It’s a big day for Frank Wilson as the LSU Tigers snag their first win after a three-game losing streak. The 23-22 win against Arkansas comes at a crucial point in Wilson’s career, as he steps in as LSU’s interim HC. The family surrounded the 52-year-old after the win and saw him shed tears of joy as they all congratulated him on his big victory.

After Brian Kelly’s firing, this was a much-needed success for the Tigers as well, who were steering through a ship of controversies and theories. In a recent clip from The Advocate, Frank Wilson shared hugs and smiles with his family, who applauded him at every turn. “A remarkable day for our university and our football team,” Wilson said post-game. “My pregame speech to them was I know that they want to play hard, and I know they are going to play hard. The charge and the ask was when adversity hits you, you find a way and will a way, and keep punching.”

The game was indeed gritty and kept everyone on their toes. The story of the day? Michael Van Buren. LSU’s coaches threw the Mississippi State transfer into the fire for his first start after officials ruled Garrett Nussmeier out. And boy did he deliver. He completed 21 of 31 passes for 222 yards and a clutch touchdown to Bauer Sharp in the fourth quarter, while adding 36 yards on the ground. The most noticeable shift? Van Buren’s ability to extend plays and protect the football. Defensively, Harold Perkins brought vintage havoc.

He registered 2.5 for loss, a quarterback hurry, and a huge interception, strangling hope out of Arkansas’ offense whenever the Razorbacks threatened. Mansoor Delane joined the highlight reel, snatching an interception and smashing passes away, while Jacobian Guillory applied pressure up front. Altogether, LSU held Arkansas. The Razorback, who normally light up the scoreboard for over 33 points a game, were stuck up to 22. They limited Taylen Green to 165 passing yards on the day. But what really sparked talk in Baton Rouge was the offense looking inventive after a long time.

Weeks of bland, predictable play-calling under Joe Sloan saw nothing. Following it was the major shakeup that saw Brian Kelly and Sloan ousted. That’s when new play-caller Alex Atkins dialed up a creative script. The Tigers got tricksy in the third quarter. Van Buren connected with nine different receivers, and the ground game churned out 147 yards. Most importantly, LSU didn’t cough up the ball once. The Tigers balanced the offense with 235 passing yards and 155 rushing yards, and they pulled everything together when it mattered most. This opportunity was the main breaking point for Frank Wilson altogether.

“I recognize, I acknowledge those who have knocked on the door and hoped for opportunities as African-American coaches for many years,” Wilson said. “I stand on the shoulders of those men who are giants. I’m very fortunate, I’m very proud. I’m very humbled to be in a position to be able to help this team earn a victory.” LSU football has never had a full-time head coach who’s Black.

LSU’s QB depth keeps getting thinner

Garrett Nussmeier had been the biggest question mark all season with his lingering abdominal injury. And just before the Arkansas game, Frank Wilson stirred the pot more. Wilson’s updates on him this week raised more questions than clarity. After a practice earlier this week, Wilson said Nussmeier “re-aggravated” the nagging injury during the back half of the week. But then he also called him “probable” for the upcoming games.

The exact diagnosis, or what it means for playtime, remains uncertain. Wilson’s back-and-forth on Nussmeier leaves the team and fans in a tough spot. Early in the week, Nussmeier was expected to start LSU’s game against Arkansas after working with the first-team offense in practice. But his injury worsened. However, launching Michael Van Buren by burning his redshirt wasn’t really a bad idea for Wilson.

Now, LSU’s down to just two scholarship quarterbacks and a walk-on, with Colin Hurley away from the team. And even though Van Buren has sincerely proved himself in his first start for the Tigers, concern over Nussmeier remains. However, the 23-22 win over the Razorbacks was nothing short of commendable. “The Golden Boot” stays in Baton Rouge for the fourth straight year. The 4-foot, 200-pound gold trophy shaped like Arkansas and Louisiana is worth about $10k. It is one of the heaviest in college football.