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In a heartbreaking 22-21 defeat to the Texas Longhorns on Saturday night at Tiger Stadium, LSU showed flashes of dominance but ultimately fell short. The Tigers built an 11-point lead in the third quarter and seemed in control for much of the game, only to see Texas snatch victory with a touchdown with four seconds remaining.
Despite the loss, several players delivered standout performances, while others left questions to be answered as the season enters its final stretch. Here's a look at whose stock is rising and whose is falling after the Tigers' narrow defeat.
Stock Up
Ty Benefield was a force to be reckoned with in the secondary. The safety recorded eight tackles, two interceptions, and a sack, consistently disrupting Texas's passing attack. His first interception came in the first quarter when he picked off Arch Manning's deep attempt intended for Emmett Mosley V and returned it 33 yards to set up LSU inside the Texas 10-yard line. Two plays later, Sam Leavitt connected with Jackson Harris for a touchdown, giving LSU a 14-7 lead. Benefield struck again in the third quarter, intercepting Manning once more to give the Tigers another opportunity. Though LSU fell short, Benefield's play was a major reason the team was in position to win.
Eugene Wilson III emerged as a reliable target in the passing game, hauling in seven receptions for 96 yards to lead the Tigers. While he didn't reach the end zone, Wilson consistently moved the chains and made plays downfield against a talented Texas defense. His production was crucial for an LSU offense that needed contributions beyond its usual playmakers.
Dilin Jones provided a spark on the ground with a 44-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that extended LSU's lead to 21-10. Jones finished with 19 carries for 125 yards and a score, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. His explosive run put the Longhorns on their heels and showcased his ability to be a difference-maker in the backfield.
Stock Down
Sam Leavitt had a mixed outing, throwing two touchdown passes but also three interceptions. The turnovers proved costly, giving Texas extra possessions and making an already challenging matchup even tougher. While Leavitt helped LSU build a 21-10 lead, the three interceptions are hard to overlook in a one-point loss. The Tigers can't afford to give opponents that many opportunities and expect to win consistently.
Scott Starzyk missed a 38-yard field goal attempt wide right late in the second quarter after an 11-play, 55-yard drive. Those three points could have been the difference in a game decided by a single point. LSU still led 14-10 at halftime, but the missed opportunity looms large in retrospect.
Lane Kiffin and his staff face scrutiny after another disappointing result. The Tigers had Texas on the ropes for much of the night but couldn't close the deal, allowing the Longhorns to score the go-ahead touchdown in the final seconds. The offense was held scoreless in the fourth quarter, and LSU couldn't respond as Texas gained momentum. While the players must execute, Kiffin and his staff will have plenty to review. Close losses to quality opponents aren't what the program hoped for when Kiffin was brought to Baton Rouge.