SPORTS SHOWTIME REPORTER
The LSU Tigers defense put out another defensive gem as they took care of in-state rival UL-Lafayette Rajun’ Cajuns 31-3 Saturday night in Tiger Stadium.
In the Tiger’s 22-0 career record versus the Cajuns, the defense, including Saturday night, has only surrendered 25 points in all affairs and have not given up a touchdown since the 1920’s.
The stingy group held the Cajuns 272 yards of total offense and one trip to the red zone in the third quarter, which ended with a fourth and goal fumble recovery by LSU’s Perry Riley on the 1-yard line.
Linebacker Harry Coleman has now led the Tigers in tackles for two straight weeks.
“We have really come together,” Coleman said after the game. “Guys are stepping up and making big plays.”
Other than the goal line stand, the big plays were made by LSU safety Chad Jones, whose two interception performance catapults him into the team lead in the category.
“I definitely envisioned myself getting a turnover,” said the junior safety. “[Turnovers] are a big key to our defense.”
Although the unit has put out two suffocating performances in as many weeks, the LSU offense didn’t play up to their high expectations leading into the game.
After the game, Miles said he thinks the offense needs to get better despite the lopsided victory.
“We have the ability to make plays, but we’re not hitting on all cylinders just yet,” Miles. said. “I think we did not throw the ball efficiently. I don’t think we ran the ball efficiently.”
Although LSU put out its highest offensive yard output and matched its highest point total, the Tigers have yet to reach 200 yards of passing or rushing offense in a game this season.
“We have to get into a better habit of blocking better and that will allow us to run the ball better,” Brandon Lafell said after his two touchdown performance. He also said he believes that a good running game “will leave more one-on-ones on the outside” for the receivers.
LSU scored their first touchdown of the night with a Jordan Jefferson to LaFell 16-yard touchdown reception late in the first quarter.
The Tigers would strike quick again quickly as running back Trindon Holliday, after being honored for his performances in track last spring between quarters, took the first play of the second quarter 11 yards to stretch the Tiger lead to 14.
“It felt good to be honored in front of all those fans out there, then to come back to score a touchdown. It sets it off,” Holliday said after the game.
In the third quarter, the Tigers would once again start off with a touchdown as LaFell would reach the goal line for the second time of the night as he ended an impressive 7-play, 58 yard drive.
After Jones’ second interception of the night, LSU took advantage of great field position with a heavy dose of Charles Scott running the football.
Backup quarterback Jarrett Lee would then connect with Scott for a 1-yard touchdown connection for his first touchdown of the season. Scott rushed the ball for 32 yards on three carries on the drive.
The unscathed Tigers will take on its second SEC opponent of the season in Mississippi State next week, who beat LSU’s first conference opponent this season Vanderbilt 15-3 on the road Saturday night.
Sixth-year senior Charles Alexander said about next week’s road trip to Starkville, MS, “We have to bring our A-game. If we do that, then we should be on top.”
