Instant Reactions: LSU-36, South Carolina-33

A completely disjointed LSU team steals a victory

LSU comes out on top in Columbia, as the Tigers and South Carolina engaged in a hard-fought, well-executed, gritty effort to lose a football game that the Tigers, despite a valiant effort, got the short end of. In every phase, both teams played the sort of eye-washing, bourbon-opening football that makes this sport great. Initially, that was all LSU, as 7 total yards of offense in the first quarter, numerous defensive busts, and a blocked punt put SC up 17-0 in front of their crowd.

After going down 17-0, LSU answered with a long touchdown drive that served as the stay of execution that, thanks in large part to South Carolina, allowed LSU to worm their way into a win. The big story of that drive, and the game for LSU’s offense, was the emergence of Freshman RB Caden Durham as the number 1 back. Durham was able to clean up imperfect blocking and good defensive structure by making guys miss all over the place.

After that drive, LSU got the ball back again on a sack-fumble to kick a field goal, suddenly making it a one-score game. South Carolina responded immediately with a long TD run by QB LaNorris Sellers that exposed LSU’s massive issues at DT.

LSU answered back at the end of the half with a touchdown (and botched XPA) to Kyren Lacy to make it 24-16 SC at half. This was the end of a normal game. To start the 3rd, LSU went on a long drive that ended on 4th and goal at the 2-yard line, as LSU’s egregious short-yardage issues continued. LSU forced a 3 and out immediately and got the ball back in favorable field position, which Caden Durham cashed in for a 9-yard touchdown, his second.

LSU forced another 3 and out after that and cashed in for another TD to take the lead. It looked like LSU had finally figured it out and was set to run away with the game. Until…

Rocket Sanders punished a busted fit by Whit Wheeks for another long SC touchdown on the ground. When LSU took it back over, they fumbled the snap and gave it back to SC in position to maybe stick the dagger in already up 30-29 (failed 2PA), but they settled for a field goal. LSU then went 3 and out and gave it back to South Carolina who…….fumbled the ball on another sack-fumble. LSU was in prime position to take the lead back late, but the SC DC baited Nussmeier into a brutal INT which was returned for a touchdown, dagger, SC wins…..except they pulled a UCF Joe Burrow and leveled him for no reason on the return, wiping out the TD. From there, LSU forced a 3 and out to get it back. With the game on the line and good field position, LSU completed a huge ball to Kyren Lacy who completed the process of the catch to get them in position.

After a few more plays of short-yardage consternation, LSU was able to punch it in, game over…right? Wrong, idiot, game not over. Despite time running down, South Carolina picked up a 31-yard completion to get them past the 50. SC opted after to save their timeout and play for the long field goal…

Which they of course missed, because this is college football.