Instant Takeaways: No. 8 LSU Takes Down Arkansas 34-10 in Fayetteville

Whit Weeks lifts the defense once again, propels the Tigers past the Razorbacks to remain unbeaten in SEC play.

Tigers Saivion Jones 35 and Whit Weeks 40 celebrate after a fumble recovery as the LSU Tigers take on UCLA at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. / SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

No. 8 LSU handled business on Saturday night in Fayetteville after taking down the Arkansas Razorbacks 34-10 behind a strong showing from sophomore star Whit Weeks.

It was the dynamic linebacker that continues elevating the Bayou Bengals after another strong showing in SEC play against Sam Pittman's squad.

Now, Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers have won their sixth straight game and improve to 6-1 (3-0) before a pivotal showdown against Texas A&M next Saturday in College Station.

Instant Takeaways: Week 8 Edition

The One-Two Punch of Whit Weeks and Bradyn Swinson

LSU linebacker Whit Weeks has introduced himself to America after back-to-back sensational performances against Ole Miss and Arkansas.

After an 18 tackle performance last weekend against the Rebels, Weeks followed it up with another masterclass showing on Saturday night in Fayetteville against the Razorbacks.

The sophomore star ended the night with nine total tackles, five solo tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, one pass breakup and one interception. The stat sheet stuffer was shot out of a cannon on nearly every play after wreaking havoc in the backfield.

LSU found themselves in a one-score game with the Razorbacks in the third quarter. With Arkansas trending, insert Weeks as the hero. The youngster batted a pass at the line of scrimmage, kept his eye on the ball and came up with a momentum shifting interception.

On the next play, it was Caden Durham who punched in the score to shift all momentum LSU's way with the program not blinking after the touchdown.

Weeks has been phenomenal, but his counterpart up front has given the defense a boost as well in Bradyn Swinson.

Swinson's numbers don't jump off the page from Saturday night, but his constant pressure in the backfield gave Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green trouble.

Green ended the night 21-for-31 through the air with 239 yards and a score. It was an efficient showing early, but the Tigers handled business in crunch time.

Diversity in the Playcalling 

All season long it's been signal-caller Garrett Nussmeier who has lifted the LSU offense to victory with his arm. The lack of production on the ground has been a thorn in the team's side, but Saturday night proved there's life in the rushing attack.

True freshman Caden Durham has proven to be a force for LSU after asserting himself as the lead back after Week 3. Now, he's carrying the momentum into SEC play.

Durham ended Saturday night in Fayetteville with 21 carries for 101 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He's become the much-needed piece in order to diversify the playbook.

#LSU RB Caden Durham has unlocked the rushing attack for the Bayou Bengals.

The freshman phenom is taking over in Year 1 with the offense clicking on all cylinders.

Saturday Night:
- 21 carries
- 101 yards
- 3 TDs

The 2024 Season: 62 carries, 382 yards + 6 TDs

Taking over. pic.twitter.com/NEY8MwM1Au

— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) October 20, 2024

Through the air, it was Nussmeier who handled business once again after tossing 33 passes with 21 completions for 224 yards.

The go-to receiver in Week 8 was CJ Daniels after ending the night with 86 yards on seven receptions.

Along with Daniels, it was Kyren Lacy who hauled in six receptions for 49 yards.

Offensive coordinator Joe Sloan found the balance in his playcalling that the program has been searching for this season. Now, it's resulted in a critical SEC victory.

Undisciplined Football  

The glaring takeaway early Saturday night in Fayetteville was LSU’s undisciplined football through the first three quarters of the game. With 11 penalties totaling 80 yards, it was the thorn in the Bayou Bengals’ side early on against the Razorbacks.

The LSU offensive line has struggled in the penalty category this season with Saturday night providing much of the same.

The Tigers' front had eight false start penalties with the lack of discipline becoming a key takeaway against the Razorbacks.

No. 8 LSU will head to College Station next weekend for a date against the Texas A&M Aggies in a battle for the top of the Southeastern Conference.

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Nick Saban Calls LSU Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier a "Sleeper" Ahead of 2024 Season

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