Lee, Scott leading LSU’s offense

By David Moorman  |   Tuesday, September 23, 2008  |  Comments( 2 )

LSU Tigers
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OK, so LSU quarterback Andrew Hatch was left virtually punch-drunk against Auburn last weekend, but who was knocked down for the count? Auburn, of course, as LSU responded with a dramatic 26-21 victory.

Commentary: After a dreadful first-half performance in which he threw an interception that was returned for a 24-yard touchdown, it didn’t seem as if Hatch’s replacement could carry LSU to victory. Redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee did just that, though, with a brilliant effort that featured two touchdown passes, including the 18-yard winner to Brandon LaFell with 1:03 left.

Fifth-ranked LSU has so many ways to move the ball, not the least of which is junior running back Charles Scott, who carried 21 times for 132 yards. In so doing, he became the first LSU running back since Charles Alexander in 1978 to begin the season with three consecutive 100-yard rushing performances. For his efforts against Auburn, Scott was named both the Rivals.com National Player of the Week and the Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

Even though Mississippi State only lost to Auburn, 3-2, two weeks ago, don’t be surprised if Scott-led LSU has its way with the Bulldogs on Saturday.

LSU’s skill goes far beyond its offense, which amassed 398 yards and 20 first downs against an Auburn team that had been yielding only 231 yards and 5.0 points per game previously.

Junior cornerback Chris Hawkins registered his first two career interceptions, and sophomore linebacker Kelvin Sheppard amassed nine total tackles, including seven solo stops, in his first-ever start. Senior Brady Dalfrey punted six times for a 48.3-yard average, with four of his kicks downed inside the Auburn 20.

Trindon Holliday misjudged two punts and was replaced after having returning a punt for a 92-yard touchdown the week before. Even so, coach Les Miles said the junior remains the future at that spot.

In any event, the only thing that could mar LSU’s bright future is a treacherous schedule that includes third-ranked Georgia, fourth-ranked Florida and No. 8 Alabama. Only Florida is on the road, and in winning at Auburn for the first time since 1998, LSU has shown what it can do away from home.

Fan Pulse: The contest against Mississippi State has been designated as the “Gold Game”, with spectators encouraged to wear that color to LSU’s SEC home opener.

Injury Watch: Hatch apparently has recovered from last week’s mild concussion and should share time with Lee. Senior middle linebacker Darry Beckwith could return from the knee injury that kept him from playing against Auburn.
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About David Moorman

Dave Moormann is an award-winning journalist, who has covered LSU athletics since 1980. He began his coverage with the Baton Rouge Advocate, where he was a writer and editor from 1980-98. In 1996, he authored a book on the history of LSU football entitled, "Fighting Tigers Handbook: Stories, Stats ...
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