The LSU Tigers put their season-long struggles aside for one week.
LSU defeated No. 6 Florida on the road 37-34 in a back-and-forth game. The Tigers executed in all three phases and earned their biggest win of the season.
How It Happened:
LSU’s defense stood strong early on. The Tigers prevented Florida from getting into the end zone on the Gators’ first drive.
Florida drove the ball down the field on an 11-play drive, but LSU forced a turnover on downs by stopping the Gators at the goal line.
The Gators were still on the scoreboard first after a one-yard Kyle Trask touchdown run with 8:01 remaining in the first.
LSU responded with their own 11-play drive, but this one resulted in a touchdown. Max Johnson completed a five-yard touchdown pass to Jaray Jenkins to tied the game.
Tigers defensive back Eli Ricks gave LSU a 14-7 after a 68-yard interceptions return for a touchdown with 12:59 left in the second quarter. Trask threw another interception on the following drive as Jay Ward came away with the turnover.
LSU wasn’t able to capitalize on the interceptions. The Gators retook the lead 17-14 with 2:25 left in the first half.
Johnson responded with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte. LSU led 21-17, but the scoring was not done in the half for the Tigers. They were able to force a fumble and ended the half with a 39-yard field goal from Cade York.
LSU led 24-17 entering the second half.
The Tigers opened the second half with a 17-play drive, which ended in another field goal. They led 27-17 before Florida cut their deficit back down to just three.
Trask ran in another touchdown to bring LSU’s lead down to 27-24 with 6:52 left in the third quarter. Florida led 31-27 after a nine-yard Trask touchdown pass to Kadarius Toney.
LSU then led 34-31 when Johnson connected with Tre Bradford for a four-yard touchdown pass with 13:48 left in the game.
Both teams exchanged punts on the next four total drives. The Gators settled for a 31-yard field goal, which tied the game at 34 with 2:51 remaining.
York made a 57-yard field goal with 23 second left in the game to give LSU a 37-34 lead.
The Tigers would go on to win their fourth game of the season after Florida missed a 51-yard field goal as time expired. LSU improves to 4-5 overall after stunning No. 6 Florida on the road.
Big Number: 23
The LSU Tigers were 23-point underdogs heading into their road matchup against Florida. The defense forced three turnovers, but the Tigers executed when it mattered in all three phases.
Player of the Game: Max Johnson
Johnson was called upon in a tough environment against the No. 6 team in the nation. He delivered with 239 passing yards, 52 rushing yards and three passing touchdowns. Johnson did not turn the ball over in the win.
Up Next: Ole Miss, Saturday, Dec. 19; Kick off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.