LSU Welcomes Back “The Mad Hatter” with LSU’s 35 to 28 Win over Florida

By: Laura Norsworthy

Les Miles is sometimes criticized for coaching a too predictable old style offense. However, early on in his career as LSU’s Head Coach, he also earned the contradictory title of the “Mad Hatter” in large part due to his cleverly designed risky trick plays that seem to pay off for the coach.  Fans have been delighted this season with this team’s play, with its strong rushing game led by super star Leonard Fournette, complimented by a developing passing game with Brandon Harris and receivers Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural.  The consistent coaching of Miles accompanied by the strong play by the team this season caught not only the Gators but the fans by surprise when Holder Brad Kragthorpe would throw a pass to Place Kicker Trent Domingue on a field goal fake and score the winning touchdown in the 4^th quarter.  Only the Gators were not happy to see that the “Mad Hatter” was back in Tiger Stadium!

The game was LSU football at its finest with a fierce fight against a worthy and motivated opponent.  Florida recovered a fumbled punt early on in the first quarter in the LSU red zone and was able to put the first 7 points on the scoreboard.  The Tigers would have a slow first quarter but explode in the second with three touchdowns.  The first came on a 2 yard run by Leonard Fournette and the second would be on a 9 yard pass from Quarter Back Brandon Harris to Malachi Dupre.  Later in the second quarter, Leonard Fournette would score another touchdown.
With 1:34 left in the second quarter, Florida would score again only to have LSU answer back with another touchdown on a 50 yard strike from Brandon Harris to Malachi Dupre to make the score 28 to 14 LSU at half time.

Florida came out fired up in the 3^rd quarter and put two more touchdowns on the board to tie up the score.  The Tigers last score would come in the fourth on the fake field goal play with the pass from holder Brad Kragthorpe to Trent Domingue.  Florida would threaten to score again and the game was a nail biter until the last second, but in the end the Gators came up short and LSU remains the only undefeated SEC team this season.

Lewis Neal would be honored as the SEC Defensive Player of the Week.  He had 10 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, and 3 sacks in the game against Florida.  Offensive Lineman would be named SEC Offensive Player of the Week.  He was 90% with 13 knockdowns and a lead

er on the offensive line that protected Quarter Back Brandon Harris from any sacks or pressure in the pocket.  Leonard Fournette would carry 31 times for 180 yards – something that we are getting used to expecting from him.  Brandon Harris threw 13 completed passes for 202 yards.  Malachi Dupre caught 4 for 115 yards and scored 2 touchdowns.  It should be noted that the LSU Defensive effort limited Florida to their lowest rushing yard of the season.  It was a great game!

Photos Courtesy of the LSU  Athletic Department