Tyrann Mathieu returned a punt for a touchdown and forced two fumbles to key a comeback as No. 1 Louisiana State secured a spot in the SEC Championship Game with a 41-17 home victory over No. 3 Arkansas.

Kenny Hilliard rushed for a career-high 101 yards and a touchdown and Jordan Jefferson threw a touchdown pass for the Tigers (12-0, 8-0 SEC), who likely secured themselves a spot in the BCS Championship Game as well.

LSU looked like it was in for a long day in the second quarter, when Tramain Thomas forced a fumbled for the Razorbacks (10-2, 6-2). Alonzo Highsmith plucked the ball out of the air and rumbled 42 yards for a touchdown, giving Arkansas a 14-0 lead.

That marked the biggest deficit the Tigers had faced all season.

They quickly went about erasing that margin, with Hilliard rushing in from 6 yards for a touchdown on the ensuing possession.

The LSU defense forced a punt and Mathieu began his takeover of the game, returning the kick 92 yards for a touchdown to tie it. Mathieu forced a fumble on the next series, and the Tigers cashed that in for a touchdown to take a 21-14 lead.

LSU turned the game into a rout after halftime, getting rushing touchdowns from Jefferson and Spencer Ware.