LSU FALLS TO SOONERS, 17-13 IN A TOUGH DEFENSIVE BATTLE

Photo By: LSUsports.net

Da Boot Sports
11/29/2025
By: Terrill J. Weil


   NORMAN, OK - LSU traveled to Oklahoma for the first time ever to take on the 8th ranked Sooners in the 2025 regular season finale and unfortunately fell in a close, competitive game, 17-13.

   Once again, LSU's offense was lifeless through most of the day, sputtering badly against a very good Oklahoma defense. The Tiger defense played a fantastic game, except for two huge break downs in the secondary that allowed Oklahoma to score two touchdowns. The Tigers managed only 198 yards of total offense while giving up 393 to the Sooners. 

   Michael Van Buren, who struggled most of the day, finished 14-25 for 96 yards with a touchdown and a very costly interception. Caden Durham led the team in rushing with 42 yards on six carries. Zavion Thomas was LSU's leading receiver with three catches for 30 yards and a touchdown. 
   On defense, Davhon Keys led the way with 8 tackles. AJ Haulcy, Harold Perkins and DJ Pickett each had an interception.

   
   On Oklahoma's first offensive possession of the game, while facing third and six at their own 46, John Mateer was intercepted by Harold Perkins Jr. who returned the ball to the Sooners' four yard line.

   LSU however, failed to capitalize on the turnover. On the very next play, first and goal from the four, Michael Van Buren was intercepted in the end zone by Peyton Bowen, killing the LSU scoring threat. 

​   The Sooners drew first blood, driving 53 yards in 11 plays before having to settle for a Tate Sandell 38 yard field goal. With 4:31 left in the first quarter, Oklahoma led, 3-0.

   LSU responded with a six play, 42 yard drive, culminating with a Damian Ramos 24 yard field goal. 3-3 at the 13:35 mark of the second quarter. The Tigers had help on the drive with two huge Oklahoma defensive penalties. (face mask & roughing the passer).

   Both defenses dominated the remainder of the first half as the contest went into the halftime break, all even at 3-3.


   Oklahoma took the second half kickoff and drove into LSU territory. With it first and ten at the LSU 38, Mateer was intercepted by AJ Haulcy who returned the ball 42 yards to the Oklahoma 33 yard line. 

   LSU quickly moved 33 yards in four plays to take their first lead of the contest. A 23 yard run by Michal Van Buren set the Tigers up first and goal at the one. On the next play, Van Buren hit Zavion Thomas on a swing pass that went into the end zone for the score. 10-3, LSU with 11:21 left in the third quarter. 

   It looked like Oklahoma would answer LSU's score, as they drove 47 yards on eight plays. But on third and seven at the LSU 28, John Mateer was intercepted by DJ Pickett at the Tigers' seven yard line to end the scoring threat. 

   After both teams exchanged punts, Oklahoma made their biggest offensive plays of the game. On second and ten at the LSU 45, John Mateer hit Deion Burks for a 45 yard touchdown to tie the game at 10-10 with 1:47 left in the third.

   The Tigers managed one of their best drives of the day, moving 42 yards in seven plays, but the Bayou Bengals shot themselves in the foot to stall the drive. Damian Ramos hit a 43 yard field goal to put LSU back in the lead, 13-10 with 7:56 remaining in the contest.

   Oklahoma made another explosive play, taking advantage of a huge break down in the LSU secondary. On first and ten at the Sooners' 42, Mateer found a very very wide open Isaiah Sategna for a 58 yard touchdown to give Oklahoma a 17-13 lead with only 4:16 remaining.

   LSU's Barion Brown returned the kickoff 47 yards to mid-field to start the Tigers final drive of the game. LSU drove to the Sooners' 32 yard line but ended up turning the ball over on downs. 

   LSU finishes the season 7-5 overall and 3-5 in SEC play. Now the Tigers will wait for their bowl game destination. More importantly, waiting for the hire of their new head coach!

   

​   **Please be sure to go to our Da Boot Sports YouTube Channel every Monday night at 8pm CST for our live podcast, Talking Tigers with Da Boot Sports! Da Boot Sports Founder, Terrill Weil and co-host Mark Hawkins will review Saturday's contest and talk LSU football with a special guest. This Monday night's special guests will be the fun, amazing and football knowledgeable Evil Twins (Scott & Kent DeJean)!  Thank You for your support!  GEAUX TIGERS!!!

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*John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

​*John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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Graphic Above By: Kae Lashay

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