SPORTS SHOWTIME REPORTER
November 16, 2002.
That day use to signify the last time the LSU lost a Saturday night home game until the No. 1 Florida beat the No. 4 Tigers 13-3 last night.
The Gators dominated all phases of the game, highlighted by its stingy defense and methodical but effective offense.
Though the Tigers suffered their first loss of the season, LSU head coach Les Miles gave respect to No. 1 team in the nation.
“I thought our effort was good. I felt like our team played a very talented football team today, and we didn’t play smart.”
The Tigers were penalized nine times for 64 yards in the game, four of those coming on offside penalties.
But the penalties weren’t necessary for a Gator victory.
Florida’s defense only allowed the Tigers 162 yards of total offense on only 47 plays, racking up five sacks in the process.
The combination of Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong and a powerful pass rush in the game caused LSU sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson his worst performance of the season.
Jefferson was only 11-17 in the ball game for a season-low 96 yards and one interception.
Reigning SEC offensive player of the week Charles Scott was also held in check, as he only gained 53 yards on 13 carries.
Scott said after the game, “That’s the No. 1 team in the country right there, but when it’s your time to make a play you’ve got to make a play. That was our fault.”
The Gator offense was not quite as dominate as their defense, but quarterback Tim Tebow’s unit controlled the time of possession. The Gator’s kept the ball for well over half of the game.
The first points for the Gators came after their first drive deep in their own territory in the heart of the LSU student section.
After a Gator penalty and a timeout called by head coach Urban Meyer, the Gators impressively drove the ball 82 yards on 13 plays, ending with a Caleb Sturgis 28 yard field goal.
The offense would not reach the end zone again until Tebow hooked up with Riley Cooper for a 20-yard touchdown pass right before the half.
“We didn’t execute great,” said Tebow. “But I am very proud of our team and offense.”
After a scoreless third quarter, a Sturgis field goal stretched the lead to two possessions.
LSU cornerback Jai Eugene intercepted a pass with less than six minutes remaining in the ball game, giving the Tigers hope for a miraculous comeback.
After a couple of completions by Jefferson, the magic from the 2007 match up didn’t come to form for the Tigers as Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes sacked Jefferson on fourth and long to end all hopes for the Tigers.
LSU now moves to a 5-1 on the season and 3-1 in conference play. The Tigers won’t play again until Oct. 24 when the Auburn Tigers come into town.
Wide receiver Brandon LaFell sees the upcoming bye week as a huge positive for his team, especially for the offense.
“We need this bye week. We need it to go in there and focus, watch film and get better.”
