LSU gets first win under interim coach Frank Wilson against Arkansas, 23-22

By Canadian Press on November 15, 2025.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Michael Van Buren threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Bower Sharp to rally LSU to a 23-22 win over Arkansas on Saturday, snapping a three-game losing streak and giving interim coach Frank Wilson his first victory since replacing Brian Kelly.

The Tigers (6-4, 3-4 SEC) snapped a three-game losing streak in Wilson’s second game heading the team since Brian Kelly was fired on Oct. 27,

Trailing 22-16 early in the fourth quarter, LSU took over at its own 8-yard line. Van Buren led the 12-play, 92-yard scoring drive that saw tailback Ju’Jan Johnson complete one pass and attempt another along with an attempted pass by wide receiver Zavion Thomas. The drive was capped off by Van Buren’s pass in the corner of the end zone to tight end Sharp with just under eight minutes remaining.

Making his first career start at quarterback in place of the injured Garrett Nussemeier, Van Buren completed 21 of 31 passes for 221 yards. He also rushed had a pivotal 35-yard run on second-and-16 with under five minutes to go in a drive that ate up the final five minutes after Arkansas missed a 48-yard field-goal attempt.

Van Buren completed passes to eight different receivers. Thomas led the way for the Tigers with six catches for 80 yards.

Trailing 14-0 midway through the second quarter, LSU scored 16 consecutive points, including three field goals by Damian Ramos to take a lead that extended late in the third quarter.

Arkansas got a 9-yard touchdown run by Mike Washington to give them a 22-16 lead after a two-point conversion run by Taylen Green.

Green was 11-of-19 passes for 165 yards but was intercepted twice. He also rushed for 70 yards on 17 carries.

Arkansas jumped out to a quick 7-0 advantage on Caleb Wooden’s 16-yard TD return of a blocked punt.

Forcing another punt on LSU’s ensuing possession, Green led the Razorbacks on a 11-play, 52-yard drive, culminating with a 11-yard touchdown run to give Arkansas a 14-0 lead.

LSU’s lone first-half touchdown came in the second quarter on a 27-yard touchdown run by Cayden Durham.

The “boot” stays

With the victory, “The Golden Boot” trophy remains in Baton Rouge for the fourth consecutive year. Molded from 24-karat gold in the shape of the states of Arkansas and Louisiana, the trophy stands 4 feet in height, weighs nearly 200 pounds and is valued at $10,000. It is believed to be the heaviest trophy awarded in a college football rivalry.

Interim history

The matchup between LSU and Arkansas marked the first time in Tiger Stadium history in the SEC era that featured teams led by interim head coaches: Wilson and Bobby Petrino.

The takeaway

Arkansas: The Razorbacks had numerous chances to put the game out of reach but committed several crucial offensive mistakes. Green was intercepted twice, including once in the end zone and the Razorbacks were stopped early in the third quarter inside the LSU 1-yard line on fourth down.

LSU: The much-maligned Tigers offense scored just two touchdowns but it was enough to squeeze out the win.

Up next

Arkansas travels to Texas on Saturday.

LSU hosts Western Kentucky on Saturday.

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David Folse Ii, The Associated Press

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