LSU Hits Game Winning Field Goal to Beat Florida

The hot seat continues to get hotter for Will Muschamp, as a late LSU field goal downed his Florida Gators 30-27.

A back and fourth game led to a last-second field goal opportunity for LSU’s Colby Delahoussaye. Delahoussaye knew it was good as soon as he kicked it and the kick sealed the win for the Tigers.

This was a must-win game for both teams. LSU has struggled in SEC play with losses to Mississippi State and Auburn; Florida is coming off a losing season and has struggled in games against legitimate opponents so far.

Leonard Fournette had not lived up to the hype surrounding the top high school recruit through his first five games, but things changed in Gainesville. Fournette had his coming out party, rushing for 140 yards and two touchdowns. LSU generally has a run-by-committee approach, using a combination of the four solid running backs at their disposal. Against Florida, Fournette had 27 carries and the rest of the running backs combined for 12. Fournette will be the likely starter going forward.

After a terrible outing against Auburn last week, Brandon Harris was benched for Anthony Jennings, who had been benched after a poor performance against Mississippi State. The quarterbacks battled all week in practice and in the end, Jennings was named starer. Jennings did not do anything special, but found wide receiver Travin Dural in crucial moments. Jennings finished the game with 110 yards passing and one touchdown.

The Tigers’ defense struggled to stop the run, which made them susceptible to the pass. For the first time this season, LSU didn’t allow a 100 yard rusher  against a power-five opponent. The Tigers were able to pick off Florida twice, the second one coming late in the fourth quarter which led to the game-winning field goal.

Controversy surrounded the Gators all week with allegations surfacing against freshman quarterback Treon Harris for sexual assault. On Friday the accuser withdrew the claim and Harris’ suspension was lifted. Harris was likely to start after coming off the bench and leading the Gators past Tennessee last week, coming back from a nine point deficit. Harris sat out after not practicing all week, leaving the game in the hands of veteran Jeff Driskel.

Driskel out-performed Jennings in completions, passing yards, and rushing yards. Turnovers is what hurt Driskel all night. He fumbled on the Gators side of the 50 yard line which set up an LSU touchdown. He underthrew an open receiver which was intercepted by Tre’Davious White. His most costly turnover was on target to his receiver but the ball was tipped and picked off by Rickey Jefferson. The Gators offense struggled all night and was only able to score on two long drives.

Andre Debose was able to return a punt for a touchdown and another to the LSU nine-yard line. If it weren’t for Debose, this game wouldn’t have been as close.

LSU will likely continue the combination of Jennings and Fournette starting in the backfield. The Tigers face the Kentucky Wildcats next week at home in Death Valley. The Wildcats are 5-1, with their sole loss coming in triple overtime against the Gators. They are currently tied with the Georgia Bulldogs for the SEC East lead.

Florida will get Treon Harris back this week, look for him to get the start at home against the Missouri Tigers. Running back Matt Jones and cornerback Vernon Hargraves were banged up against LSU. Florida needs them back soon as they are two of the best players on the team.

*Section Photo credit to Chris Graythen, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Bill Feig, Baton Rouge Advocate

(13) Georgia Shuts Out (23) Missouri
(13) Georgia Shuts Out (23) Missouri