A look back on what went right and what went wrong in No. 6 LSU’s 23-21 win against then No. 3 South Carolina Saturday night in Tiger Stadium.
Three Up
Jeremy Hill: Another season, another freshman running back steps up. It’s becoming an annual rite of passage for the LSU backs. With Alfred Blue out for the foreseeable future, Kenny Hilliard underperforming and Michael Ford not getting many touches, Jeremy Hill stepped up and took his turn in the spotlight with 124 yards and two touchdowns against the Gamecocks.
Debut of the Warecat: For one of the first times this season, The Mad Hatter didn’t shy away from having some fun, running Spencer Ware behind center on Saturday. It was only a couple of plays, but they were successful. Ware is a weapon that shouldn’t be underutilized. When he lines up at quarterback, defenses have to prepare for him to drop back and throw a pass, run the option, or take it on a quarterback keeper. It doesn’t have to be on display all the time, but throwing a wrench in the usual offense worked well against one of the best defenses in the SEC.
Time is on LSU’s side: A week after getting dominated on the clock by the Gators in Gainesville, the Tigers turned the tables on the Gamecocks. LSU controlled the clock for nearly 37 minutes, including 18 minutes in the second half. This is LSU coach Les Miles’ brand of football, and if LSU plans on making another BCS Championship run, it needs to continue winning this battle.
Three Down
Oh my god, who killed Kenny?: Sophomore running back Kenny Hilliard struggled to find a crease for the fourth straight game, gaining just 33 yards on 10 carries. It was his fourth consecutive ineffective game toting the football for the LSU offense, as he has combined for only 112 rushing yards on 33 carries in the Tigers’ last four games. Here are his stat lines in those games: 33 yards on 10 carries against South Carolina, 16 yards on five carries against Florida, 23 yards on six carries against Towson and 40 yards on 10 carries against Auburn. This is all after Hilliard burst onto the scene with 303 rushing yards and six touchdowns in the Tigers first three games.
Conversion factor: The LSU defense stiffened on third downs, allowing the Gamecocks to pick up just 3-of-13 attempts. But South Carolina was 2-for-2 on fourth down conversions, including one late in the contest that kept them in the game. Leading 23-14, the Tigers allowed Connor Shaw to complete a 16-yard pass on 4th and 12, putting the Gamecocks in business at the LSU 1-yard line. South Carolina would score on the next play, cutting the Tigers’ lead to two with 1:41 remaining.
Clipped Wing: Last season at this time, fans were in love with the punter from Down Under. The man with the swag was redefining the status quo for his position, while ranking among the top punters in the nation. Wing hasn’t been all bad this season, but his outing against South Carolina was a far cry from the Wing most LSU fans know. Four punts for 134 yards (a 33.5 yard average), none inside the 20 yard line and one for a touchback just won’t cut it for the Aussie, who tweeted after the game, “Shittest performance I have ever given. Lucky my team played their hearts out tonight. Great win.” As long as LSU’s offense is having trouble, Wing will play a pivotal role in keeping the Tigers in tight games. LSU can’t afford any more off nights from Wing.
Who’s up next?: The Tigers get No. 18 Texas A&M (5-1) this Saturday in College Station, Texas. The Aggies held on 59-57 against Louisiana Tech in Shreveport last week thanks to freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel’s 576 total yards and six total touchdowns.
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LSU junior running back Spencer Ware (11) runs the ball Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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Former LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson was on the field Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 after the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU head coach Les Miles, sophomore tight end Nic Jacobs (84) and freshman running back Jeremy Hill (33) sing the LSU alma mater Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 after the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU head coach Les Miles, sophomore tight end Nic Jacobs (84) and freshman running back Jeremy Hill (33) sing the LSU alma mater Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 after the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU head coach Les Miles talks to junior safety Eric Reid (1) Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 after the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU senior offensive guard Josh Dworaczyk (68), junior safety Eric Reid (1) and sophomore tight end Nic Jacobs (84) celebrate Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 after the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU head coach Les Miles watches after South Carolina scored a touchdown Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU head coach Les Miles celebrates with his players after the 23-21 victory over South Carolina on October 13, 2012. Pictured from left to right: junior defensive tackle Bennie Logan (18), Les Miles, sophomore tight end Nic Jacobs (84) and freshman cornerback Jalen Collins (32).
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LSU freshman offensive lineman Trai Turner waves the tiger eye flag after LSU’s 23-21 victory over South Carolina on October 13, 2012.
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LSU unior linebacker Lamin Barrow (57) tackles a South Carolina receiver during the Tiger’s 23-21 win over the Gamecocks on October 13, 2012.
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LSU senior offensive guard Josh Dworaczyk (68) hugs junior running back Jeremy Hill (33) after Hill’s fourth-quarter touchdown against South Carolina on October 13, 2012. The Tigers won 23-21.
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LSU freshman running back Jeremy Hill scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against South Carolina on October 13, 2012. The Tigers eventually won 23-21.
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LSU junior cornerback Tharold Simon (24) hugs junior defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) after Montgomery’s sack in the second half of the Tiger’s 23-21 win over South Carolina on October 13, 2012.
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LSU junior cornerback Tharold Simon (24) hugs junior defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) after Montgomery’s sack in the second half of the Tiger’s 23-21 win over South Carolina on October 13, 2012.
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LSU junior defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) celebrates after a play in the second half of LSU’s 23-21 victory over South Carolina on October 13, 2012
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LSU junior safety Eric Ried dashes through South Carolina defenders following his game-changing, fourth-quarter interception. The Tigers eventually defeated the Gamecocks 23-21 on October 13, 2012.
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LSU sophomore tight end Nic Jacobs reaches for a pass during LSU’s 23-21 victory over South Carolina on October 13, 2012.
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LSU junior running back Michael Ford spartan kicks a South Carolina defender during the Tigers’ 23-21 victory over the Gamecocks in Tiger Stadium on October 13, 2012.
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LSU junior running back Michael Ford reterns a kickoff during LSU’s 23-21 victory over South Carolina on October 13, 2012.
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Freshman running back Jeremy Hill (33) and sophomore running back Kenny Hilliard (27) celebrate after Hill’s touchdown during the game against South Carolina on October 11, 2012.
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The Golden Girls dance with LSU Tiger Band members during the halftime show of the game against South Carolina on October 13, 2012.
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LSU sophomore running back Kenny Hilliard jumps past a South Carolina senior free safety D.J. Swearinger during the Tiger’s 23-21 victory over the Gamecocks in Tiger Stadium on October 13, 2012.
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LSU freshman running back Jeremy Hill celebrates after a good play during the game against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium on October 13, 2012. The Tigers eventually won 23-21.
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Mike the Tiger dances in front of the student section during LSU’s game against South Carolina on October 13, 2012. LSU won 23-21.
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LSU senior kicker Drew Alleman (30) makes a field goal Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU freshman cornerback Jalen Mills makes a tackle Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU junior fullback J.C. Copeland runs the ball Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU senior kicker Drew Alleman (30) kicks a field goal Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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Mike the Tiger dances Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU sophomore running back Kenny Hilliard (27) runs the ball Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU freshman cornerback Jalen Collins (32) makes a tackle Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU freshman cornerback Jalen Mills prepares to make a tackle Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU junior running back Spencer Ware (11) runs the ball Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU sophomore wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) makes a catch Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU sophomore wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) celebrates after a catch Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU sophomore wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) celebrates after a catch Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU freshman cornerback Jalen Mills (28) and junior cornerback Tharold Simon (24) help junior safety Eric Reid (1) after he intercepted a pass Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU junior defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) sacks South Carolina quarterback Conner Shaw (14) Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU junior defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) celebrates after a sack Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU junior defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) celebrates after a sack Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU freshman running back jeremy Hill (33) celebrates with freshman tight end Dillon Gordon (85) after he scored his second touchdown of the night Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU head coach Les Miles cheers after the Tigers’ second touchdown Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU cheerleaders celebrate the Tigers’ second touchdown Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU fans celebrate the Tigers’ second touchdown Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU junior running back Kenny Hilliard eludes tackles during LSU’s 23-21 victory over South Carolina in Tiger Stadium on October 13, 2012.
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LSU freshman running back jeremy Hill (33) celebrates with senior offensive guard Josh Dworaczyk (68) after he scored his second touchdown of the night Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU junior Eric Reid (1) intercepts the ball Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier and LSU head coach Les Miles shake hands Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 after the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU freshman cornerback Jalen Collins (32) celebrates after making a tackle Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the first half of the Tigers’ game against South Carolina in Death Valley.
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LSU junior running back Spencer Ware (11) runs the ball Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the first half of the Tigers game against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU safety Eric Reid (1) talks to defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the first half of the Tigers’ game against South Carolina in Tger Stadium. LSU football support staff helped Montgomery off the field.
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LSU freshman cornerback Jalen Collins (32) celebrates after making a tackle Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the first half of the Tigers’ game against South Carolina in Death Valley.
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LSU junior Eric Reid (1) intercepts the ball Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the Tigers’ 23-21 win against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU junior running back Spencer Ware plows through South Carolina’s defense during the game in Tiger Stadium on October 13, 2012. LSU eventualy won 23-21.
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LSU junior running back Spencer Ware (11) runs the ball Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the first half of the Tigers game against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU safety Eric Reid (1) talks to defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 during the first half of the Tigers’ game against South Carolina in Tger Stadium. LSU football support staff helped Montgomery off the field.
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