LSU makes dubious history in losing to Georgia

By David Moorman  |   Tuesday, October 28, 2008  |  Comments( 2 )

LSU Tigers
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!

Well, if nothing else, the LSU Tigers’ 52-38 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs last week was historic. Coupled with a 51-21 setback at Florida, LSU has now allowed 50 points twice in a season for the first time ever.

Commentary: It’s not so troubling that LSU has lost two of seven games as it is the manner in which they’ve occurred. LSU has prided itself on stout defenses this decade, and yet the Tigers were no match for either Florida or Georgia.

The Tigers should get a reprieve this Saturday when they step out of the Southeastern Conference to play woeful in-state rival Tulane.

Tulane shouldn’t be able to emulate Georgia, which ripped off large chunks of real estate at a time, particularly in scoring touchdowns on back-to-back plays that accounted for 117 yards. The next time the Bulldogs had the ball, they gained 48 yards.

Georgia exposed LSU’s suspect secondary, especially in man-to-man coverage during blitz situations. The Bulldogs also were able to create mismatches in isolating wide receivers against linebackers. Even the linemen often found themselves out of position, which coach Les Miles blamed on players trying to do too much instead of following their assignments.

LSU’s offense actually outgained Georgia's, 497-443, but even that had serious breakdowns. Redshirt freshman quarterback Jarrett Lee threw three interceptions, with two returned for touchdowns and the third eventually resulting in a field goal.

Lee had a pick brought back for a touchdown on the game’s first play from scrimmage, and it went downhill from there. Lee managed three touchdown passes, but it was the kind of uneven performance that has Miles considering the use of true freshman quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who was expected to redshirt after injuring his shoulder on the only play he’s run this season.

A more plausible reason is the fact that sophomore backup Andrew Hatch sustained a leg injury against Georgia that will sideline him against Tulane. After Lee and Hatch were unavailable for interviews on Monday, Miles finally acknowledged Hatch's injury in a press release Tuesday.

Running back Charles Scott rushed for 144 yards against Georgia in his fifth 100-yard effort of the season. Placekicker Colt David booted a career-best 51-yard field goal en route to becoming LSU’s all-time leading scorer with 324 career points.

Fan Pulse: It’s hard not for anyone to look ahead to a Nov. 8 home showdown with the unbeaten and second-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide under the command of former LSU coach Nick Saban. Tiger Stadium surely won’t be filled to capacity for Tulane.

Injury Update: After a two-game absence with a groin injury, defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois returned to the field. While his presence was welcome, it couldn’t change the outcome.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (2)

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 ...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report