BATON ROUGE — The LSU Tigers went for the win and it paid off against rival Alabama. LSU completed the two-point pass in overtime to down Alabama 32-31. It was the Tigers’ first win over the Crimson Tide in Tiger Stadium since 2010.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
LSU’s defense came up huge on Alabama’s opening possession.
After the Tigers were forced to punt on their opening possession, Bryce Young led the Crimson Tide all the way down to the four-yard line as the reigning Heisman winner completed his first three passes for 46 yards.
Young’s fourth pass was picked off in the end zone by Jarrick Bernard-Converse.
After failing to take advantage of good field position and penalties by Alabama on its first four drives, LSU got on the scoreboard in the second quarter.
Jayden Daniels threw a screen pass to running back John Emery Jr. who ran down the right sideline for a 30-yard touchdown. Extra point was good and with 9:46 left in the second quarter, LSU led 7-0.
Alabama responded with a 7-play, 63-yard drive which featured a 65-yard pass from Young to Jase McClellan. LSU’s defense stood tall as Harold Perkins Jr. sacked Young on third down. The Crimson Tide settled for a 29-yard field goal by Will Reichard.
Alabama seized some momentum shortly before halftime.
Former Lafayette Christian star Sage Ryan stripped the ball out of the hands of Alabama tight end Cameron Latu and it appeared to be recovered by Greg Brooks Jr. The play was reviewed and the officials ruled it a fumble but recovered by Alabama due to Latu touching the ball while he had a foot out of bounds.
The Crimson Tide were given a second chance and added a 36-yard field goal by Reichard as time expired in the second quarter.
At the break, LSU held a 7-6 lead.
Alabama took its first lead of the game as the Crimson Tide opened up the second half with a 15-play, 55-yard drive that ate up 6:49 off the clock. LSU’s defense kept Alabama out of the end zone and the Tide settled for a 38-yard field goal.
LSU responded with a 11-play, 75-yard drive.
After former LSU cornerback Eli Ricks was called for pass interference in the end zone while defending Malik Nabers, Josh Williams took a handoff and powered his way into the end zone for a two-yard touchdown.
Alabama then reclaimed the lead with a 8-play, 76-yard drive, as Jahmyr Gibbs came up big on multiple plays for the Crimson Tide. A third-down sack was negated due to a facemask and Alabama found the end zone with a two-yard touchdown run by Roydell Williams. The two-point pass was no good and Alabama held a 15-14 lead.
LSU answered with a 11-play, 69-yard drive but the Tigers had to settle for a 32-yard field goal by Damian Ramos. With 6:52 left in the game, LSU led Alabama 17-15.
Alabama came right back as Young made the play of the game.
Facing a 3rd and 10 at the LSU 41-yard line, Young escaped two tackles and found Ja’Corey Brooks for a 41-yard touchdown. The two-point pass was no good but the Crimson Tide held a 21-17 lead.
LSU’s Daniels quickly led the Tigers down the field for 75 yards in only seven plays. The drive was capped with Daniels throwing a seven-yard touchdown to tight end Mason Taylor. The extra point was good.
With 1:47 left, LSU held a 24-21 lead.
Alabama produced a 47-yard drive but LSU kept them out of the end zone. Crimson Tide settled for a 46-yard field goal attempt which Reichard made.
In overtime, Alabama scored first as Williams scored a one-yard touchdown run. The extra point was good.
LSU didn’t waste any time as Daniels darted in from 25-yard out to get the Tigers six points. LSU opted to go for two and Daniels found Taylor for the conversion.
BIG NUMBER: 5
LSU entered Saturday night’s tilt with Alabama having lost five straight games to the Crimson Tide in Tiger Stadium. That streak came to an end in overtime.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: JAYDEN DANIELS
The LSU quarterback came up clutch in the overtime victory. Daniels was 22-of-32 for 182 yards and two touchdowns, while also leading the Tigers in rushing with 95 yards on 18 carries and one score.
UP NEXT: LSU (7-2, 5-1 SEC) will travel to Fayetteville to take on Arkansas. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. and the game can be heard on THE GAME.