LSU’s long-frustrating season of offensive shortcomings arguably saved its worst for last on a Saturday in which ineffective performance ultimately outweighed commendable effort and left the door open for No. 8 Oklahoma escape a potential upset bid.
The Tigers (7-5, 3-5) finished with season-lows in total yards, passing yards, first downs and third-down conversions and their second-lowest scoring output, yet still battled their way to leads in the third and fourth quarters thanks to a largely solid defensive effort.
But the Sooners (10-2, 6-2) finally broke through with 45- and 58-yard explosive plays to survive, 17-13, and seemingly secure a College Football Playoff spot.
Junior receiver Isaiah Sategna, the son of former LSU track athletes, blew through a busted coverage for the go-ahead strike from junior John Mateer with 4:16 remaining.
And though a 47-yard kick return by Barion Brown set up the Tigers near midfield for a potential late answer, Oklahoma effectively sealed the victory with an eventual fourth-down stop at its 29.
LSU managed just 198 yards of offense — 113 through the air and 85 on the ground, and went 2-for-14 (14.3%) on third downs — a number actually improved by a conversion on the final drive.
After entering the fall with high expectations, the Tigers finished the regular season without scoring more than 25 points against any of their 11 FBS opponents.
All either team could score in the first half was a field goal each: a 38-yarder by Tate Sandell for a first-quarter lead for the Sooners, then a 25-yard answer early in the second by Damian Ramos.
An interception and 42-yard return by senior safety A.J. Haulcy on the opening possession of the third quarter gifted LSU great starting field position at the Oklahoma 33 en route to the game’s first touchdown.
Four plays later, sophomore quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. swung the ball out to senior wide receiver Zavion Thomas (John Ehret) for the goal-line score.
Freshman cornerback D.J. Pickett intercepted Mateer the next possession to highlight a series of traded stops in the quarter.
But the Sooners’ quarterback bounced back and eventually tied the game at 10-10 later in the third on a tunnel screen than Deion Burks popped for a 47-yard score.
The Tigers reclaimed an edge midway through the fourth quarter on a 43-yard Ramos kick and then forced a quick three-and-out.
LSU punted the ball right back, though, and Mateer and Sategna connected on the dagger to flip the script.
Sophomore quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. finished 14-for-25 (56.0%) for 96 yards, a touchdown and an interception and rushed five times for 33 yards.
Sophomore running back Caden Durham ran six times for 42 yards, and Thomas caught three passes for 30 yards.
Sophomore linebacker Davhon Keys led the defense with eight tackles, including one for loss, and a forced fumble.
Haulcy had seven tackles and an interception, and junior linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. had six tackles, an interception and a hurry.