AUBURN, Ala — Arden Key is more confused than he’s ever been in his life.
As No. 18 LSU’s defense stifled Auburn’s offense in crunch-time situations and forced field goals, Key watched as LSU (2-2, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) celebrated, then Auburn, plus 87,451 others in Jordan-Hare Stadium, took its elated joy in an 18-13 win at the final second as time expired amid an LSU touchdown pass that became irrelevant.
Key, who thought LSU had won, said he was still confused as to how the game transpired in a post-game interview.
LSU’s defense herded Auburn (2-2, 1-1 SEC) into six field goal attempts. It made all of six.
“We did what we can as far as holding them to field goals,” Adams said. “On the sideline, we kept saying that they don’t need to score any more field goals. But hand claps to their kicker for just making the field goals. We were doing our job.”
LSU slowed Auburn to 8 of 19 third down conversions, yet, allowed 388 yards of total offense on Saturday at Jordan-Hare.
Quarterback Sean White contributed to 234 of Auburn’s 388 yards even though Auburn won its first game on Saturday without an offensive touchdown since 2008.
LSU’s defense did its job, LSU coach Les Miles said.
LIVE on #Periscope: #LSU coach Les Miles after #LSU‘s 13-18 loss against Auburn. https://t.co/Z4FWvZxXi5
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Adams said he and other defenders were hollering on the sideline to stop allowing Auburn field-goal opportunities.
“Our defense was on the field for too long,” Miles said. “We made some early drives, but couldn’t score many points on offense. If we could do that, then our defense would be fine. Our defense has a quality of shifting gears on who we play. I like how we play.”
LSU’s defense, though, wasn’t at full strength on Saturday. The Tigers were without cornerback Kevin Toliver II on Saturday for an unknown injury.
Junior safety Jamal Adams said LSU’s defensive backs found out about Toliver’s absence shortly before LSU kicked off against Auburn at 5 p.m.
Toliver had been practicing with the defensive back unit prior to the game, Adams said. Junior Ed Paris, Toliver’s normal reserve, started in Toliver’s place.
Even without its starting cornerback, Key said LSU’s defense performed well as it held Auburn without an offensive touchdown. Saturday marked Auburn’s first win without an offensive six-point score since 2008 against Mississippi State.
Simply put, LSU’s offense needs work, he said, especially when the defense is prospering.
“We did good on the defense, we got a lot of field goals,” he said. “On the offensive side, we need a little work. We need a little work on both sides.”
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