU football found its way back into the win column Saturday as it defeated Arkansas 23-22 inside Tiger Stadium. The victory made the Tigers bowl eligible with two games left on the regular season schedule.

Quarterback Michael Van Buren started for the first time in the purple and gold, replacing the injured Garrett Nussmeier. Van Buren passed for 221 yards and a touchdown, which he threw to Bauer Sharp from 12 yards out on the game-winning drive.

LSU committed to the run game at times throughout the contest, finishing with 4.2 yards per carry. Caden Durham and Harlem Berry finished with 65 and 52 yards, respectively. They, along with Van Buren, each ran for an explosive play.

On the defensive side, the Tigers finished with three takeaways. They held Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green, one of the SEC’s most productive passers, to 165 passing yards.

Here are three important statistics from LSU’s win over Arkansas.

Arkansas went two for 11 on third down

The Razorbacks were inefficient in late-down situations, converting on just two of their 11 third downs. LSU continued to blitz and put Green under pressure. He fumbled on the first third down of the game, then Arkansas gained or lost yardage on two other third downs.

Six points off turnovers

LSU’s defense gave the offense life by making clutch plays. Jack Pyburn recovered a fumble on the game’s opening drive. In the second quarter, Harold Perkins intercepted Green on the first play of the drive. LSU cashed in with a 42-yard field goal. A few possessions later, Mansoor Delane came away with a pick and LSU tacked on another three points.

In a close contest with a new starting quarterback, LSU needed as much time with the ball as it could get. The defense came through with game-changing plays and gave the offense more chances.

Three different passers on one drive

With the game on the line to open the fourth quarter, LSU decided to empty the playbook. The Tigers began the final frame with possession and had three different players attempt passes on a series filled with trick plays and misdirection.

Zavion Thomas’ attempt intended for Trey’s Green occurred on first and 10 at the LSU 22. Two plays later, Van Buren attempted his first pass of the drive, completing it to Barion Brown for 21 yards. Ju’Juan Johnson’s pass to Green went for 14 yards into Arkansas territory.

LSU ended the possession with the eventual game-winning touchdown catch. Van Buren connected with Sharp for the 12-yard strike to punctuate the 12-play, 92-yard possession, which stretched for six minutes and 17 seconds.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Three stats define LSU football’s win vs. Arkansas

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