Turnovers told the story in the first half between LSU and Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., as LSU takes a 20-14 lead into halftime.
Jordan Jefferson threw one interception and Patrick Peterson muffed a punt, giving Florida two short fields to work with. The Gators scored both their touchdowns after the LSU miscues on a 1-yard run by redshirt freshman tight end Jordan Reed and another 1-yard run by true freshman quarterback Trey Burton.
LSU converted a fumble by running back Emmanuel Moody into a Josh Jasper field goal to close the first half. The Tigers also scored on a 1-yard run by Jefferson after he converted a fourth-and-1 play on a quarterback keeper. Fellow quarterback Jarrett Lee threw a touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Terrence Toliver that put LSU ahead 17-14.
Florida fumbled on the ensuing drive.
LSU racked up 225 yards of total offense in the first half and converted 12 first downs, limiting the Gators to just 69 yards and four first downs. Florida had 16 rushing plays for 12 yards.
LSU’s offense was balanced in the first half, with 113 passing yards and 111 rushing yards.
Jefferson completed 4-of-7 passes for 55 yards and an interception, and he rushed six times for 40 yards. Lee completed 4-of-5 passes for 58 yards and the touchdown to Toliver.