Instant Takeaways: LSU Football Unable to Spoil Oklahoma's CFP Chances in 17-13 Loss

The LSU Tigers (7-5, 3-5 SEC) battled until the clock hit zero in Norman with the Oklahoma Sooners' late-game score lifting Brent Venables and Co. to a 17-13 win at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

In a game where the LSU Tigers had the opportunity to play spoiler for the Sooners' College Football Playoff chances, John Mateer and Oklahoma overcame multiple turnovers in order to get over the hump in the fourth quarter.

Interim coach Frank Wilson and the Tigers fall to 7-5 on the year with the 2025 regular season now in the rearview mirror following a chaotic stretch in Baton Rouge.

The Instant Takeaways: Week 14 Edition

No. 1: Abysmal Showing on Offense for LSU

On a night where the LSU Tigers were unable to get any production through the air, quarterback Michael Van Buren ended the day 14-for-25 with 96 yards passing after a challenging day at the office.

Van Buren connected with 10 different pass-catchers on the day, but it wasn't enough in Norman with the offense struggling against one of the best defenses in America.

LSU remained in pole position to take this one on the road against a fiery Oklahoma squad, but an early interception thrown by Van Buren paired with multiple miscues allowed the Sooners to remain within arms reach to get over the hump.

LSU Tigers Football. — Nov 29, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Louisiana State Tigers quarterback Michael van Buren Jr. (11) warms up before the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

LSU running backs Harlem Berry and Caden Durham combined for 65 yards on the ground with the Tigers logging an abysmal 2.9 yards per carry against the Sooners at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

LSU ended the night with 198 yards of total offense while going 2-for-14 on third down and only nine first downs in Week 14.

No. 2: Give the LSU Defense Flowers

Defensive coordinator Blake Baker's unit stole the show in Norman after reeling in three interceptions with DJ Pickett, AJ Haulcy, and Harold Perkins all hauling in one of their own.

After winning the turnover battle while forcing three interceptions from John Mateer, the LSU defense shined against an Oklahoma offense that ultimately bent, but didn't break.

The LSU defense was nearly flawless, but a busted coverage in the fourth quarter saw Mateer connect with Isaiah Sategna for a 50-plus yard touchdown to give the Sooners the lead with the program not looking back to capture a 17-13 win.

Oklahoma totaled 393 yards of total offense with 318 coming through the air on 13.8 yards per play to lead the Sooners to a win - further cementing Oklahoma's College Football Playoff chances.

No. 3: Tigers Fought Until the Buzzer

LSU entered Saturday with zero expectations with the program's postseason goals out the window after falling to 7-4 prior to Week 14 with multiple significant losses across the 2025 season.

Despite the outside noise and underachieving season in Baton Rouge, the LSU defense kept composure and showed up time and time against in Week 14 - spearheaded by the upperclassmen on the roster.

Harold Perkins, Mansoor Delane, and West Weeks pieced together strong performances in Norman to keep things tight, but ultimately unable to get over the hump to spoil Oklahoma's College Football Playoff chances.

Now, with the 2025 regular season in the rearview mirror - falling to 7-5 on the year - the Tigers will await their bowl game with one more game left on the docket.

More LSU News:

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ESPN FPI Reveals Prediction for LSU Football vs. Oklahoma Sooners in Week 14 Matchup

No. 1 Wide Receiver in Louisiana, LSU Football Commit Remains Locked in With Tigers

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