The Honey Badger must have wanted the MVP trophy, because that’s just what he took.
Sophomore cornerback Tyrann Mathieu gave the Tigers the spark they needed to nab their 11th Southeastern Conference Championship after dismal performance in the first half in Atlanta.
Mathieu put up LSU’s only points of the first half when he ran back a punt from Georgia punter Drew Butler for 62 yards late in the second quarter.
“I just felt that I needed to change the momentum of the game,” Mathieu said. “It was the perfect time with that punt return. Just trying to make one guy miss and just get up the field.”
The return was Mathieu’s second in as many games after returning a punt for 92 yards against Arkansas last Saturday.
The touchdown wasn’t without controversy, however, when Mathieu flipped the ball to the official in celebration before fully crossing the goal line.
“I could see the referee looking at me kind of strange,” Mathieu said. “I’ll be sure next time to make sure I cross the goal line.”
Before the return, LSU had no first downs and only 16 yards of total offense. After the punt, LSU racked up 13 first downs and 221 yards of total offense, scoring 41 unanswered points, a SEC Championship Game record.
To continue on his momentum-changing performance, Mathieu recovered a fumble from Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray on UGA’s second half opening drive.
Sophomore defensive tackle Michael Brockers forced the fumble at the Georgia’s 27 when Mathieu dove on it to set up the first of freshman running back Kenny Hilliard’s three touchdowns on the night.
“I’ll be honest with you, I enjoy watching the guy play football other than what he plays against us,” said Georgia coach Mark Richt. “When you do see a guy like that, you can appreciate it.”
Mathieu’s night didn’t stop there, however, almost bringing another punt back in a highlight run in which he broke five tackles before being tripped up at the Bulldogs 17 by Georgia linebacker Kosta Vavlas.
“Last night I envisioned me having three touchdowns,” Mathieu said. “I think I came close to that. What it came down to is me trying to do what I can for my team. I put the pressure on myself at times.”
Talk for Mathieu’s Heisman hopes returned after his standout performance in the Georgia Dome.
With the finalists about to be named for a trip to New York and a chance to win college football’s most prestigious award, the Honey Badger has launched his name back into the conversation.
“I don’t think I should be the judge of that,” Mathieu said. “I just try to go out there, just play my best football for my team and my
Mathieu ignites Heisman speculation with stellar performance against Georgia
By Michael Gegenheimer
Sports Contributor
Sports Contributor
December 4, 2011