TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — In the final moments of LSU’s dominating 27-3 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide, both endzones were covered with LSU fans. Those making the trip from Baton Rouge chanted in unison “Go to hell Ole Miss, go to hell.”
With a showdown for the Southeastern Conference’s Western Division crown looming with rival Ole Miss, the No. 3 Tigers (9-1, 5-1 SEC) were dominant road warriors Saturday, holding Alabama (4-7, 2-5) to just 10 first downs and 219 total yards.
LSU’s offense showed its balance gaining 219 yards on the ground and 251 through the air. The Tigers accumulated 28 first downs.
Wide receiver Michael Clayton caught 12 balls for 130 yards and one touchdown. His 102 receiving yards in the first half bettered Alabama’s total first half yardage — 65.
“This is what we’ve been working hard for since I’ve been here,” Clayton said. “Being known as a nationally-ranked, dominating ballclub. I think week in and week out we do that.”
Coach Nick Saban said Clayton had a solid game.
“[It was] not only the passes he caught,” Saban said. “I know he had the one fumble, but it was probably his competitive spirit that helped create that. He blocked very well. Michael has played well for us all year.”
Quarterback Matt Mauck was 24-of-36 for 251 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The freshman running back combination of Alley Broussard and Justin Vincent combined for 162 yards and a touchdown.
LSU defered its option until the second half after winning the coin toss. The choice proved wise as the Tigers defense held Alabama to five straight three and out possessions to open the game. In between, LSU used good field position gained by stellar defensive play and the punt returns of wide receiver Skyler Green.
After the first LSU possession led to a 20-yard Chris Jackson field goal, LSU took advantage of a 41-yard Green return when on the first play of the second drive, Mauck hit Clayton on a slant pattern for a 23-yard touchdown pass.
“We had two big punt returns in the first half and then we didn’t get the ball kicked to us anymore which may be a problem,” Saban said. “[Green] has big play ability in everything he does. We certainly would like to continue to get the ball in his hands so he has an opportunity to make plays.”
The Tigers closed out the first half scoring when Mauck hit tight end Eric Edwards on a playaction pass for a 3-yard touchdown. Edwards was covered tightly, but dove and made an over-the-shoulder catch to make the score 17-0 at the half.
“It was a perfect throw, away from the defender where I could get it,” Edwards said.
“That gave us a little momentum [heading] into the second half up by 17.”
The Tigers closed out their scoring in the second half on a Broussard 4-yard run and a 33-yard Jackson field goal.
Still, the synonymous feeling on the LSU offense is the Tigers did not take advantage of many of its great opportunities, especially in the first half.
In the first half, LSU started from the ‘Bama 49, 23, and 46 yard lines. In addition, the Tigers started two drives near midfield.
“Offensively we left a lot out there,” Mauck said. “We did come in here and beat a great Alabama team 27-3 and we didn’t play our best ball. Hopefully we can improve upon some things.”
Clayton said it is a positive thing the offense did not play well, but still managed to put up 27 points.
“We were coming off of an off week,” he said. “We left a lot of things out there, but it’s a positive because we can go back, watch film and learn a lot.”
Offensive lineman Rodney Reed said anytime LSU beats Alabama at Tuscaloosa it is a special victory, but reiterated the Tigers let many fruitful opportunities go by the wayside.
“There were plenty of opportunities left on the field,” Reed said. “We had penalties on offense and a couple of turnovers.”
Earlier Alabama played No. 1 Oklahoma and lost by just a touchdown. Tide coach Mike Shula said LSU showed him it is near the top level of teams in the country.
“They are real good and very deserving of their high ranking,” Shula said. “We played Oklahoma early in the year so we can compare them to the top teams in the country. If Oklahoma is No. 1, they are definitely right behind them.”