Texas Has Scored 90 Fourth-Quarter Points—LSU’s Late Edge Is 59–49

The clock may be the most dangerous matchup on Saturday night. Texas has saved its biggest scoring surge for the fourth quarter, while LSU’s late-game cushion nearly disappeared in one loss.

Quick Answer

Texas has outscored opponents 90–44 in fourth quarters through nine games, making the final period its highest-scoring quarter. LSU has a much narrower 59–49 fourth-quarter edge, its smallest regulation-quarter margin after being shut out 14–0 in the fourth against Alabama. When LSU hosts Texas on Saturday, November 14, 2026, a lead after three quarters will not be enough by itself; the Tigers must finish drives, protect field position and avoid giving Texas short-field possessions late.

What do the LSU–Texas fourth-quarter numbers show?

LSU’s official cumulative statistics list 334 total points through nine games: 85 in the first quarter, 84 in the second, 99 in the third and 59 in the fourth. LSU opponents have scored 26, 52, 24 and 49 in those periods.

Texas’ official 2026 cumulative statistics show a different scoring shape. The Longhorns have scored 72 points in the first quarter, 74 in the second, 44 in the third and 90 in the fourth. Their opponents have scored 29, 34, 50 and 44.

That means LSU owns its largest margin in the third quarter at plus-75, while Texas is actually minus-6 in the third. Then the matchup flips: Texas is plus-46 in the fourth, and LSU is only plus-10. The final 15 minutes are where Texas has been strongest and where LSU’s season-long control has become most fragile.

Why is LSU’s 59–49 late-game margin a warning?

Before Alabama, LSU had outscored opponents 59–35 in fourth quarters. The 31–13 loss to Alabama changed that profile in one night: LSU scored zero in the final period, Alabama scored 14, and the Tigers’ fourth-quarter margin shrank from plus-24 to plus-10.

The problem was not simply that Alabama finished with more energy. Three decisive sequences turned LSU’s late lead into a 21-point Alabama surge, and LSU’s failed fourth-down attempts handed the Crimson Tide short fields. Late-game offense, situational defense and field position became one connected failure.

That is the warning against Texas. A productive first three quarters can still be erased if LSU reaches the fourth with empty red-zone trips, exhausted defenders or a string of high-risk possessions. The scoreboard entering the final period matters; the quality of LSU’s position matters more.

How has Texas built a 90-point fourth quarter?

The cumulative total does not mean every Texas game followed the same script. It does show that Steve Sarkisian’s team has repeatedly carried enough offense, depth and situational discipline into the final period to make the fourth quarter its best scoring window.

The latest example came at Missouri, where Texas closed with 14 unanswered fourth-quarter points in a 34–20 win. TigerHype’s Texas red-zone efficiency breakdown explains why that finish is dangerous for LSU: the Longhorns converted all four red-zone possessions into points and did not need every trip to end in a touchdown.

Texas also allows only 17.4 points per game, so a late touchdown can carry more weight than it would against a looser defense. LSU cannot assume it will trade scores comfortably in the fourth. The Tigers may need to create separation earlier and still preserve enough offensive answers to finish.

What must LSU change before the final 15 minutes?

First, LSU must turn drives into points before the fourth quarter. The Tigers ran 81 plays and gained 457 yards against Alabama but scored only 13 points. Volume without conversion leaves the defense exposed and keeps a closing team within one possession.

Second, LSU must avoid desperation fourth downs. Aggression is part of Lane Kiffin’s identity, but fourth-down decisions become dangerous when protection, field position and game state all lean against the offense. Punting is not always surrender; sometimes it is the decision that prevents a seven-point swing.

Third, LSU needs one dependable late-game offensive answer. It could be a Dilin Jones run behind the healthiest side of the line, a Sam Leavitt completion to Jackson Harris, or a designed touch for Winston Watkins Jr. The exact call matters less than having a concept LSU can execute when Texas knows the situation.

Finally, the defense must tackle the first completion and force Texas to spend time. Explosive plays shorten the field, preserve the clock and let the Longhorns keep their full call sheet. Making Texas earn every yard is the best way to turn its fourth-quarter strength into a race against time.

What should LSU fans watch on Saturday night?

Check three things when the third quarter ends: the score margin, LSU’s available offensive line and the field-position trend. A one-score LSU lead with the Tigers backed up is not control against a team with a plus-46 fourth-quarter margin.

Then watch the first possession of the fourth quarter. If LSU turns that drive into points or flips the field, it changes Texas’ timing and risk tolerance. If the Tigers go three-and-out or fail on fourth down near midfield, the game can tilt quickly.

For the full schedule, roster context and live updates around the November 14 matchup, use TigerHype’s canonical 2026 LSU Football season hub.

The bottom line

Texas has spent nine games proving it can score late. LSU has spent most of the season dominating before the fourth quarter, then watched Alabama expose how quickly that advantage can vanish. The Tigers do not need a perfect fourth quarter on Saturday. They need one that is clean enough to keep 90 from becoming the number that defines the night.

LSU–Texas fourth-quarter FAQ

How many fourth-quarter points has Texas scored in 2026?

Texas has scored 90 fourth-quarter points through nine games in 2026, while Texas opponents have scored 44.

How many fourth-quarter points has LSU scored in 2026?

LSU has scored 59 fourth-quarter points through nine games in 2026, while LSU opponents have scored 49.

What is Texas’ highest-scoring quarter in 2026?

The fourth quarter is Texas’ highest-scoring period with 90 points. The Longhorns have scored 72 in the first quarter, 74 in the second and 44 in the third.

When does LSU play Texas in 2026?

LSU hosts Texas on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Central on ABC in Tiger Stadium.