LSU blown out by Georgia in SEC Championship
When playing the no. 1 team in the country, you need a few lucky bounces to fall your way. When those bounces fall the other way - things can get out of hand quickly.
Unfortunately for LSU, that’s precisely what happened to LSU as its unlikely run to the SEC Championship came to a screeching halt at the hands of Georgia 50-30.
“The divide is not huge, but we’ve got work to do,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said of the talent gap between the two teams. “That will be our goal - to get back here and to win it.”
Looking at the box score alone it might be difficult to determine who won this game, LSU (9-4, 6-3) actually outgained Georgia 549-529 including 502 yards passing.
LSU opened up the game well forcing a three-and-out on Georgia’s (13-0, 9-0) first drive and moving the ball for 90 yards on its first two drives. LSU lined for a 32-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead.
However, Georgia blocked the kick and returned it 96 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead while LSU’s kicking unit appeared to believe it was a dead ball. Just like that - a ten-point swing, and more special teams woes for the Tigers.
“Obviously, we did a poor job coaching,” Kelly said. “It’s our responsibility to have those guys alert.”
Afterward, each team exchanged touchdowns giving Georgia a 14-7 lead and LSU found itself with the ball on its own 23. Then LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels threw an improbable interception that bounced off the helmet of receiver Jack Bech into the hands of Georgia defensive back Smael Mondon.
At this point, it really appeared LSU’s spirit was broken. One play later, Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett threw a 22-yard touchdown to Georgia receiver Ladd McConkey taking a 21-7 lead. Georgia then added two touchdowns to that lead while LSU had three straight three-and-out drives.
Daniels then reaggravated an ankle injury from last week’s game against Texas A&M before leading the Tigers to a field goal.
The Tigers trailed 35-10 at halftime and Daniels was done for the night. Daniels completed 16 of 24 passes for 208 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
With the injury to Daniels, LSU turned to backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier who provided quite the spark for LSU. He threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Georgia’s massive lead it amassed in the first half.
His favorite target was receiver Malik Nabers who grabbed five catches for 128 yards and a touchdown.
While LSU threw the ball all over the field, it was unable to run the ball with any consistency. LSU ran for 47 yards on 20 carries, with all 47 yards coming on a single run from Josh Williams in the third quarter.
Conversely, Georgia had a much more balanced approach on offense running for 255 yards and passing for 274 yards.
LSU freshman linebacker Harold Perkins led LSU in tackles with ten tackles and a forced fumble.
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