Blame it on the trick plays, missed field goals, play calling or fourth-quarter defense.
Blame it on Nick Saban, Les Miles, bad luck or destiny — just don’t blame turnovers.
In last Saturday’s 21-17 loss to No. 1 Alabama (9-0), No. 9 LSU (7-2) forced two fumbles and didn’t give up any turnovers, winning the turnover battle against an Alabama team that leads the Southeastern Conference in turnover differential.
In fact, the Tigers haven’t given up a turnover in either of their last two games and gave up only one in their last three games — a vast improvement from the 11 turnovers the Tigers gave away in their first six games.
The Tigers’ turnaround in the turnover department came while they faced arguably the toughest stretch of their schedule, with two top-five ranked opponents and No. 20 Texas A&M in their last three games.
The Tigers were flawless in the turnover category Saturday, but they still lost, adding to the frustration of Tiger fans and players alike.
“Coach Miles stresses to us that the team that has the most turnovers is usually going to lose, which wasn’t the case Saturday,” said sophomore wide receiver Jarvis Landry. “But it’s just one of those things where we take pride in protecting the ball and not giving it to other teams.”
Junior wide receiver Kadron Boone said the Tigers’ performance in the last few games is a testament to the gradual relationship growth between junior quarterback Zach Mettenberger and the receiving corps.
“A lot of people fail to realize this is Zach’s first year starting from sitting out a while, so you can see he was a little rusty,” Boone said. “But now the rust is wearing off.”
Mettenberger said he was careless at the beginning of the season, but since then, he has refocused on making correct reads and protecting the ball.
LSU had to protect the ball to keep Saturday’s game close, Mettenberger said, but that doesn’t mean playing cautious.
“I wasn’t really worried about the risks because mistakes will happen,” Mettenberger said. “But if I can go out there and play like I did against Alabama every week, then this offense is going to be pretty good.”
