LSU hadn’t allowed a running back more than 100 yards rushing since Alabama’s Kenneth Darby did it in 2005.

It let two do it Friday.

Arkansas’ Darren McFadden and Felix Jones topped the 100-yard mark, but it still wasn’t enough as the Razorbacks lost 31-26 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

McFadden burned LSU for 182 yards and 2 touchdowns on 21 carries, while Jones finished with 137 yards and 1 touchdown on 16 carries. It was the first time since 2002 that LSU allowed two running backs to top 100 yards rushing in a game.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 182 yards gained by McFadden gave him 1, 485 for the season, breaking Arkansas ’ single-season rushing record of 1, 387 set by Madre Hill in 1995.

“We just did like we have been doing all year and tried to run the football,” said McFadden, who also completed two passes for 33 yards. “We did a good job, too.”

LSU entered the game ranked second in the SEC in rushing defense, allowing an average of 74. 6 yards a game. But after watching McFadden’s performance Friday, LSU Coach Les Miles was just happy to escape with the victory.

“That guy, that guy could play in the NFL,” Miles said. “That tailback could turn right around and be playing in the NFL right now.”

LSU fans probably wished McFadden was already there late in the second half. The Tigers had taken a 24-12 lead with 10: 59 remaining when McFadden took the ball on first down and raced 80 yards up the middle virtually untouched to get the Razorbacks back in the game.

“Our offensive line did a great job, just like they have been doing all year,” McFadden said. “The offensive line sealed off all their blocks and I just hit the hole running.”

Momentum from McFadden’s run was short-lived, however, as LSU’s Trindon Holliday returned the following kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown to push LSU back up by 12.

Many thought it would be a lower scoring game, but McFadden wasn’t surprised the teams combined for 57 points.

“We watched film on them all week and we knew it would be this type of game,” McFadden said. “They do a great job and have a real good team. We knew what it was going to be and just came out and played hard.”

Arkansas running backs coach Danny Nutt was pleased with the performance turned in by McFadden and Jones.

“That is big-time. They have a pro defense,” Nutt said. “We knew coming into the game that it was going to be tough.”

Jones’ totals would have been even more impressive had he not had a touchdown called back because of a clip behind the play. He said the close margin made losing even harder.

“We just have to take it as a steppingstone and learn from it,” Jones said. “We can’t blame anyone. We played our best.”

Jones said LSU’s defense forced the Razorbacks to earn every yard they gained Friday.

“They’re fast and they move around,” Jones said. “They have a strong defensive line. We just played the game and did what we can do.”

LSU defensive end Chase Pittman, one of the league’s top defensive ends, said the Tigers knew they would have their hands full with Arkansas’

run-“ We knew they had two of the best running backs in the country coming into the game, so our focus was to stop them, ” Pittman said. “We did not do a great job of it, but well enough to hold on for the victory.”

Jones said now the Razorbacks have to put the loss behind them because they have another big game next week, when Arkansas meets Florida in the SEC Championship Game. The winner of that game will likely play Jan. 3 at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

“We have to forget about this game and keep going,” Jones said. “We can’t dwell on this too long or it will hold us back.”