BATON ROUGE — Emotions will run on high on Friday as third-ranked LSU will look to claim a spot in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game when they face a surging Arkansas team at 1:30 p.m. on Tiger Stadium.
The game will also serve as the final home contest for 21 LSU seniors, a group that since first coming to Baton Rouge in 2001, has been a part of two conference titles and the 2003 BCS National Championship. The good news is that LSU has been good on Senior Day as the Tigers have won their home finale six times, a streak that dates back to a 35-10 victory over Arkansas in 1999.
Friday’s contest will be televised to a national audience by CBS as the Tigers and Razorbacks battle for the “Boot” for the 10th time. The “Boot” has remained in Baton Rouge for the past two years courtesy of LSU’s 55-24 victory over Arkansas in 2003 and a 43-14 win in 2004.
This year’s LSU-Arkansas game will carry a lot more meaning that just taking home the “Boot” as a victory puts the Tigers in the SEC title game for the third time in five years. Georgia awaits the SEC Western Division Champion in next week’s championship game in Atlanta.
The Tigers, winners of eight straight, bring a 9-1 overall mark and a 6-1 league record into the Arkansas game. Arkansas, since settling on a quarterback in freshman Casey Dick, has won two straight and stands at 4-6 overall and 2-5 in league play.
Prior to kickoff on Friday, 21 LSU seniors will be honored on the field. Among the seniors include Academic All-America Rudy Niswanger, All-America offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth, and a pair of all-conference defensive tackles in Kyle Williams and Claude Wroten.
“Any time you graduate 21 seniors that have had the success that they’ve had here on the field, the kind of young men they are, how they represent LSU off the field, a lot of emotion will go into this week,” LSU coach Les Miles said. “We’re going to want to send them off with a victory.”
On the field, LSU and Arkansas will match strengths as the Tigers rank among the top 10 in the nation in four defensive categories, while the Razorbacks bring the SEC’s top rushing attack, including the league’s second-best runner, into the contest.
As a unit, LSU’s defense ranks No. 4 in the nation in both scoring (13.1 points per game) and pass efficiency defense (94.0 rating). The Tigers are also No. 7 nationally in total defense (282.5 yards per game) and No. 8 in rushing defense (96.4 yards per game). The Tigers have only allowed 13 first quarter points this year.
The Tiger defense will be tested by rookie running back Darren McFadden, who ranks second in the SEC with 105.6 yards per game. As a team, Arkansas is averaging over 235 yards on the ground per game.
“They have two very fine running backs in Darren McFadden and Felix Jones,” Miles said.
They are both very talented running backs. McFadden is very exciting and Jones leads the nation in kickoff returns. They both have big-play capability so we have to be ready to contain those two guys.”
Offensively, the Tigers welcomed back a healthy Joseph Addai last week as he rushed for 70 yards and a score in a 40-7 win over Ole Miss. Justin Vincent chipped in with 54 yards and a score on the ground for the Tigers. Addai leads the Tigers with 738 yards rushing and eight touchdowns, while Vincent has 408 yards and four scores.
LSU continues to ride the hot arm of quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who has thrown for at least one touchdown in eight straight games, while also going over the 200-yard mark in passing yards seven times. For the year, Russell has completed 164 of 263 passes 2,130 yards, 14 touchdowns and only six interceptions.
“It’s been a short week, but a good week of preparation for us,” Miles said. “It’s down to a one-game season and we understand what’s at stake. We also understand that this Arkansas football team is very good. We’ve watched them on film and realize that they’re good in all three phases of the game.”
LSU vs. Arkansas Notebook
LSU and Arkansas Battle For “The Boot”
For the 10th consecutive year, LSU and Arkansas will battle for “The Boot”, a 24-karat gold trophy in the shape of the states of Arkansas and Louisiana that resembles a boot. LSU has won the trophy 6 times – 1996, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, and 2004, while Arkansas has claimed the trophy three times 1998, 2000 and 2002. “The Boot” will sit on the LSU sidelines during game and will be given to the winning team following the contest.
What’s At Stake
It’s now down to a 1-game season for LSU as the Tigers need a win over Arkansas to clinch a berth in the SEC title game. LSU is in familiar territory heading into the final regular season game of the year. Since 2001, LSU has needed a win in its regular season finale four times to advance to the SEC Championship Game. LSU beat Auburn in 2001 and Arkansas in 2003 to advance to the league’s title game. In 2002, LSU dropped a last-minute decision to Arkansas and was denied a trip to Atlanta.
Tigers To Say Goodbye To 21 Seniors
LSU will say goodbye to 21 seniors on Friday as the group will be honored on the field prior to the game. This year’s senior class have been a part of 2 SEC titles (2001 and 2003), 1 national championship (2003) and heading into the Arkansas game, 49 wins in 5 years. The following is a list of LSU’s 2005 Senior Class: RB Joseph Addai, WR Bennie Brazell, RB Shyrone Carey, WR Schirra Fields, WR Skyler Green, LB Kenny Hollis, TE David Jones, LB E.J. Kuale, OG Nate Livings, OG Terrell McGill, C Rudy Niswanger, DE Melvin Oliver, SNP Gant Petty, CB Ronnie Prude, FB Kevin Steltz, DB Mario Stevenson, LB Cameron Vaughn, DT Brandon Washington, OT Andrew Whitworth, DT Kyle Williams, and DT Claude Wroten.
LSU’s Back On CBS For Third Time In 2005
Friday’s game will mark LSU’s third appearance on CBS this year. The Tigers have wins over Florida and Alabama on CBS this season. LSU has won 3 straight games on CBS dating back to last year’s 43-14 win over Arkansas in Little Rock.
Miles Makes History
First-year LSU coach Les Miles made history on Saturday as he became the only coach in school history to beat Florida, Auburn and Alabama in the same season. LSU beat Florida 21-17 on Oct. 15, then followed that with a 20-17 overtime win over Auburn a week later. The 16-13 overtime win over Alabama clinched the feat for Miles.
Tigers Go For 8th 10-Win Season
A win over Arkansas on Friday will give LSU its eighth 10-win season in school history, and the third since 2001. The 2003 team holds the school record for victories by going 13-1 on its way to claiming the BCS National Title that year. Other 10 win season for LSU have come in 1908 (10-0), 1958 (11-0), 1961 (10-1), 1987 (10-1-1), 1996 (10-2), 2001 (10-3), and 2003 (13-1).
LSU’s 3 Overtime Games Most In College Football This Year
By going to overtime against Alabama, LSU has now played 3 overtime games in 2005. The 3 overtime games this year is the most of any team in the country this season. Five teams have gone to overtime twice this year, but LSU is the only team to have 3 overtime games in 2005. Since overtime was brought to the college game in 1996, only 13 teams have had 3 overtime games in a single-season and only one team (Northwestern in 2004) has gone to overtime 4 times in a single year. LSU is 5-2 all-time in overtime games, including a 2-1 mark this season. Coincidentally, LSU’s first overtime game came against Ole Miss in 1998 as the Tigers dropped a 37-31 decision to the Rebels in Oxford.
LSU’s Four Wins Over Top 25 Teams In 2005 Are Most Ever During Regular Season
LSU’s win over third-ranked Alabama marked the fourth time this year that the Tigers have recorded a win over a ranked foe. The four ranked victories are the most ever for an LSU team during the regular season. The 2003 team holds the school record with 5 wins over ranked opponents with 2 of those wins coming in the SEC Championship Game and then the Sugar Bowl. This year, LSU has wins over No. 15 Arizona State (W, 35-31), No. 11/13 Florida (W, 21-17), No. 15/16 Auburn (W, 20-17 OT) and No. 3/4 Alabama (W, 16-13 OT).
LSU Streaks To Make Note Of
LSU has won 8 straight overall and 7 straight road games dating back to last year … LSU hasn’t allowed a first quarter TD since the Mississippi State contest on Oct. 1 … LSU QB JaMarcus Russell has thrown for at least 1 TD in 8 consecutive games … LSU OT Andrew Whitworth broke the school record with his 49th straight start vs. Ole Miss, which is the second-longest streak in the nation … LSU WR Craig Davis has caught at least 1 pass in 20 straight games in which he has played.
LSU Starts 9-1 For Second Time In Three Years
The win over Ole Miss gave LSU its second 9-1 start in three years. In 2003, the Tigers won 8 of their first 9 on the way to a 13-1 overall record and the BCS National Title.
Tigers Go Undefeated On Road For Second Time in Three Years
LSU’s win over Ole Miss on Saturday gave the Tigers a perfect 5-0 mark on the road this year. It’s the second undefeated season on the road for the Tigers in three years. LSU was 5-0 on the road during the national championship season of 2003. Prior to 2003, the last time an LSU team went undefeated on the road came in 1997 when the Tigers were 4-0.
LSU’s Won 7 Straight Road Games
In addition to its 5-0 road mark in 2005, the Tigers have also won 7 consecutive road games dating back to last season. LSU opened the year with a 35-31 win over Arizona State and then followed that with road wins against Mississippi State (37-7) on Oct. 1, Vanderbilt (34-6) on Oct. 8 and Alabama (16-13 OT) on Nov. 12. The 6-game road winning streak is the longest for the Tigers since winning 7 straight during the 1996 and 1997 seasons. Note: the 7-game road winning streak does not take into account the loss to Iowa in the Capital One Bowl, which is considered a neutral site game.
Arkansas Tigers
LSU has 1 player on its roster who calls Arkansas home and that’s redshirt freshman offensive guard Brett Helms, who is from Stuttgart, Ark. Helms will not be in action against his home state team on Friday as he’s out for the season with an ankle injury. Helms opened the season as LSU’s starter at left guard.
Who’s In and Who’s Out For The Tigers
LSU lost sophomore RB Alley Broussard (knee) for the season back in August with a knee injury. Broussard, who was slated as LSU’s starting running back, will be back in time for spring practice. Redshirt freshman OG Brett Helms (ankle) is expected to miss the remainder of the season with an ankle injury. Helms, who opened the season as LSU’s starter at left guard, injured his ankle against North Texas. Redshirt freshman C Ryan Miller (knee) will miss LSU’s last two regular season games. Miller has been out of action since the first offensive series of the Vanderbilt game on Oct. 8.
In The Polls
The Tigers continued its climb back up the top 10 as LSU again inched up a spot, this time climbing to No. 3 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, the Associated Press Poll and the Harris Interactive Poll following the 40-7 win over Ole Miss. The No. 3 ranking this week matches the highest ranking for the Tigers this year. LSU was also No. 3 in the USA Today Coaches Poll and the AP Poll on Sept. 11 and Sept. 18 this year. LSU has been ranked for 48 consecutive periods in the USA Today Coaches poll and for 47 straight weeks in the AP poll. The BCS Standings will be released on Monday afternoon. Last week, the Tigers moved up two spots to No. 5 in the BCS.
Miles Matches Bernie Moore For Best Start For First-Year Coach In LSU History
With a 9-1 overall record, Les Miles matched the best start for a first-year coach in LSU history. The 9-1 start equals that of Bernie Moore who won 9 of his first 10 games as a first-year LSU coach in 1935. Moore went on to lead LSU to a 9-2 record in 1935 as the Tigers claimed both the SEC title as well as the national title as handed out by the Williamson poll.
Tigers Have Won 10 Straight November Games
The Tigers bring a 10-game November winning streak into the Arkansas game. The last time LSU lost in November was at Arkansas on Nov. 29, 2002. LSU won all 4 November games in 2003 and defeated Alabama, Ole Miss and Arkansas in November a year ago.
Perfect October
With a 5-0 record in October, LSU posted its first perfect October since 1987. LSU has won a total of 8 straight games in the month, the longest streak since 10 straight October wins spanning from 1985-87.
Keeping Them Under 20 Points
By holding Ole Miss to 7 points, LSU has now held 8 straight opponents, 6 of which are SEC foes, to 20 points or less. It marks the first time LSU has held 8 straight opponents to 20 points or less since 2003 when the Tigers did it for the first 11 weeks of the season on their way to claiming both the SEC and National titles. Over the past 8 games, LSU’s defense has allowed a total of 70 points (7 vs. Mississippi State; 6 vs. Vanderbilt; 17 vs. Florida; 17 vs. Auburn; 3 vs. North Texas, 0 vs. Appalachian State, 13 vs. Alabama, 7 vs. Ole Miss).
Bowl Eligible Again
With the win over North Texas, LSU became bowl-eligible for the sixth straight season. LSU has played in the Peach Bowl (2000), Sugar Bowl (2001 and 2003), Cotton Bowl (2003) and Capital One Bowl (2005) in consecutive seasons. In addition, the Tigers have now recorded at least 8 wins for the sixth straight season.
No First Quarter TDs Allowed Stretches To Seven Straight Games
LSU stretched its streak of not allowing a first quarter TD to 7 straight games by holding Ole Miss scoreless in the first stanza on Saturday. LSU hasn’t allowed a first quarter touchdown since Mississippi State scored on its first possession against the Tigers on Oct. 1. Since then, LSU has held Vanderbilt, Florida, Auburn, North Texas, Appalachian State, Alabama, and Ole Miss without first quarter TDs.
LSU’s Only Allowed Two TDs Over Last 16 Quarters
LSU goes into the Arkansas contest having only allowed 2 TDs over the last 16-plus quarters. Since the fourth quarter of the Auburn game on Oct. 15, Alabama and Ole Miss are the only teams that have scored a TD against the Tigers. LSU allowed a TD to Auburn with just over 4 minutes left in the contest and then didn’t allow another TD since the 10:59 mark in the second quarter of the Alabama game. Ole Miss didn’t score until there was only 2 minutes left in the contest.
Tigers Defense Continues To Climb National Rankings; In Top 10 In Four Categories
The Tigers continue to make their climb back up the national statistical ranking as LSU is ranked among the top 10 in the nation in four defensive categories. The Tigers are No. 4 in the nation in both scoring defense (13.1 ppg) and pass efficiency defense (94.0 rating). LSU is also No. 7 in the nation in total defense (282.5 ypg) and No. 8 in rushing defense (96.4 ypg). The Tiger rushing defense will face its biggest test of the season on Friday as Arkansas brings in the nation’s ninth-best rushing attack into Tiger Stadium. The Razorbacks, who lead the SEC in the category, are averaging 235.1 yards rushing per contest.
LSU Tops In SEC In Redzone Offense
Get LSU to into the redzone and the Tigers usually deliver. Through 10 games, LSU has made 34 trips inside the redzone and the Tigers have converted on an SEC-best 91.2 percent of those trips. Of its 34 trips inside the redzone, LSU has scored 31 times with 25 of those being touchdowns (15 rushing, 10 passing).
LSU Also Good At Defending The Redzone
LSU has been just as good at defending inside the redzone as the Tigers are allowing opponents a success rate of just 70.8 percent when reaching the 20-yard line. That ranks second in the SEC to Alabama, who leads the SEC with a 61.5 percent rate. In 24 trips inside the LSU redzone this year, the Tigers have held their opponents to just 17 scores (10 touchdowns, 7 field goals). Of the 10 touchdowns scored against the Tigers in the redzone, 6 have come through the air and 4 on the ground.
Tiger Kickers Give LSU The Edge In Field Position
Chris Jackson continues to be critical to LSU’s success this year as the junior has played a key role in the Tigers’ holding the edge in field position. As LSU’s punter, Jackson has been responsible for the Tigers leading the league and ranking No. 2 in the nation in net punting with a 39.8 net average. Jackson also handles LSU’s kickoff chores and the Tigers are first in the SEC with a net average of 46.4 yards on kickoff coverage. With a 46.4 net kickoff average, LSU’s limiting its opponents to an average starting position of the 18-yard line every time the Tigers kickoff.
Russell Continues With Hot Hand
LSU QB JaMarcus Russell continued with the hot hand against Ole Miss, completing 13 of 22 passes for 142 yards and 2 TDs. Over his last 4 games, Russell has combined to complete 62 of 95 passes for 823 yards, 6 TDs and only 2 interceptions. Russell has now thrown for at least 1 TD in 78straight games and he’s gone over the 200-yard passing mark 7 times this year. In addition, Russell has been good for at least one completion of at least 30 yards in all but 2 games (Appalachian State and Alabama) game this season. Through 10 games, Russell has connected on 164 of 263 passes for 2,130 yards, 14 TDs and only 6 interceptions. He currently ranks second in the SEC in passing efficiency with a 143.3 rating and he’s fifth in the league in passing yards per game at 212.1 per contest.
Bowe’s TD Streak Snapped At 7 Straight
LSU WR Dwayne Bowe had his streak of games with at least 1 TD reception snapped at 7 against Ole Miss. Prior to the Ole Miss game, Bowe had caught a TD pass in a school-record 7 straight games, a streak that broke the previous record of 6 held by Michael Clayton in 2003.
Bowe Moves Up To Ninth on LSU’s Single-Season List For TDs
With his TD reception against Alabama, Dwayne Bowe moved into a tie with Devery Henderson for 8th place for touchdown receptions in a single-season at the school with 8. Henderson caught 8 TD passes in 2002 and then tied the school record, along with Wendell Davis (1986) the following year with 11 touchdown grabs.
Addai Looks To Have Regained Early Season Form
LSU RB Joseph Addai appeared to have regained his early season form against Ole Miss, rushing for a team-best 70 yards and 1 TD on 14 carries in the 40-7 win over the Rebels. Addai also caught 2 passes for 10 yards in the contest. The 70 yards rushing was the best outing for Addai since going for 105 yards in an overtime win over Auburn on Oct. 15. For the year, Addai has rushed for 738 yards and 8 TDs for the Tigers.
Vincent Continues Strong Play Even With Return Of Addai
LSU junior RB Justin Vincent continued his strong late season play on Saturday against Ole Miss, rushing for 54 yards and 1 TD in the win over the Rebels. That performance came a week after leading the Tigers with 56 yards and 1 TD in the win over Alabama. Vincent has now led LSU in rushing in 3 of the past 4 games. He’s also scored at least 1 TD in LSU’s last 4 games. Vincent saw extended action in LSU wins over North Texas, Appalachian State and Alabama due to Joseph Addai being slowed by a bruised ankle. Over the last 4 games, Vincent has rushed for 269 yards and 4 scores. He rushed for a season-high 89 yards and 1 TD on 16 carries against Appalachian State. Vincent’s 89 yards against Appalachian State came a week after he went for 70 yards and a score in a 56-3 win over North Texas. In 10 games this year, Vincent is second on the team with 408 yards rushing and 4 TDs.
Whitworth Breaks LSU Record For Career Starts
LSU OT Andrew Whitworth broke the school record for career starts with his 49 consecutive start against Ole Miss. The 49 straight starts breaks the school record of 48 held by Rodney Reed and Jerel Myers, who both started 48 games in their careers. Whitworth’s current streak of 49 straight starts leads the SEC and ranks second in the nation. Whitworth has a chance to become the only player in LSU history to start and play in 50 games in a career.
Taking Note On The Tigers Since 2000
Here is a look at some notable trends for LSU during the 74 games its played since 2000 … LSU is 47-4 when leading at halftime and 42-4 when leading after three quarters … The Tigers are 53-5 when scoring 20 or more points and 44-2 when scoring at least 25 points in a game … On the other hand, the Tigers are 4-12 when failing to reach the 20-point mark … LSU is 18-5 in games decided by 7 points or less and 8-3 in games decided by 3 points or less … LSU is 38-2 when holding opponents to fewer than 100 team rushing yards and the Tigers are 25-1 when having a player rush for 100 yards.
Tigers Have Three Players With 1,000 Career Receiving Yards
Three wideouts on this year’s LSU football team have gone over the 1,000-yard mark for career receiving yards this season. Junior Buster Davis was the latest to do it, following his 5 catches for 97 yards against North Texas. Dwayne Bowe leads all active LSU receivers with 80 receptions for 1,270 yards and 13 touchdowns, followed Davis with 77 receptions for 1,144 yards and Skyler Green with 107 receptions for 1,080 yards.
Green Still Second In LSU History In Punt Returns; Goes Over 1,000 Career Yards
LSU senior Skyler Green continues to rank second in school history in career punt return yards with 1,018 on 73 returns. Green with over the 1,000 career-yard mark for punt returns with 32 punt return yards against Ole Miss. This year, Green has returned 23 punts for 313 yards and 1 score. Domanick Davis holds the LSU record with 1,126 career punt return yards.
Chris Jackson Climbs Career Field Goal List At LSU; Has 13 Field Goals Of At Least 40 Yards
With a 48-yard field goal against Ole Miss, LSU PK Chris Jackson ran his career number of field goals to 23, which ranks seventh in school history. Of Jackson’s 23 career field goals, 13 have come from at least 40 yards out. David Browndyke holds the school record with 61 career field goals.
Chris Jackson Must Be Good With The Wedge; Leads SEC In Punts Downed Inside The 20
LSU P/PK Chris Jackson has a good short game as the junior has over half of his punts this year have been downed inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. In 46 punts this year, Jackson has had 24 of those downed inside the 20, including all 3 against Ole Miss. Jackson leads the SEC by having 52.1 percent of his punts being downed inside the 20. Over LSU’s last 2 games, Jackson has punted 9 times with 7 of those punts being downed inside the 20-yard line.
Jackson Can Hit Too
In addition to his punting, placekicking and kickoff chores for the LSU football team, Chris Jackson also plays the hot corner for the Tiger baseball. Last year in his first season with LSU’s nationally-ranked baseball team, Jackson earned Freshman All-SEC honors after batting .300 with 1 home run and 17 RBI for the SEC Western Division Champion Tigers.