ARLINGTON, Texas – The No. 4 LSU Tigers used a lopsided 3rd quarter and a dominant second-half rushing attack to cruise to a statement 40-27 victory against No. 3 Oregon on Saturday night at Cowboys Stadium.
Three Ducks fumbles led directly to three Tiger touchdowns, including two in a three-minute sequence during the third quarter that turned a tight 16-13 game at halftime into an LSU romp.
A fumble by Oregon freshman De’Anthony Thomas early in the second half left LSU with a short field and the Tigers converted the turnover into a five-yard touchdown scamper by Michael Ford for a 23-13 lead.
On the ensuing kickoff, special-teamer Ron Brooks scooped up another Duck fumble near midfield. Six plays and 41 yards later, LSU had a commanding 30-13 lead from which Oregon never recovered.
In the disastrous third quarter for Oregon, its normally explosive offense couldn’t manage a first down against the stout LSU defense, gaining just 15 yards — including none through the air.
On the night, Oregon was held to just 95 yards rushing on 28 carries as LSU’s front seven consistently penetrated the backfield to stuff the Ducks’ spread attack.
Tiger running backs Spencer Ware and Michael Ford combined for a huge night rushing the ball, with the sophomore duo carrying the ball 40 times for 195 yards behind wide-open lanes created by the offensive line in the second half.
Embattled LSU senior starting quarterback Jarrett Lee struggled with his touch early on, but finished the game 10-22 for 98 yards and a touchdown.
LSU sophomore cornerback Tyrann Mathieu forced a fumble on a punt that he recovered and returned for a touchdown and made 10 total tackles on the night to lead LSU.
Oregon, considered by many to be the more mistake-free of the two teams before the game, committed 12 penalties for 95 yards and turned the ball over four times. LSU had just one turnover and five penalties for 47 yards.
The Tigers return to action next Saturday night at home against Northwestern State.
 
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Contact Chris Abshire at [email protected]