5 takeaways from LSU’s win over Arkansas in Week 8

Since the trip to Arkansas took place between ranking games against Ole Miss and Texas A&M, LSU’s meeting with the Razorbacks was all about the trap game.

LSU avoided the trap Saturday night. The last four meetings between these programs have been decided by three points, but LSU picked up a comfortable win in this game. Although LSU was only a 2.5-point favorite, they won 34-10.

If you’ve been paying attention to the SEC this year, you can take a 24-point road win any day. For now, LSU is staying out of the mess, and that’s good news for Tigers fans.

LSU ran cable to cable here. Caden Durham got LSU on the field on the opener and LSU outscored Arkansas 18-3 in the second half to clinch the game.

Durham led the way on the ground with 101 yards and three scores. CJ Daniels led LSU with 86 yards rushing in his return from injury.

Here are five takeaways from a big SEC win.

LSU wins the turnover battle

LSU protected the football and forced three turnovers of its own.

The biggest came five minutes before the end of the third half. LSU put pressure on Arkansas QB Taylen Green with a tipped pass leading to an interception by Whit Weeks.

The turnover put LSU at the Arkansas two-yard line and LSU needed one play to score.

That left LSU leading 24-10 and in control of the game. On a night where penalties killed LSU, the turnovers were crucial.

The Tigers are happy to have CJ Daniels back

Veteran receiver CJ Daniels was sidelined against Ole Miss, but his return Saturday night was welcome.

LSU included Daniels early. Nussmeier hit a shot for Daniels in the first period that resulted in pass interference and put LSU in position to score.

Daniels was also crucial in the fast-paced game, with LSU taking advantage of what Arkansas’ defense allowed.

It was Daniels’ most productive night of the year with seven catches for 86 yards.

LSU was efficient but not explosive

The explosiveness of the LSU offense continues to be inconsistent, but LSU was efficient on Saturday, finishing with a success rate in the 88th percentile.

LSU kept the ball moving and picked up first downs when needed. Despite the lack of big yardage plays, LSU didn’t have to scramble for yards in this game.

The Tigers finished the game with a 58% success rate through the air. That’s enough after Nussmeier had trouble feeling well last week.

Caden Durham is the feature back

With Caden Durham healthy again, LSU gave the true freshman the bulk of the work. He wore it 21 times, while Kaleb Jackson and Josh Williams only wore it 10 times combined.

Durham totaled 108 yards on 22 touches of the ball.

It’s been a while since LSU had a real highlight, but Durham appears to be getting back into shape. There will still be a few growing pains, but LSU has a home threat with Durham in the backfield.

He has given this running game some much-needed momentum after struggling earlier in the year.

Win sets up showdown with Texas A&M

LSU has another big event next week with a road trip to College Station. Like LSU, Texas A&M started the year with a loss but has since posted a decline.

The winner of next week’s game should determine their own destiny en route to a possible SEC title and playoff appearance.

If LSU wins, the Tigers will add another significant win to their record, giving LSU room for error in November.

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This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: 5 takeaways from LSU’s win over Arkansas in Week 8