September has been kind to the LSU football team.
With a 47-21 victory over West Virginia on Saturday, the Tigers extended its win streak in September games to 21 victories. The team also earned respect in the polls, gaining 42 first-place votes in the AP poll to jump Oklahoma and gain the No. 1 spot.
The ranking is LSU’s first stint at No. 1 since the 2007 season. LSU gained 15 first-place votes in the Coaches Poll to move up a spot to tie Alabama at No. 2.
The Tigers’ (4-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) win over the Mountaineers (3-1, 0-0 Big East) boiled down to momentum.
Athletes have called momentum one of the most unstoppable forces in sports. If a team loses momentum, the game could follow.
Until the 11-minute mark of the third quarter, it seemed momentum was on LSU’s side. But the tides turned on the Tigers.
A dropped touchdown pass by junior wide receiver Rueben Randle and a missed field goal by junior kicker Drew Alleman allowed the Mountaineers to capitalize with 14 straight points.
“There were a couple of times I thought we had momentum,” said West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen. “I thought the pass protection was fantastic and [quarterback] Geno [Smith] had time, and we had some guys get open and make some plays. The offensive game plan was not a victory.”
The Mountaineer offense wasn’t the only one shining Saturday night.
The Tigers racked up 186 yards rushing, and senior quarterback Jarrett Lee threw for 180, including three touchdown passes.
After defeating three ranked opponents on the road in its first four contests, LSU coach Les Miles said his team is beginning to feel comfortable playing big away games.
“By this time, we understand what it means to go on the road,” Miles said. “Our guys understand it’s going to be close and we understand it’s going to be a hostile environment. When the crowd got jacked when we came onto the field, I knew we were going to play. It was like they were having a football party and they invited important.”
 
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Contact Mark Clements at [email protected]