There is no love lost between this cross SEC rivalry. While many Tiger fans think that Alabama or Ole Miss represent rivalries, with the Gators there is a deep seeded hatred that has gotten worse over the past two decades. “They don’t like us, and we don’t like them.” LSU linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson said earlier in the week. “We are going to make sure we have some coaches out there before the game, to make sure nothing happens.” Head coach Ed Orgeron on Florida coming into Tiger Stadium referring to a scuffle that happened pre-game last season. “When we got to campus, they had so many fans pushing the bus that our wheels are actually coming off the ground. Then when we get off the bus, Urban (Meyer) gets doused with beer by their fans, and then we get into our locker room, and their Mike the Tiger roaring at us. Then there’s three generations of fans saying things that I can’t repeat on national television. That’s what it is like before you even start pregame warm-ups! So if you think there is not a rivalry, there is not intensity, and the LSU players don’t remember going to the Swamp and getting whooped? This is personal for these guys.” Tim Tebow, former UF quarterback speaking about his experience in Tiger Stadium.
LSU came into the game tonight with the No.1 scoring offense in the SEC, many fans outside of the conference, and some in, believed that was a result of the Tigers playing weaker opponents or subpar out of conference matchups. Tonight the Tigers put those concerns to rest, as they faced off against a very tough Florida defense. The Gators came in holding opponents to less than 10 points a game, a league best. The game will be won inside the trenches, LSUs offensive line will need to play at an elite level to hold up against the pass rush of the Gators.
LSU got off to a slow start, after receiving the opening kick-off, the Tigers would get the ball at their own 25, only to later have their drive stall at the Gator 26. Coach Orgeron would call for a field goal on 4th and 4 by freshman kicker Cade York. The kick would sail wide left, a curiosity for York, who has been Mr. Automatic this season for the Tigers. The Gators would take over after the missed field goal and be held to a 3 and out by the Tigers, great way to start the game for the defense. On their next offensive possession LSU would need just two plays to go 66 yards for a score. Running back Clyde Helaire-Edwards took his first carry from scrimmage 57 yards down to the Florida nine yard line. On the very next play quarterback Joe Burrow found receiver Ja’Marr Chase in the end zone for a touchdown.
Florida would come right back with a score of their own, a very methodical 12 play 75 yard drive that took nearly six and a minutes off the clock. Quarterback Kyle Trask came into the game tonight needing to show that he was able to play in a hostile environment. He did just that, under Coach Mullen, Trask has quickly become a quality quarterback in the absence of starter Feleipe Franks due to injury. Trask completed 23 of 39 for 310 yards with three touchdowns and one interception on the evening. Very goods stats for someone who has not started an away game since they were on the JV football team.
Joe Burrow continues to shine, and with him so does the LSU offense as they have now scored in 36 straight quarters. Receivers Ja’marr Chase and Justin Jefferson both had over 120 yards receiving on the night and at least a score. Chase had two scores on the night, the biggest one coming in the fourth quarter, a 54 yard catch and run that Chase seemed to find that extra gear he had been talking about all week.
Up next for the Tigers is Mississippi State in Starkville, MS. The Bulldogs are reeling after a major upset to Tennessee and will be looking to try to upset the 6-0 Tigers.
