This is a game, quite simply, that should have never been close from the start, but LSU let Florida hang around.
There is something about day games for LSU, and it isn’t good. Running back Derrius Guice fumbled at the two yard line as the Tigers were about to go up 14-3 early in the first quarter, and LSU was seemingly dominating with momentum on their side. However, since Guice’s fumble, LSU squandered almost every opportunity they had in the red zone, allowing Florida to take the lead on a 98 yard TD pass by Austin Appleby. The Tigers offensive troubles in the end-zone were painful, but it didn’t stop there. LSU botched a snap on a field goal attempt as Dellahousaye wasn’t given a chance to give the Tigers three points. As LSU fell behind by six points, they had one last drive to attempt a comeback win.
Etling completed a fantastic, under pressure, 4th-and-13 to D.J. Chark and the Tigers were at the eighteen yard line ready to score a late touchdown. Shortly after, Guice ran it down to the one yard line, and LSU had two tries to try to knock it in with third down coming up and 25 seconds remaining in the game.
They couldn’t do it.
LSU’s play calling was way to predictable as Florida wrapped up the Tigers hopes at a Sugar Bowl bid. LSU lost senior linebacker Kendell Beckwith early, which clearly hurt them in their pursuit to stop Florida’s run game.
Before the game: Leonard Fournette was not expected to play due to a tweaked, re-aggravated ankle suffered vs Arkansas. However, after being shown in a pregame altercation, he reportedly asked Coach O if he could suit up.
Stats:
Danny Etling: 14/25, 204 yards
Derrius Guice: 19 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD.
D.J. Chark: 2 receptions, 46 yards.
