LS-Shoe upsets No. 6 Gators in dramatic fashion 37-34
It’s been a tumultuous season for the defending national champions, but LSU (4-5) had a leg up and a shoe down on sixth-ranked Florida upsetting the Gators 37-34 in the Swamp.
Florida (8-2) entered this game as 23-point favorites, making this LSU’s largest upset since 1997 when LSU defeated top-ranked Florida.
LSU turned to its third starting quarterback of the season in this game giving freshman quarterback Max Johnson his first chance to lead the Tigers. It certainly paid off for the Tigers, but not before some signature LSU-Florida series drama.
Amidst the most bizarre football season to date, this game came down to a uniquely bizarre penalty. After stopping LSU short on 3rd down with 1:51 left to play while the game was tied at 31, Florida cornerback Marco WIlson picked up the cleat of LSU tight end Kole Taylor and tossed it 20 yards upfield.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been in a game where a player threw a shoe,” Orgeron said. “I think it was a great job by (LSU equipment manager Greg) Stringfellow to loosen that shoe up.”
This resulted in a dead ball foul for unsportsmanlike conduct giving LSU a first down and 15 yards. That set up LSU kicker Cade York’s 57-yard kick with 23 seconds remaining to capture a 3-point lead.
“Coach O, said that one play was gonna win the game, and I think Kole’s shoe coming of definitely won the game for us,” Johnson said.
Florida’s Heisman front runner Kyle Trask did lead the Gators did lead a heroic drive setting up the Gators for a 51-yard field goal attempt. However, Florida missed the kick as time expired effectively ending Florida’s playoff hopes.
While the shoe throw may have won the game for the Tigers, LSU’s new starting quarterback made quite a few throws himself. He finished the game 21-36 for 239 yards three touchdowns and no turnovers.
In many ways, he outdueled his Heisman hopeful counterpart, Trask. While Trask put up a gaudy yardage total He also accounted for three costly turnovers.
Trask finished 29-47 for 474 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions and a lost fumble. He also added a pair of scores on the ground.
“We had to tune out the noise this week and just believe in ourselves,” Orgeron said. “I’m so proud of this team, the coaching staff and the players.”
LSU’s ability to hold on to the ball and make timely plays were key for the Tigers’ victory. Florida actually outgained LSU 609-418, but the Tigers had three fewer turnovers.
“Throughout the whole year, it was almost. We almost got it. This time we finally got it,” LSU safety Jacoby Stevens said. “You’re never going to forget these.”
LSU will conclude its season next week against Ole Miss with a chance to preserve a winning season for the 20th consecutive season.
LSU Tigers Colosseum OHT Military Appreciation Camo Pullover Hoodie – Black*
