In a season of fast paced shootouts, No. 10 LSU (6-1, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) went back to its roots, defeating No. 17 Florida (4-2, 3-1 SEC), 17-6, in a defensive struggle.
The Tigers’ defense shined the entire game, giving up the least points it’s surrendered in its last 18 games. The biggest difference was the Tigers pressure on the Gators, forcing Florida sophomore quarterback Tyler Murphy to have a career low in passing yards.
LSU senior linebacker Lamin Barrow led the Tigers’ defense with 13 tackles, a career high.
The LSU defense limited Florida’s ability to make the big play, allowing only nine plays of more than 10 yards, including just two in the first half. Last week the Tigers’ defense allowed 20 such plays against Mississippi State.
The Tigers’ defense played its greatest when it most needed to. With Florida driving to make it a one possession game in the fourth quarter, LSU sacked Florida on 3rd and 4th downs, forcing a fumble on the latter play.
LSU sophomore running back Jeremy Hill led the Tigers on offense, gaining 121 yards on 19 carries. Senior quarterback Zach Mettenberger led the Tigers through the air, completing 9 of 17 passes for 152 passing yards against the SEC’s top-ranked defense.
LSU senior fullback J.C. Copeland got LSU on the board with a 1-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second quarter. It was Copeland’s third touchdown of the season and the seventh of his career.
LSU freshman quarterback Anthony Jennings added to the Tigers’ lead with another 1-yard touchdown with 5:14 to go in the second quarter. It was the first touchdown of Jennings’s LSU career.
Kicker Colby Delahoussaye contributed to LSU’s scoring with a 31-yard field goal with 7:28 to go in the game to secure the final 17-6 score line. Delahoussaye is now a perfect 8-8 on the season.
Florida scored a field goal on their first drive of the game, gaining a 3-0 lead for its only lead of the game on a 44-yard field goal by junior kicker Francisco Velez. The drive ate up nearly half of the first quarter, lasting 7:27 and 14 plays.
Murphy struggled to get a rhythm going, completing 15 of 27 passes for only 115 yards. Murphy struggled running the ball as well, getting -13 rushing yards on 10 carries.
LSU will take on Ole Miss next Saturday in Oxford, Mississippi. Kickoff is set at 6 p.m.

Gallery • 63 Photos

Connor Tarter

LSU senior fullback J.C. Copeland (44) attempts to break through the Florida defensive line Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013 during the Tigers' 17-6 victory against the Gators in Tiger Stadium.