Auburn blasts LSU 48-11
Hopes were high for LSU (2-3) after dismantling South Carolina behind a stellar performance from freshman phenom, TJ Finley, in his first start.
Those hopes were utterly derailed as Auburn (4-2) dismantled LSU 48-11.
While the end result was something that likely made LSU fans anxious to get to their Halloween festivities, LSU did appear to be competitive early on. But things just unraveled in the second quarter.
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ANALYSIS: Reality check for LSU at Auburn (premium)
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After a hot start, TJ Finley sailed a pass over Terrace Marshall’s head on a pass to the flats which Auburn intercepted and nearly returned for a touchdown. After the interception, Finley could not rebound and continue his hot streak.
Two drives later Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Hall sacked Finley and Auburn defensive back Christian Tutt returned it for a touchdown. This gave Auburn a 14-0 lead, but the improved defensive performance provided fans with hope.
Unfortunately with a struggling offense, LSU’s defensive troubles continued at the most inopportune time.
“They (LSU’s defense) seemed deflated after that,” LSU coach Ed Orgeron said “It shouldn’t be that way, but it was.”
Following the fumble for a touchdown, the defense allowed touchdowns the next five drives giving Auburn a 48-3 lead.
Amidst those defensive struggles, LSU desperately needed a second-half comeback. On its opening drive of the second half, Finley threw an interception that ended his night and LSU’s hopes.
Finley finished 13-24 for 143 yards two interceptions and a fumble. LSU turned to Max Johnson in relief who completed 15 0f 24 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown to cut the final deficit to 37.
“We have to play with a lot more consistency, but obviously we have to get a lot better at a lot of things,” Orgeron said.
Despite playing well initially, LSU’s defense again yielded gaudy numbers. Auburn quarterback Bo Nix played nearly flawlessly going 18-24 for 300 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers. He added a touchdown and 81 yards on his 11 carries.
Auburn outgained LSU 506-347.
“It hurts. But you can't dwell on it,” LSU linebacker Jabril Cox said. "You just have to focus on what you can do."
The defensive struggles may have only been outdone by that of the rushing attack offensively. LSU ran the ball 27 times for 32 yards. John Emery Jr. was the leading rusher on his nine carries for 21 yards.
“We tried. We couldn't block those guys,” Orgeron said of Auburn’s defensive front.
This was LSU’s largest loss since 1996 when LSU lost to Florida 56-13.
