LSU-Oklahoma: Aaron Anderson’s return TD changes momentum | LSU

As receiver Aaron Anderson moved through Oklahoma’s kickoff coverage and found an open lane, he had a chance to score a kickoff return touchdown, something LSU had not accomplished in four seasons.

That is, until Anderson scored on the kickoff return in the Tigers’ 37-17 win over Oklahoma on Saturday, changing the game in LSU’s favor.

Before the return, the Tigers trailed 14-10. They then outscored the Sooners 27-3.

“It was a game-changer for us,” coach Brian Kelly said. “There is no doubt about that.”

Anderson’s 100-yard runback was LSU’s first kickoff return touchdown since Oct. 24, 2020, when former receiver Trey Palmer ran 93 yards for a touchdown in the Tigers’ win over South Carolina.

According to LSU statistics and information, Anderson’s return was the fourth 100-yard kickoff return touchdown in program history and the fourth since 1933 by a player at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers (8-4, 5-3 SEC) haven’t had a 100-yard running back since 2014, when LSU star Leonard Fournette scored a run the length of the field in the Tigers’ Music City Bowl loss to Notre Dame.

Anderson was only able to return that shot because LSU’s key returner, Zavion Thomas, suffered an injury in the first half. He later returned to the game, but not before Oklahoma (6-6, 2-6) scored a 2-yard rushing touchdown and lined up for the ensuing kickoff.

“(Anderson) was really our backup,” Kelly said. “We’re that smart, aren’t we? This was an electric return. It was a momentum for us and carried us through the whole game.”

This year, Anderson is having a breakthrough season.

Before LSU faced Oklahoma, the redshirt sophomore caught 52 passes for 778 yards and five touchdowns. He caught the game-winning touchdown late in the Tigers’ Oct. 12 win over Ole Miss after beating a Rebel corner on a break-in route and securing the grab in a tight window.

He also caught a 76-yard touchdown in LSU’s loss to Texas A&M on Oct. 26 after running a slant route, deflecting a Nussmeier pass and racing to the end zone.

Anderson, a New Orleans native, began his career at Alabama before transferring to LSU prior to the 2023-2024 season.

He began his college career as a four-star recruit and was one of the top five receiver prospects in the country, according to the 247Sports composite rankings.

On Saturday, Anderson caught just one pass for six yards.

LSU’s leading receiver was Chris Hilton, a redshirt junior who had touchdown grabs of 40 and 45 yards against Oklahoma.