The Tigers Shake up the SEC West with Big Win!!

The Tigers Shake up the SEC West with Big Win!!

By: Kevin Kramer

Intern, Louisiana Gridiron Football

The atmosphere was like no other in Baton Rouge this Saturday when the Ole Miss Rebels came to town to take on the LSU fighting Tigers. There was a lot of hype going into this weekend for the Tigers because of the long time rivalry between them and the Rebels, but it was an even bigger weekend when College Game Day decided to come to Baton Rouge to cover the big game. I made sure to be there at 8 a.m. to catch all of the action. Even though College Game Day had been to LSU before while I was a student at LSU, this was the first time I came out early enough to experience it. I was amazed with the enormous turnout at College Game Day with hundreds of LSU fans coming out to show their support. The signs that fans had brought out to Game Day were amazing as well, most of which made reference to Katy Perry and her hot dog fiasco back when Game Day was held at Ole Miss. The guest pickers for Game Day were no other than the guys from the hit TV show Duck Dynasty. Furthermore, when it came time for the actual picks all of the analysts picked LSU as a favorite to get the win due to the hostile environment that Death Valley provides for away teams. As soon as Lee Corso put on the Mike the Tiger head everyone in the crowd erupted, and that was only the beginning of the party.

Usually when you come to Baton Rouge for an LSU game the experience is always a good one, and this game provided even more to be excited about. This weekend was LSU’s home coming weekend and tailgating, as usual, was in full swing. The first thing I noticed as I was walking around to the different tailgates was the vast majority of tailgates giving out corn dogs. Now I have never been one to understand why LSU is always “criticized” for smelling like hot dogs but I was happy to see that LSU fans were just embracing it this weekend, and personally I love corn dogs so that made it even better. The atmosphere around LSU campus was one of great confidence and it felt like everyone was looking forward to the big win against the number 3 team in the nation.

From the begging of the game the Tigers were looking good matched up against the Rebels. As usual the Tigers came out running the ball from the start of this game. The Tigers had plenty of chances to score early but a missed field goal and two costly fumbles slowed the Tigers down. One of the fumbles, made by true freshman RB Leonard Fournette, occurred on the one yard line of Ole Miss which could have set up an easy touchdown. However, Fournette still had an amazing game leading all rushers for the Tigers with 113 yards on 23 carries. LSU finished with 264 yards rushing against a Rebels defense that came in allowing only 97.1 per game. It was a true testament to how much the LSU O-line and Running Backs have grown in experience this season already. Sophomore QB Anthony Jennnings had a great game managing this offense going 6-of-16 for 142 yards and a touchdown. Jennings did throw 2 interceptions in this game but his short touchdown pass to senior Tight End Logan Stokes is what gave the Tigers the lead in the fourth Quarter and eventually the win at the end of the game. The receiving leader in this game for the Tigers was senior Running Back Terrence Magee who had 2 receptions for 45 yards. The LSU defense in this game was remarkable only giving up 313 total yards to Ole Miss. You could tell the defense and the crowd noise was getting into Ole Miss Quarterback Bo Wallace’s head. Wallace was becoming more and more frustrated as the game went on. It was the interception by LSU senior safety Ronald Martin with only 2 seconds remaining that sealed the win for the Tigers. This was an Ole Miss Offense that was averaging over 35 points game this season and LSU held them to single digits and no points in the second half.

This was a huge win and an emotional game for LSU coach Les Miles after the death of his mother the night before the game. Since coming to LSU Les Miles is 45-5 in home night games at Death Valley. Furthermore, Miles is 24-23 when trailing in the fourth quarter which is the best in BCS history. LSU fans have a lot to look forward to with the season winding down. Thankfully, the Tigers get a Bi week to rest up before they take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in Death Valley on November 8. The Crimson Tide are now ranked number 3 in the nation so everyone knows that this next game will be just as hyped and as important as the Ole Miss game. The Tigers are getting better on a weekly basis and the future is bright for these young LSU Tigers. GEAUX TIGERS!!