LSU’s defense was the big story on Saturday morning as they were able to shut down the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner on the way to a 29-9 win over Louisville.
The Tigers started things off with a deep pass from Danny Etling to Malachi Dupre to get into Louisville territory. However, they had to settle for a field goal attempt that was missed wide left by Colby Delahoussaye.
The Cardinals were able to get on the board first midway through the first quarter thanks to a deep pass from Lamar Jackson to James Quick. That would set up a short kick from Blanton Creque to take a 3-0 lead.
LSU would take the lead after getting in great field position late in the first quarter thanks in part to a nice punt return from Tre’Davious White. The Tigers would take it down the field and score on the first play of the second quarter with Etling connecting with Colin Jeter in the endzone to take a 7-3 lead.
After forcing Louisville to punt on the next drive, Etling and the wide receivers showed off some skills with a pair of acrobatic passes to Dupre and DJ Chark. The drive would end with Etling passing it to Derrius Guice with a short pass to extend the lead.
LSU would get two more points before half with a sack by Arden Key in the endzone to make it 16-3. However, it would not remain that score as Etling would throw an interception to give the Cardinals the ball at the 33 yard line. Creque would put up his second field goal of the game as time expired.
The third quarter started out slow until Guice would finally break free and go off for a 70 yard run to put the Tigers up 23-6. Delahoussaye was able to put the game away with a pair of field goals late in the third and early in the fourth.
LSU ends their regular season at 8-4, making it the 17th straight season that the Tigers finish with eight or more victories in a season. Louisville ends their season with a 9-4 record, losing their last three games.
-Clint Domingue