Arkansas vs. LSU: 5 Things We Learned about the Tigers' Win Against Arkansas

With the Tigers needing one more win to all but lock up a berth into the national championship game in January, Les Miles and LSU used the run game and some special, special teams to defeat Arkansas Saturday in Baton Rouge

Let’s take a look at what we learned from the No. 1 team’s big 41-17 win Saturday afternoon as they look to capture their first national championship since winning against Ohio State in 2007.

LSU Should Be This Year’s National Champion

Whether it was Oregon at the season opener or the game of the century against Alabama or the tough road game in Morgantown, LSU has been battle-tested this season with one of the toughest schedules of any college football team this season.

With the likelihood of a rematch in the national championship game against Alabama, the Tigers will have the edge coming into the game if we are subjected to the game of the century part two in New Orleans.

Jordan Jefferson Has Become a Great LSU Quarterback

You can say what you want about Jefferson’s off-field incident before this season is a story for another day and time; this is about the young quarterback’s play on the field since returning to the Tigers earlier this season.

Even though he threw his first interception Saturday versus Arkansas, the LSU signal-caller has been an effective leader for the team after taking over for Jarrett Lee helping the Tigers to 12-0 this season and a shot at the national title.

The RB Depth of LSU

In today’s game versus for the Razorbacks, the combined effort of running backs Kenny Hilliard, Michael Ford and Spencer Ware went for 235 yards and two touchdowns for a tough Razorbacks defense Saturday in Baton Rouge.

For the season, the Tigers have three backs on the roster that has at least 400 yards rushing for the season in addition to four backs that have five or more rushing touchdowns on the season.

Whoever ends up playing LSU in New Orleans for the national title, the front seven of the opposing defense should be ready for an onslaught of running backs on January 9th.

Tyrann Mathieu

If Jordan Jefferson has been the heart of the LSU offense since returning to the team, Tyrann Mathieu has been the heart of the Tigers capitalizing defense this season.

The sophomore Mathieu, statistically, has had a great season for LSU as the cornerback led the team in tackles in addition to adding two interceptions and a sack to round his season.

LSU in 2012

With the 2011 version of LSU Tigers being a scary team as it beat the likes of Alabama, Oregon and likely Alabama again in January, the Bayou Bengals will be even better next season so you might not be saying will LSU be in the national title race but who will be fighting for No. 2 next season?