QUARTERBACKS Arkansas’ Casey Dick played the worst game of his career, completing 3 of 17 passes for 29 yards and 1 interception. Running back Darren McFadden had more passing yards (33 ) than Dick. Dick did face some pressure, but was also wild when he had time. JaMarcus Russell, meanwhile, was efficient and effective, completing 14 of 22 passes for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns. He hit several key third-down passes — including one on the final drive — and repeatedly showed poise and the ability to make a big play under pressure. ADVANTAGE LSU RUNNING BACKS Darren McFadden probably should book his plane ticket to New York for the Heisman Trophy presentation. He likely won’t win it, but after rushing 21 times for 182 yards and 2 touchdowns (and completing 2 passes for 33 yards ), he should be a finalist. McFadden’s 80-yard run with 10: 31 left in the game put the Razorbacks right back in the game. McFadden’s performance nearly overshadowed Felix Jones, who rushed for 142 yards on 16 carries, his season-high total. Jones also had a 40-yard touchdown run called back for a penalty that didn’t affect the play. Keiland Williams ran 13 times for 68 yards to lead LSU. ADVANTAGE Arkansas RECEIVERS Five players each caught 1 pass for the Razorbacks, whose passing game was all but nonexistent. Marcus Monk had an impressive 21-yard touchdown catch, on which he carried several defenders about 8 yards into the end zone, but it wasn’t enough. The Tigers’ talented receivers corps was nicely showcased by quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who spread the ball around. Dwayne Bowe caught 5 passes for 68 yards, and Craig Davis had 3 receptions for 72 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown catch. Jacob Hester added 3 more receptions for 44 yards. ADVANTAGE LSU OFFENSIVE LINE While Darren McFadden and Felix Jones are clearly talented players, credit for the Razorbacks’ rushing performance also has to go to the offensive line. Arkansas rushed for 324 yards, four times more than the Tigers had been allowing. The Razorbacks did allow two sacks, but so did LSU. Arkansas’ protection was solid, and run blocking superb most of the game. ADVANTAGE Arkansas DEFENSIVE LINE Arkansas provided pressure on quarterback JaMarcus Russell, but not enough. Marcus Harrison did force and recover a fumble, and played the line’s best game with five tackles. But not enough was done to make Russell uncomfortable in the pocket. LSU’s line had a strong pass rush, but allowed far too many yards on the ground, and wasn’t able to get off its blocks on McFadden’s 80-yard run between the tackles. ADVANTAGE None LINEBACKERS Arkansas’ Sam Olajubutu and Weston Dacus were all over the field. Each had eight tackles and a tackle for a loss to lead Arkansas. Razorbacks linebackers, including Desmond Sims, who played a lot in place of Matt Hewitt, didn’t miss a tackle. Hewitt played sparingly because of a knee injury. LSU middle linebacker Darry Beckwith had five tackles, but most of the Tigers tackles were made by the secondary, coming up to stop the run. ADVANTAGE Arkansas DEFENSIVE BACKS Arkansas’ Matterral Richardson looked terrible in allowing a 47-yard touchdown catchand-run down the left sideline, getting turned around and then running himself out of the play after the reception was made. The Razorbacks had trouble covering Tigers receivers most of the day, as LSU completed 64 percent of its passes. Arkansas completed 25 percent of its passes, and had its receivers blanket-covered by LSU defensive backs. The Tigers secondary batted away four consecutive Arkansas passes in the Razorbacks ’ last-ditch effort on their final drive. ADVANTAGE LSU SPECIAL TEAMS The biggest play of the game might have come on special teams, when the Tigers stole momentum and ultimately the game. Trindon Holliday’s 92-yard kickoff return came immediately after Darren McFadden’s 80-yard touchdown run, and gave the momentum back to the Tigers. Also, Arkansas kicker Jeremy Davis’ missed extra point on the Razorbacks’ first possession resulted in Arkansas playing from behind for a majority of the game, a psychological disadvantage. ADVANTAGE LSU