LSU surges back for comeback win over Auburn 21-17
LSU (4-1, 2-0) was heavily favored over Auburn (3-2, 1-1), but these teams must have missed the memo in another wild LSU-Auburn game.
After trailing 17-0, LSU scored 21 unanswered points to defeat Auburn in Jordan Hare Stadium 21-17.
“We found a way. It’s been the DNA of this group to battle and fight,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said. “As they say in golf, there are no pictures on the scorecard.”
LSU’s offense got off to a slow start for the third time in three games against Power 5 opponents this season. LSU punted on its first seven drives before scoring its first offensive touchdown 15 seconds before halftime.
With that slow start on offense, LSU’s defense had some uncharacteristic broken coverages. On Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford’s first six completions he amassed a whopping 194 yards. he finished the game going 19-38 for 337 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
Auburn's long completions and LSU’s anemic start on offense gave Auburn a 17-0 lead in the first half.
That all changed when LSU defensive end BJ Ojulari chased down Ashford from behind for a strip sack, which was picked up by LSU defensive back Jay Ward and returned 23 yards for a touchdown with 6:33 left in the second quarter.
Minutes later LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels darted in for a one-yard score seconds before halftime. In the third quarter, LSU running back John Emery Jr. broke off a physical 20-yard run for a touchdown giving LSU a 21-17 lead. He finished with 42 yards on eight carries behind LSU running back Josh Williams with 68 yards on 17 carries.
To secure that lead, LSU’s defense and special teams forced three turnovers.
Two of those turnovers came off the hands of Auburn receiver Koy Moore as he threw an interception to LSU linebacker Harold Perkins and got outmuscled by LSU defensive back Greg Brooks for another interception.
“Greg’s a dog,” LSU offensive tackle WIll Campbell said. “He does this every week at practice.”
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels took a hit to the knee in the fourth quarter forcing LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to close out the game. Daniels had his worst night as a Tiger.
He completed just eight of his 20 passes for 80 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
LSU’s leading receiver with Emery with 39 yards on one catch.
Despite winning the game, LSU was outgained by Auburn 438-270.
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