The LSU Tigers defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 36-33 inside Williams Bryce Stadium on Saturday in Columbia, South Carolina. The victory moves them to 2-1 on the season after a comeback win.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
South Carolina got the opening kickoff and immediately took advantage. The atmosphere in the building seemed to carry over after the game got underway, and the Gamecock offense used it. Seven plays and 75 yards later, LaNorris Sellers dove into the end zone on a four-yard touchdown run to make it 7-0 South Carolina.
The opening drive for the Tiger offense could not get off the ground. It ended with a three-and-out, giving the Gamecocks another chance. That Gamecock drive ended with a big interception in the end zone by Zy Alexander.
LSU could not convert that drive into points, and South Carolina was able to respond with a drive of their own. 13 plays and 65 yards this time, but it only ended with three. It gave the Gamecocks a 10-0 lead.
The next drive ended with an LSU punt, and it was blocked. That drive only needed one play and 10 yards for the lead to be stretched out to 17-0 for South Carolina.
In need of a response, the LSU offense came through. Garrett Nussmeier orchestrated an eight play, 75 yard drive that ended with a 26 yard touchdown run from Caden Durham. That made it 17-7 and seemed to settle things down for LSU.
After a Sellers fumble, the Tigers had great field position. Their drive stalled, but a field goal was converted to make it 17-10. Immediately following that, Sellers took it 75 yards to the house to make it 24-10 Gamecocks.
The Tigers produced a much-needed drive for points before the half. Six plays and 75 yards ended with a Kyren Lacy touchdown reception. That made it 24-16 in favor of South Carolina at halftime.
The opening drive of the second half marched all the way down the field for LSU. However, they were turned away on fourth and goal inside the five yard line. The field position battle payed off, as LSU got a quick stop and the ball in Gamecock territory. That drive was more effective, and resulted with another Durham touchdown run.
Sellers was injured late in the first half, and the Gamecock offense was not the same afterwards. They tried to go with Robby Ashford, but he was ineffective. Sellers tried to reenter but was clearly hindered by the ankle injury.
After another stop, the Tigers converted, largely thanks to Durham, a surprise impact player in this game. Mason Taylor caught a touchdown pass from Nussmeier to give them their first lead of the day at 29-24. Unfortunately for them, that lead was short-lived. Raheim Sanders scored a 66-yard touchdown to make it 30-29 Gamecocks. A missed two-point conversion kept it as a one-point lead.
An LSU fumble gave South Carolina the ball back, but they only converted a field goal. That made it 33-29. The next drive appeared to be a pick-six for South Carolina, but unnecessary roughness called it back and just gave them the ball.
Down the stretch, LSU put together the game-winning drive. Eight plays and 55 yards were finished off by a Josh Williams touchdown run to make it 36-33 LSU.
A missed field goal at the end of regulation sealed the win for the Tigers.
BIG NUMBER: 123
South Carolina had 123 penalty yards on the day. The unnecessary roughness penalty on a potential pick-six may have cost them this one. LSU also had plenty of penalties, but was able to come through when they needed to.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Caden Durham
Durham may have earned himself some more playing time moving forward. 11 carries for 98 yards and two touchdowns for the freshman led the way in the victory.
UP NEXT: LSU will return home to Tiger Stadium to face UCLA on Saturday, September 21st. The game will start between 2:30 and 3:15 PM.