The LSU Tigers had their 10-game winning streak against Vanderbilt snapped on Saturday in Nashville. No. 10 LSU fell to No. 17 Vanderbilt 31-24 for their second loss of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
LSU got the ball first and went 44 yards on 12 plays. The Tigers had to settle for a 48-yard field goal by Damian Ramos.
Vanderbilt answered with a nine-play 57-yard drive capped by a Diego Pavia one-yard touchdown run. At the end of the first, the Commodores led 7-3.
LSU retook the lead with an eight-play, 75-yard drive that ended with Garrett Nussmeier finding tight end Trey’Dez Green for a 24-yard touchdown pass.
Vanderbilt responded with a 14-play, 75-yard drive. The Commodores went for it on fourth and one and punched it in with a one-yard touchdown run by Sedrick Alexander.
LSU had a promising drive stall out and the 52-yard field goal attempt by Ramos was no good.
Vanderbilt couldn’t take advantage of the short field as Pavia was sacked by West Weeks on fourth and one. LSU turned that into a 42-yard field goal by Ramos.
Vanderbilt got the ball back and drove down the field right before halftime. Brock Taylor made a 46-yard field goal to give the Commodores a 17-13 lead at halftime.
Vanderbilt opened up the second half with a 10-play, 75-yard drive. Pavia found Cole Spence for a one-yard touchdown. That gave the Commodores a 24-13 lead.
LSU wasted no time in responding as Nussmeier found Savion Thomas for a 62-yard touchdown. Nuss then found Green on a two-point conversion pass.
Vanderbilt responded with a 10-play, 75-yard drive which was capped with a 21-yard touchdown run by Pavia. At the end of the third, the Commodores led the Tigers 31-21.
LSU appeared poised to find the end zone again as the Tigers marched down the field, as Caden Durham busted off a 51-yard run to the two-yard line. LSU was unable to punch it in and had to settle for a 23-yard field goal by Ramos.
LSU’s defense forced Vandy to punt and got the ball back. The Tigers offense didn’t take advantage as Nussmeier was sacked on first down, and a few plays later the Tigers were called for holding. LSU was forced to punt.
LSU’s defense forced another punt and the offense got the ball back with 4:40 left.
BIG NUMBER: 240
LSU’s defense struggled to stop Vanderbilt’s rushing attack which put up 240 yards on the day. The Commodores averaged 5.5 yards carry and were able to eat up significant clock.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: DIEGO PAVIA
Vanderbilt’s star quarterback was held to only 160 yards passing and one score but he did damage with his legs. Pavia led Vandy with 17 carries for 86 yards and two rushing scores.
UP NEXT: The LSU Tigers will return home next Saturday to take on the Texas A&M Aggies. Kickoff inside Tiger Stadium is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The action can be heard on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette & 104.1 Lake Charles.