TUCSON, Ariz. – In Arizona’s three games prior to playing LSU, the Wildcats piled up 114 points, including six touchdowns in their season opening 42-7 route of University of Texas-El Paso. Arizona’s offense was thought to be a serious challenge for LSU’s defense. But after the smoke cleared Saturday night, the Tigers’ defense had its way with the Wildcats offense in a 59-13 LSU win.
“I thought this was going to be a tough game for us,” said LSU coach Nick Saban. “Arizona looked really good and dominated last week (against UTEP). They ran the ball effectively and both quarterbacks made some plays. I thought they were going to be able to move the ball on us some.”
To the pleasure of Saban, LSU’s defense did not allow Arizona to move the ball effectively at any point throughout the game, especially in the first half.
“I think we did a good job of controlling the line of scrimmage, and when we did that it showed up on the field and it speaks for itself,” said junior defensive end Marcus Spears.
The Wildcats were only able to gain 67 total yards by halftime and 182 total yards for the game. LSU’s defense held the two Arizona quarterbacks, Nic Costa and Ryan O’Hara, to a mere 1-of-12 with one interception and only 19 yards in the first half.
“I think a lot of it was the defensive line,” said senior strong safety Jack Hunt. “The D-line was unbelievable tonight. (Arizona) had no time to throw.”
The defensive line only tallied two sacks, but constantly hurried the quarterback making it difficult for the Arizona offense to get into a rhythm.
“I give credit to their defense, it was hard to see out there,” O’Hara said.
Spears said he believes the pressure the front four applied had major impact on the play of the two quarterbacks.
“I’m sure it effects him,” he said. “When you are getting pressure on you and you got to get rid of the ball quick, some of those throws are going to be wild.”
The miscues by Arizona quarterbacks gave sophomore defensive back Ronnie Prude and junior Travis Daniels both an interception on the night.
Falling behind quickly, Arizona was forced to pass early and often. This allowed the Tigers defensive line to concentrate on getting the quarterback.
“We just put our ears back and came after them,” said senior defensive tackle Chad Lavalais. “I thought we did a good job getting pressure on them.”
When the Wildcats attempted to run, they were not very successful. They attempted to run 13 times in the first half and only gained 48 yards on the ground.
“On the run (the defensive linemen) are always there,” Hunt said. “I hardly had any tackles to make.”
The playing conditions in Arizona Stadium Saturday night were much different than the conditions the Tigers faced in their previous contest in the rain against Louisiana-Monroe in LSU’s season opener. Spears said the dry surface along with the moderate temperature and breeze helped his play.
“It felt great,” he said. “It is such a disadvantage for a big guy to be in those conditions.”
In the limited playing time he saw, Spears totaled 3 tackles for a loss including one sack. Junior linebacker Lionel Turner grabbed the Tigers only other sack.
It was not just positive weather that helped LSU’s big defensive line to dominate the Wildcats.
“I think we just wanted to do it and coach stressed that it had to be done,” Spears said. “We did it and we did it successfully. That was the main thing. ”
Junior quarterback Matt Mauck said the defense did a good job of shutting down the Wildcats and getting the offense back on the field.
“The defense has done a good job this year,” Mauck said. “A lot of the points on the board should go to them.”