The 2012 LSU football team reported to fall camp three months ago boasting a preseason No. 1 ranking, five preseason All-Americans, a Heisman Trophy finalist and a colossal chip on its shoulder after a National Championship drubbing in 2011.
Twelve games, two losses and one high profile dismissal later, the No. 9 Tigers (10-2) wait for their last game, which will end a season full of unexpected twists.
Expectations were high for LSU in 2012 as 11 starters returned from the 2011 season, with many Tiger fans eagerly anticipating a new and improved Tiger offense led by junior transfer quarterback Zach Mettenberger.
But many Tiger fans’ expectations were derailed Aug. 10, when LSU coach Les Miles announced Tyrann Mathieu had been dismissed from the team.
“We have a standard that our players are held to and when that standard is not met, there are consequences,” Miles said at the time of the dismissal.
Mathieu’s exit resulted in the Tigers’ dropping to No. 3 in the Week 1 Associated Press top-25 poll, and in the eyes of many, it severely hurt the Tigers’ hopes of returning to the National Championship Game.
After participating in a drug rehabilitation program in Houston, Texas, Mathieu re-enrolled in classes at LSU, turning down multiple opportunities to play at Football Championship Subdivision schools and immediately sparking speculation about his potential return in the 2013 season.
Speaking on ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt Show in the week prior to LSU’s 14-6 loss at Florida, Miles did not rule out a possible return for Mathieu in 2013.
“I think this is a very legitimate chance that he would have a happy ending,” Miles said.
Any flickering hopes of a possible return were extinguished when Mathieu and three other former LSU players, Jordan Jefferson, Karnell Hatcher and Derrick Bryant, were arrested for marijuana possession in late October.
However, the blows to LSU didn’t end with Mathieu’s dismissal.
Beginning early in camp, when junior offensive tackle Chris Faulk suffered a season-ending knee injury, LSU began to be plagued by injuries.
In the first few weeks of the season, LSU lost three starters to injuries, including Faulk, junior offensive guard Josh Williford and junior running back Alfred Blue.
“With the number of injuries and the attrition we had, I really feel like this team accomplished a lot, and they continue to get better,” Miles said in a news conference last Wednesday.
Mathieu’s dismissal and LSU’s early season injury woes forced the Tigers to rely on young players early and often in the 2012 season.
Overall, LSU freshmen made 31 starts, with many inexperienced players making important contributions to the Tigers’ season.
After multiple shifts along the offensive line, replacing Faulk and Williford was left in the inexperienced hands of freshmen tackles Trai Turner and Vadal Alexander.
Freshman running back Jeremy Hill was also thrust into the spotlight after Blue’s injury, and Hill took full advantage of the opportunity.
Hill has since started four games and is the Tigers’ leading rusher with 651 yards, 10 touchdowns and three games with more than 100 yards.
Inexperienced but carrying lofty expectations, Mettenberger started the season slower than many LSU fans had expected.
Prior to the start of the season, Miles assured fans that the Tigers’ offensive game plan would be more balanced than in previous seasons because Mettenberger had the talent to handle a heavier passing load.
But in the early stages of the season, LSU spectators were treated to more of the same offense as the Tigers relied heavily on its stable of running backs. Mettenberger struggled, throwing multiple goal line interceptions and failing to consistently connect with receivers.
Mettenberger finally found his footing in the rematch of last season’s National Championship Game when Alabama traveled to Tiger Stadium on Nov. 3. He passed for 296 yards — his highest total of the season — as the Tigers nearly pulled off an upset against the No. 1 Crimson Tide.
Since the Alabama game, Mettenberger has delivered the productive passing attack many had predicted at the beginning of the season, passing for at least 200 yards in the Tigers’ final four regular-season games.
But despite Mettenberger’s recent success and the efficient play of young talent, the Tigers still came up short of their preseason goal, which is always to compete for a National Championship, according to Miles.
“I would never have taken a 10-2 final [regular season record],” Miles said. “But as it played out, I felt like this team continued to improve and continued to get better and really wants to be a quality football team.”
A shared second-place finish in the Southeastern Conference Western Division and a season-ending starting lineup without a ball-hawking Honey Badger was not how many expected the Tigers’ 2012 season would end.
But with one more game awaiting them, the Tigers will have one last chance to write their own ending to the 2012 script.
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LSU junior cornerback Tharold Simon (24) sprints down the sideline after picking off Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson during the Tiger’s 20-13 win over the Razorbacks in Fayetteville.
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LSU sophomore tight end Travis Dickson (41) celebrates with sophomore wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) after Landry’s leaping touchdown grab in the first half of the Tiger’s 20-13 win over Arkansas in Fayetteville on November 23, 2012.
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LSU junior running back Spencer Ware (11) puts his arm around sophomore wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) after Landry’s leaping touchdown reception in the first half of LSU’s 20-13 win over Arkansas on November 23, 2012 in Fayetteville.
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LSU sophomore wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) points to the crowd after his leaping touchdown reception in the first half of LSU’s 20-13 win over Akransas in Fayetteville on November 23, 2012.
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LSU freshman running back Jeremy Hill (33) stretches toward the goal line during the Tiger’s 20-13 win over Arkansas on November 23, 2012 in Fayetteville.
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LSU head coach Les Miles (left) hugs Arkansas head coach John L. Smith (right) after the Tiger’s 20-13 win over the Razorbacks on November 23, 2012 in Fayetteville.
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The LSU football team hoist “The Boot,” a trophy given to the victor of the annual LSU-Arkansas game, following the Tiger’s 20-13 win over the Razorbacks on Novmber 23, 2012 in Fayetteville.
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The LSU football team hoist “The Boot,” a trophy given to the victor of the annual LSU-Arkansas game, following the Tiger’s 20-13 win over the Razorbacks on Novmber 23, 2012 in Fayetteville.
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The LSU football team sing the Alma Mater after the Tiger’s 20-13 victory over Arkansas in Fayetteville on November 23, 2012.
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Members of the LSU football team pose around “The Boot” trophy after the Tigers 20-13 win over the Razorbacks on November 23, 2012 in Fayetteville.
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LSU junior quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8) scrambles for yards during the Tiger’s 20-13 win over Arkansas on November 23, 2012.
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LSU junior linebacker Lamin Barrow (57) tackles Arkansas senior running back Dennis Johnson (33) during the Tiger’s 20-13 win over the Hogs in Fayetteville on November 23, 2012.
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LSU freshman cornerbacks Jalen Collins (32) and Jalen Mills (28) tackle Arkansas junior wide receiver Demetrius Wilson (81) during the Tiger’s 20-13 win over the Razorbacks on November 23, 2012.
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LSU sophomore wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) eludes Arkansas tacklers during the Tiger’s 20-13 win over the Razorbacks on Novembre 23, 2012.
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LSU sophomore wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) avoids an Arkansas defender during the Tiger’s 20-13 win over Arkansas on November 23, 2012.
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LSU junior running back Spencer Ware (11) dodges a would-be Arkansas tackler during the Tiger’s 20-13 win over the Razorbacks on November 23, 2012.
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LSU sophomore wide receiver Jarvis Landry tries to break through Arkansas defenders during the Tiger’s 20-13 win over the Razorbacks on November 23, 2012.
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LSU head coach Les Miles speaks with freshman offensive tackle Vadal Alexander (78) during a timeout in the Tiger’s 20-13 win over Arkansas on November 23, 2012.
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LSU junior defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) tackles Arkansas senior quarterback Tyler Wilson (8) as he throws during the Tiger’s 20-13 win over the Razorbacks on November 23, 2012.
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LSU junior linebacker Kevin Minter (46) slams into Arkansas junior wide receiver Javontee Herndon (19) during the Tiger’s 20-13 win over the Razorbacks on November 23, 2012.
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LSU junior running back Michael Ford (42) sprints past Arkansas defenders following a Razorback kickoff during the Tiger’s 20-13 win over the Hogs on November 23, 2012.
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LSU junior wide receiver Kadron Boone (86) pumps up the student section Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, during the Tigers’ 21-17 loss to Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU sophomore wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) works for extra yardage Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, during the Tigers’ 21-17 loss to Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU junior safety Craig Loston (6) takes down Alabama running back Eddie Lacy (42) Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, during the Tigers’ 21-17 loss to the Crimson Tide in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU defensive players swarm Alabama wide receiver Christion Jones (22) Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, during the Tigers’ 21-17 loss to the Crimson Tide in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU freshman cornerback Jalen Collins (32) celebrates after the Tigers recovered a fumbled punt return Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, during the Tigers’ 21-17 loss to Alabama.
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LSU sophomore tight end Nic Jacobs (84) fights for extra yardage Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, during the Tigers’ 21-17 loss to Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU sophomore wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) catches a touchdown pass Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, during the Tigers’ 21-17 loss to Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU junior wide receiver Kadron Boone (86) drops a pass Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, during the Tigers’ 21-17 loss to Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU junior defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) sacks Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron (10) Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, during the Tigers’ 21-17 loss to the Crimson Tide in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU junior defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) celebrates after sacking Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron (10) Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, during the Tigers’ 21-17 loss to the Crimson Tide in Tiger Stadium.
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Students remain unmoved in the stands Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 after the Tigers’ 21-17 loss against Alabama in Tiger Stadium. Almost thirty minutes after the game, students still sat in shock.
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Students remain unmoved in the stands Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 after the Tigers’ 21-17 loss against Alabama in Tiger Stadium. Almost thirty minutes after the game, students still sat in shock.
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LSU head coach Les Miles and Alabama head coach Nick Saban shake hands Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 after the Tigers’ 21-17 loss against Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU sophomore wide receiver Terrence Magee (14) reacts to the final score Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 after the Tigers’ 21-17 loss against Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU junior running back Spencer Ware (11) returns to the locker room Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 after the Tigers’ 21-17 loss against Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU junior running back Michael Ford (42) and sophomore wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) react to the final score Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 after the Tigers’ 21-17 loss against Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
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Alabama offensive lineman D.J. Fluker and LSU junior defensive tackle Bennie Logan shake hands Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 after the Tigers’ 21-17 loss against Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
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LSU junior defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) and sophomore punter Brad Wing (38) return to the locker room Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 after the Tigers’ 21-17 loss against Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
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Students remain unmoved in the stands Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 after the Tigers’ 21-17 loss against Alabama in Tiger Stadium. Almost thirty minutes after the game, students still sat in shock.
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Fans greet LSU football players Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 before the Tigers’ 21-17 loss against Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
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The Golden Band from Tigerland marches down Victory Hill Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 before the Tigers’ 21-17 loss against Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
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Members of the Painted Posse dance Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 before the Tigers’ 21-17 loss against Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
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Players return to the locker room Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 before the Tigers’ 21-17 loss against Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
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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 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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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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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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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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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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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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 head coach Les Miles walks to greet Florida head coach Will Muschamp Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 after the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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Florida head coach Will Muschamp is swarmed by media Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 after the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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LSU sophomore wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) searches for a pass from Mettenberger Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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LSU senior tight end Chase Clement (88) is brought down Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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Florida offensive linemen D.J. Humphries (70) and Ian Silberman (77) celebrate Florida’s second touchdown Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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LSU head coach Les Miles cheers on the players Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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LSU junior safety Eric Reid (1) tackles Florida senior running back Mike Gillislee (23) Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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LSU head coach Les Miles watches the replay board after sophomore wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. fumbled the ball Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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LSU head coach Les Miles and sophomore wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) watch the replay board after Beckham fumbled the ball Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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Florida junior defensive back Matt Elam (22) recovers the ball after LSU sophomore wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) fumbled Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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Florida junior defensive back Matt Elam (22) forced LSU sophomore wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to fumble the ball Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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LSU junior running back Michael Ford (42) is stopped by a Florida player Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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LSU junior linebacker Kevin Minter (46) walks to the locker room Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. Minter had a career-high 20 tackles including two sacks during the game.
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Florida players force LSU junior running back Spencer Ware (11) out of bounds Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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LSU junior defensive tackle Bennie Logan (18) forces Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) to fumble Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. LSU junior defensive end Barkevious Mingo recovered the fumble.
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LSU junior defensive tackle Bennie Logan (18) forces Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) to fumble Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. LSU junior defensive end Barkevious Mingo recovered the fumble.
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LSU junior defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) celebrates after recovering a fumble Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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Florida senior running back Mike Gillislee (23) scores Florida’s first touchdown Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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LSU head coach Les Miles watches the replay of a Florida touchdown Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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Florida fans cheer Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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LSU head coach Les Miles greets fans Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 before the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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LSU fans cheer Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 before the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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Florida sophomore linebacker Neiron Ball (11) takes down LSU junior fullback J.C. Copeland (44) Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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The Florida mascot greets fans Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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LSU freshman cornerback Jalen Collins (32) tackles Florida wide receiver Andre Debose (4) Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 during the Tigers’ 14-6 loss to the Gators in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
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