College Football Roundup

College Football Roundup

Arkansas loses ‘Battle of the Golden Boot’ to LSU

FAYETTEVILLE — The Hogs gave it a go late, but even as LSU felt its once comfortable three-score evaporate into the cold November air, the Tigers held on to win the 2018 Battle of the Golden Boot. A late Arkansas touchdown had diminished LSU’s lead to a touchdown with less than six minutes left Saturday night at Razorback Stadium, but on thirdand- 6, quarterback Joe Burrow completed the 14yard slant pass to Derrick Dillon to help seal a 2417 win that was more uncomfortable than it needed to be — even in sub-40 degree temperatures. Otherwise, the Tigers smothered the Razorbacks with sacks, deflected passes and just enough success on offense to keep the Golden Boot trophy in Louisiana. LSU led Arkansas 24-3 entering the fourth quarter, and the Tigers (8-2, 5-2 Southeastern Conference) staved off the comeback to preserve their third consecutive victory over the Razorbacks (2-8, 0-6 SEC). Rebounding from a loss to Alabama for yet another year, LSU is back within striking distance of a New Year’s Six bowl — and still has an outside chance at the College Football Playoff — with two games remaining in the regular season. Defensively, LSU dominated Arkansas, which had averaged 413.8 yards in its previous four games. The Tigers allowed their fewest yards of the season, 216, and recorded three sacks and five tackles for loss. LSU hit Razorbacks quarterback Ty Storey with a heavy dose of blitzes, and nickel safety Kary Vincent came free off the edge for a punt-forcing sack on the third play of the game. The Arkansas offense had some self-inflicted trouble. Razorbacks running back Rakeem Boyd tripped over his own feet on the second drive, catching a screen pass on his back for a loss of a yard. In the second quarter, Storey was subbed out for a possession for backup Cole Kelley, and the Razorbacks’ attempt at a zoneread reverse lost 7 yards. On the next drive, Arkansas attempted a jet sweep, and wide receiver Jordan Jones ran smack into a running back for a loss of 5. Storey, who finished 19-of-38 passing for 200 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, threw another touchdown to O’Grady, who barreled over a few LSU defenders for a 32 yards to set the final score.