Three Things We Learned About LSU Football at Arkansas | LSU

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Three things we learned from Saturday night's 34-10 win in Arkansas over the LSU Tigers:

1. Razor-sharp whites

Teams and players do not remain static. They get hurt, get worse, or go to another level. Whit Weeks did the latter for LSU. A week after racking up 18 tackles against Ole Miss, the Tigers' linebacker erased the momentum that cleared the way for Arkansas in the third quarter with a tip and an interception at the Razorbacks 2 that led to an LSU touchdown. On the next possession he had a big open field tackle and a sack. A Harold Perkins-esque game-changer.

2. DEFENSE TRENDING UP

LSU's 16-7 lead marked the first time this season that the Tigers held a Power Four conference opponent under 10 points at halftime. It wasn't a unit of dominance that would make anyone forget the stifling defense LSU had in years like 2003 and 2011. And Arkansas certainly doesn't have the Tigers' offense from last year. But what did everyone say before this season Blake Baker's mission was? Make LSU respectable. Goal achieved.

3. GIVE AND TAKE

The book on the LSU offensive line was great at pass blocking but weak at opening running lanes. On Saturday night, the Tigers reversed that negative image and got a big boost from the backs, who averaged more than 5 yards per carry in the first half. The problem this time was the penalties – eight in the first three quarters, which shortened the offense and left LSU settling for four Damian Ramos field goals. You really can't have everything.