LSU lets win slip away vs. Arkansas

The win was there to be had, but the LSU football team failed to take advantage against Arkansas Saturday night in Death Valley.

As he has been for much of the season, Ed Orgeron will be second-guessed for his decisions after the 16-13 loss to Arkansas in overtime.

Orgeron started the week talking about using both quarterbacks, but he quickly shelved Max Johnson in the first quarter to go with Doug Nussmeier. 

Nussmeier played fairly well, but his inexperience showed up after halftime with an interception in the third quarter and another in overtime. In a game where the LSU defense set the tone, Orgeron could have gone to the steady Johnson in the second half. 

Leaving the field Saturday night, Orgeron will have another decision to make at quarterback headed into the Louisiana-Monroe contest. Nussmeier can be an exciting gunslinger, but Johnson has just six interceptions to go with his 22 touchdown tosses this season.

LSU (4-6) has to win the next two games, ULM and Texas A&M, if it’s to earn a bowl bid.

Even though Orgeron is on his way out and there’s no championship to play for, these Tigers keep showing up and competing each week. 

As Saturday night’s outcome showed, there’s little room for error for Orgeron and his players.

- Patrick Magee

Scott Rabalais gives the big picture view on the LSU loss

Scott Rabalais: Try as they might, LSU Tigers find fitting failure against Arkansas

A thorough look at the LSU QB situation

LSU quarterback competition still a question mark after loss with Garrett Nussmeier at the helm

The LSU defense held up its end of the bargain

LSU's stout defensive effort spoiled by Hogs' overtime field goal

LSU continues to battle attrition in the late stages of the season

Injuries leave LSU perilously thin on offensive, defensive lines in overtime loss to Arkansas

The three biggest takeaways by Scott Rabalais

Three and out: Sports columnist Scott Rabalais chips the ice off of the LSU-Arkansas game