The LSU Tigers were led by true sophomore running back Leonard Fournette in their second game of the season as they hosted SEC West opponent Auburn Tigers. Auburn was led by Jeremy Johnson who needed to have a big day after starting the year with five interceptions and nearly losing to FCS power Jacksonville State in overtime last week.
Fournette had a huge day for his team just a week after having a career night against Mississippi State with 159 yards and three scores. The sophomore got going early as he raced for a 71-yard burst on the first play from scrimmage.
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It didn’t take the Tigers long to capitalize on the big play as two plays later quarterback Brandon Harris found his way into the endzone to give the Bayou Bengals the early 7-0 lead.
.@bharrisqb1 scores for #LSU vs. @AuburnTigers pic.twitter.com/bamB2vl5un
— Hilary Scheinuk (@hscheinukphoto) September 19, 2015
LSU’s defense came up big as the forced a punt and gave Fournette and the offense the ball back. The team traveled all the way down the field, thanks to a long run by Harris. That set up LSU at the one yard line when Harris hit tight end Colin Jeter for the touchdown and 14-0 lead.
With a 17-0 lead in their grasps, LSU was looking very good, but they still wanted more. That’s when Fournette got into the endzone for his first of three touchdowns late in the first half. The impressive 40-yard run gave his team a 24-0 lead.
https://twitter.com/TigerDroppings/status/645341430668488704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Auburn began the second half with the ball and Johnson finally got his team on the board after he broke a long run to give his team some life. The 65-yard run made the score 24-7.
Here's how Jeremy Johnson scored. http://t.co/NydG7vPxvV
— Tiger Rag (@Tiger_Rag) September 19, 2015
It didn’t take the Bayou Bengals to get back on the board. Fournette gave what was easily the best play of the game as he raced 29 yards for his second touchdown of the day.
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A fumble by Johnson on the ensuing drive gave LSU the ball inside the ten yard line. Two plays later, Fournette was in for his third touchdown of the game and his day was over after he took a helmet to his left knee and he limped off the field.
LSU ended up holding off Auburn for the win 45-21. Fournette had another career day as he went for 228 yards and three scores. Harris threw for 74 yards and touchdown while running for 66 and two more scores.
The defense was dominant all day long as Rickey Jefferson intercepted a Johnson pass early in the game and defensive end Arden Key caused a fumble.
LSU next travels to New York to take on the Syracuse Orange, while Auburn hosts Mississippis State next week in a big game.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports