By Hunt Palmer
A low-energy start between two underachieving teams produced some second quarter fireworks.
LSU leads Oklahoma, 24-17, at the half.
Over the course of 3:16 of game time, Caden Durham busted a 50-yard run to set up a field goal, Jackson Arnold galloped for 28 yards to set up a touchdown, and Aaron Anderson ran a kickoff back 100 yards for an answering score.
That provided a sleepy Tiger Stadium with a little life. As did Chris Hilton’s 40-yard leaping touchdown catch with 45 seconds left in the half. The score was Hilton’s first of the season.
The story of the first half appeared to be Garrett Nussmeier leaving the game with an injury. He missed six offensive snaps to be evaluated for an injury inflicted by R Mason Thomas who beat Will Campbell for a speed rush sack.
Nussmeier left the sideline to receive an X-ray. That was negative, and he returned to the game having missed six LSU offensive snaps.
LSU controlled the clock, winning time of possession 17:16 to 12:44. The Tigers ran 38 plays to Oklahoma’s 25.
Nussmeier has been pressured routinely by the aggressive Sooner front. He’s been sacked twice and hurried three more times. Still, he’s produced 14 completions and a pair of touchdowns in 19 attempts against a stout Sooner secondary.
Zavion Thomas also left the game for LSU. He is being evaluated for a head injury.
Oklahoma will get the ball to begin the second half.
