Oregon scored 34 points yesterday in an exciting, fast-paced, dizzying offensive matchup of Top 25 teams, and lost. If you’re wondering why I’m writing about Oregon on an LSU blog, it’s to emphasize the point that there is no wrong way to win a game. LSU survived in a 13-10 win against Arkansas and are now the SEC West champions in Brian Kelly’s first year at the helm.

All the signs were there to tell us this that this would not be an easy game. The early kickoff time, freezing weather, Vegas odds, and yet I predictably and idiotically predicted that LSU would win by multiple scores. Sure, I was wrong about the margin of victory, but I was unfortunately right about the offensive staff’s approach to the game. LSU’s insistence to pass against a statistically weak secondary cost the offense a chance to get in an early rhythm to take the crowd out of the game. Give Arkansas credit for defending Jayden Daniels the same way LSU defended Bryce Young – zone looks with pressure coming from different angles. The Tigers rushing attack eventually settled in, but they still couldn’t finish drives. LSU was out of sync early and did not look comfortable offensively at any point in this game. The Bayou Bengals would have to rely on the defense on this day.

I could point to many plays in which the defense’s phenomenal effort saved LSU from disaster. The defense kept Arkansas out of field goal range after an uncharacteristic interception by Daniels on the first drive. They would go on to force a turnover on downs after the Razorbacks recovered a fumble on the LSU 10-yard line. Greg Penn played with outstanding leverage throughout, and Greg Brooks, an Arkansas transfer, made a touchdown saving pass deflection late in the game. Jaquelin Roy continued his string of success at defensive tackle in SEC competition. Many players had a key role in the dominant defensive display, but this game was about Harold Perkins.

Harold Perkins

Perkins had eight tackles, four sacks, and somehow only two forced fumbles (it seemed like 10) in this game, yet the most impressive piece, as Les Miles would say, is how he did it. He lined up on the ball as a true rush end at times in addition to playing as a quarterback spy. LSU adjusted his utilization as Arkansas changed quarterbacks, and the Razorbacks did not have an answer to his speed, power, bend, and explosiveness. As a fan, soak these games up. Record them. Gather your family as if it’s movie night. You are witnessing the most physically gifted defender to ever play for LSU. There are so many superlatives I could use to describe Perkins, but the most accurate is transcendent – beyond the range of normal or merely physical human experience. We are beholding a talent that is not normal for anybody, much less a freshman.

Many watched the game and thought, “LSU will get killed by Georgia if they play like this.” That is true, but there is no reason to assume they will play as badly as they did yesterday. Every week, game, and matchup is different. I actually like how LSU matches up against Georgia and their love of man coverage, but that’s a different article for a different day. The Tigers will get a break in SEC action to host UAB next week. Enjoy the moment; an ugly win is still a win. Don’t lose sight of the fact that LSU is not supposed to be here this soon. Geaux Tigers!!!