The Tiger Bowl ended in the most lopsided defeat in the history of the 55-game series — a contest between LSU and Auburn that dates back to 1901. Unfortunately for the reigning national champions, the tigers from Baton Rouge were on the wrong end of a 48-11 defeat on Saturday.
The lopsided loss drops LSU to 2-3 overall and 2-3 in the Southeastern Conference.
How It Happened:
After the two rivals opened up the game with a pair of punts apiece, LSU appeared ready to get on the scoreboard first but the drive stalled. The Tigers had to settle for a 54-yard field goal attempt by Cade York but it wasn’t good.
LSU’s defense though appeared to taken control of the game after recovering a fumble by Seth Williams on the ensuing Auburn drive.
LSU true freshman quarterback T.J. Finley though would be picked off on the ensuing drive. Auburn took that turnover and turned it into points with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Bo Nix to Eli Stove.
Auburn would force another turnover as Finley was sacked by Derick Hall and recovered for a 20-yard touchdown by Aub Christian.
Before halftime, Auburn would put together a eight-play, 99-yard drive which was capped with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Nix to Ze’Vian Capers. LSU did add a 50-yard field goal by York but that was all the scoring the Tigers could muster in the first half. LSU’s eight first-half drives ended with four punts, one missed field goal, one made field goal and two turnovers.
Auburn opened up the second half with a eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive which ended with a five-yard touchdown run by Nix. LSU’s very next offensive play saw Finley’s pass tipped and intercepted by Big Kat Bryant. A few moments later, Auburn would score on a two-yard touchdown run by Tank Bigsby and then wrapped up the quarter with another score by Bigsby — a three-yard touchdown run.
Auburn continued to pour it on in the fourth quarter as Nix completed a 91-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Schwartz.
LSU scored its first touchdown of the game in the fourth as Max Johnson — who came in for the benched Finley — threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to former Westgate High star Kayshon Boutte. Johnson then successfully converted the two-point conversion run but that would the final points for LSU in the lopsided road loss.
Big Number: 506
After making strides against South Carolina and playing a solid first quarter on Saturday, LSU’s defense regressed by giving up 506 yards of offense. Auburn quarterback Bo Nix completed 18-of-24 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns, while also leading his team in rushing with 81 yards on 11 carries and a rushing touchdown.
Big Number II: 3
True freshman quarterback T.J. Finley committed three turnovers in Saturday’s game before he was benched for fellow freshman Max Johnson. Finley completed 13-of-24 passes for 143 yards with no touchdowns, two interceptions and one lost fumble.
Player of the Game: Zach Von Rosenberg
In a game filled with miscues, LSU’s punter stepped up and did his job as he had seven punts for 342 yards, had two punts end in touchbacks and another two inside the 20-yard line.
Next Up: LSU (2-3) returns to action two weeks from Saturday when they welcome in arch rival Alabama to Death Valley. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.