Print this story |
E-mail story |
This story has 30 comments Add your own |
iPod friendly | Bookmark this
What is this?
photo by Marcus Frazier
Alabama defensive lineman Brandon Fanney tackles LSU running back Keiland Williams in the Crimson Tide’s 27-21 victory over the Tigers Saturday. The Tide won in overtime, and Keiland Williams recorded 88 yards on 13 carries in the loss.
LSU falls to No. 1 Alabama, former coach Saban in overtime
Published Sunday, November 9, 2008
BATON ROUGE — LSU was able to overcome quarterback Jarrett Lee’s first three interceptions. Unfortunately for the Tigers, it was that fourth one that was the killer.
Alabama defensive back Rashad Johnson intercepted Lee in the end zone on LSU’s first overtime possession and the Crimson Tide scored a touchdown on the third play of its overtime possession to take a 27-21 win in Nick Saban’s return to Death Valley.
“It was a throw he did not need to make,” LSU coach Les Miles said of Lee’s overtime pick. “But his view was ‘I hit this one, we win.’ I just need to coach him some more, love him, support him and make him better.”
It was a bitter end to a disappointing night for Lee, who finished the game just 13-of-34 for 181 yards with four interceptions to just one touchdown pass.
“I was trying to make plays that weren’t there in a big game,” Lee said of his forgetful night. “I’ve just got to stay positive and work on it.”
LSU seemed to have the momentum as the fourth quarter wound down. Down 21-14, the Tigers marched 74 yards in 14 plays to tie the score when Charles Scott crashed in the end zone from a yard out with 6:12 remaining.
Lee was instrumental on the drive, completing four-of-five passes on the drive for 58 yards.
“He gave us an opportunity to win the game,” Miles said of his redshirt freshman quarterback. “There’s just some growing that needs to be done.”
The two teams then traded punts and Alabama looked like they were going to win the game in regulation. The Tide took advantage of a personal foul face mask call and positioned the ball in the center of the field on the 12-yard line with just 3 seconds left. However, Leigh Tiffin’s 29-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Ricky Jean-Francois as time expired, sending the game to the extra session.
LSU got the ball first in the overtime, and following two running plays that gained four yards, Lee rolled to his right and threw into double coverage in the back of the end zone, where Johnson hauled in his third interception of the game.
Alabama wasted no time ending the game, as John Parker Wilson connected with Julio Jones for a 24-yard gain to the 1-yard line on the first play of overtime. Wilson ended the game himself two plays later on a quarterback sneak for the winning touchdown.
“We decided to go with a big play off the bat to (Julio) Jones,” Saban said. “We hit that one play and that makes a big difference.”
It was Wilson’s second rushing touchdown of the game. The senior quarterback scored on another quarterback sneak in the first quarter that put the Tide up 7-0 following Lee’s first interception of the game, which gave the Tide a first down at the LSU 15-yard line.
The Tigers stormed back to take the lead midway through the first quarter, scoring two touchdowns just 24 seconds apart.
Lee hit Demetrius Byrd for a 30-yard touchdown pass that tied the score at seven. Gilbert Arenas fumbled the ensuing kickoff and LSU running back Charles Scott made them pay on the first offensive play, racing 30 yards for the score. Scott finished the game with 92 yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns.
However, LSU would fail to move the ball the remainder of the half and Lee’s second intercpetion would prove very costly, as Johnson picked it off at the 46-yard line and raced 54 yards to the paint that tied the score at 14 midway through the first half.
Alabama took the lead midway through the third quarter, when Glen Coffee capped off a seven-play, 69-yard drive with a 3-yard run around left end.
That’s how the score stayed until LSU tied it in the fourth on Scott’s run.
Alabama’s win puts the No. 1 ranked Tide at 10-0 and clinches the SEC Western Division title. The Tide will face Florida in the SEC Championship Game the first weekend in December.
LSU, meanwhile, falls to 6-3 overall and just 3-3 in the SEC one season after winning the BCS championship.
“We’re going to keep fighting,” Scott said. “The season’s not over. We’re just going to try and run the table.”
Comments
Posted by GodsChild (anonymous) on November 9, 2008 at 5:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That's OK
You played a good game Tigers!
We need to get Jordan Jefferson in the game!!!!!!
Geaux Tigers
Posted by jrn59 (anonymous) on November 9, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All the support and love in the world will not help QB Lee. Bring Perriloux (spelling) back NOW!
Posted by dynagirl (anonymous) on November 9, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't believe LSU gave the Democra(t) a press credential. Y'all haven't gone to ONE other game--so you decide you should cover this one? Oh, and I'm sure Julie will get hers for the Ole Miss game.
Posted by pride (anonymous) on November 9, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dynagirl could it be that the Democrat has Bama fans ? I wonder how long will Nick remain at Alabama ? He goes to the highest bidder for his services . Those Bama folks have deeeeep pockets footing the bill for Nick .
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on November 9, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It never ceases to amaze me that south Mississippi supports LSU more than it does any major Mississippi school whether it's Ole Miss, MSU or USM. If we did perhaps our teams would be vieing for National Championships instead of contributing to LSU's efforts. The Democrat, in its position of responsibility should support Mississippi schools over all others.
Another amazing thing is how many LSU fans never even attended LSU, and I wonder just how many of them ever attended high school...from their conduct at home games they are an embarassment to the rest of the SEC which manages to cheer their teams without disrespect to the opposing visiting team or fans...poor sportsmanship is taught and encouraged in Baton Rouge and the rest of the LSU fiefdom...Huey P. would be proud, and that's not a good thing.
Posted by Greenfields (anonymous) on November 9, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
^^^^^^
Croom ain't looking so hot huh?
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on November 9, 2008 at 7:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No, but still doesn't make my earlier post irrelevant, so what's your point?
Posted by ghost (anonymous) on November 9, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sam...
Who says you have to attend LSU to be a fan? I have been an LSU fan since i was a young child. My father took me to my first game many years ago and I fell in love. The more I learned about the university the more i loved it. I attended Northwestern State in Natchitoches and remained true to LSU as well as supporting Northwestern. I am a distant relative to Billy Cannon (1959 Heisman winner).
how to you figure that poor sportsmanship is taught and encouraged? thats ridiculous!
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on November 9, 2008 at 11:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's self-evident if you've ever been to an LSU home game...no one else treats the opposing teams and fans to the kind of abuse exhibited in Baton Rouge...that's why the reputation is intact...it's only ridiculous if it's not true, can you deny it?...I don't think so.
Posted by 2BAD4U (anonymous) on November 10, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sam, who would support MS. State with their record, and what does attending a school have to do with being a fan? You talk about LSU, have you ever been to the swamp (Florida)? Booing the opposing team is just part of the fun. We treat them (opposing fans) with respect and try to help them in any way possible before and after the game, but during the game we put our game faces on.
Posted by firered (Elizabeth Geter) on November 10, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sammohon,
Its ok you can talk about our "poor sportsmanship" anyday!! I haven't seen any posts about other teams being sore losers... When Oklahoma lost to Texas a few weeks ago, all the Oklahoma fans HERE (yeah here in Natchez, no where close to OK by the way) were furious blaming the loss to bad calls and biased refs. Not once in our 3 losses this season have I EVER heard a fan blame our loss on anyone but our team. LSU has a LOT of work to do getting Lee anywhere near being a college QB. He's scared of having the ball. He gets rid of it as fast as he can, and apparently doesn't care who he gives it to! :) LSU fans realize that and embrace it and look at it as even more reason to look forward to next season!!
And since when does it matter what team you support by where you are from?? I'm from Mississippi and proud to say I'm an LSU fan. I just have good taste in football teams!! That's like telling me that because I'm from Mississippi, I cannot like any NFL team (b/c there are none in this state) and that I cannot support the Atlanta Braves. I'm free to support and cheer on whoever I choose. Just as you are!! So get down off your soapbox and put on a smile! It'll make you feel better!!
Posted by purecountry (anonymous) on November 10, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
yeah why don't yall check out the website espn.com there was an lsu and alabama fan got into a fight. One was shot and killed over the game.
Posted by firered (Elizabeth Geter) on November 10, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Purecountry... How bout you read the article and see that it was 2 LSU fans who were killed by and Alabama fan. And it happened in Alabama...
Posted by 2BAD4U (anonymous) on November 10, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you firered.
Posted by purecountry (anonymous) on November 10, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have already read the article. I didn't say anything negative about LSU or Alabama FIRERED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What's your problem? I was just asking if anybody read the article. Man, we have some cranky people here.
Posted by southernwoman (anonymous) on November 10, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Sam, we're in a more liberal atmosphere now, and people can choose to support any football team they wish, without shame.
Posted by firered (Elizabeth Geter) on November 10, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MY BAD PURECOUNTRY!! Good grief.. They way you wrote it didn't seem so nice.. I'm a naturally cranky person!! Thanks!!
Posted by purecountry (anonymous) on November 10, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thats ok. Im cool! Im actually a HUGE BAMA fan but grew up being a Ole Miss fan. I married a BAMA fan. It shouldn't matter which team you root for thats your choice. Thats the whole part of being human (freedom of speech). So what if you are LSU fan and I don't hate/dislike you for liking them. Its just like the presidental stuff. If you voted for OBAMA Im not gonna stop liking you. You are intitled to your opinion.
Posted by 2BAD4U (anonymous) on November 10, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are very correct purecountry. GO TIDE!!!!!!
Posted by purecountry (anonymous) on November 10, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you! and Have a good night Im heading home.
Posted by ericstratton (anonymous) on November 10, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sam,I could'nt agree more with you. There are more LSU stickers,flags,etc on cars around here yet you never see an alumni sticker. Who the hell graduated from there?
Posted by natchezrepublican (anonymous) on November 10, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Another amazing thing is how many LSU fans never even attended LSU, and I wonder just how many of them ever attended high school...from their conduct at home games they are an embarassment to the rest of the SEC which manages to cheer their teams without disrespect to the opposing visiting team or fans...poor sportsmanship is taught and encouraged in Baton Rouge and the rest of the LSU fiefdom...Huey P. would be proud, and that's not a good thing."
I totally agree and I am proud to say that I didn't jump on the white boot band wagon...anyone who can't see how LSU fans are in Baton Rouge are BLIND. ROLL TIDE...GEAUX TO HELL TIGERS!!!
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on November 10, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
2bad4u...yes I've been to the Swamp and yes, I've heard booing all over, in every SEC stadium except South Carolina, Arkansas and Kentucky where I haven't yet been...that's not the unsportsmanlike conduct of which I'm talking...my wife and I were verbally trashed and cursed coming out of Tiger Stadium, she was called a "dogf@#$er"...my truck was vandalized (keyed and an MSU magnetic sticker torn in half)...window flags were ripped off...a drunk LSU fan called security on me because he saw my silver MSU watch glint and thought it was a flask and noticed I was wearing maroon...OK, it was a flask, but get real, this stuff only happens in Baton Rouge and is encouraged...we'd have never gotten out alive if we'd have actually won.
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on November 10, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
firered...OU fans in Natchez?...I know of two, but one has been dead now for a while and his son is the only other one I've ever run into.
As you can see from my previous post I'm not talking about the run of the mill booing or complaining about getting robbed by the refs, I'm talking about threats of physical injury and vandalism of property simply because I choose not to be an LSU fan...is that sportsmanship?
As an individual you certainly have the right to be a fan for any team you want, I was simply making the point that aside from the fact that Mississippi talent is split five ways, between Ole Miss, MSU, USM, LSU and Alabama, whereas, LSU's talent pool includes the entire State of Louisiana AND the I-10 corridor from Houston to Pensacola, it would be helpful to Mississippi for Mississippi newpapers promote Mississippi schools and Mississippi football teams and not a Huey P. Long creation. It's hard enough to compete in the SEC without the local papers aiding the opponents.
BTW, I'm am smiling as I write this...hee, hee, BAMA won! and I do feel better.
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on November 10, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It occurs to me that the last time Alabama was undefeated and #1 in the country led by his eminence Paul "Bear" Bryant they ran into a little nobody team out of Starkville that beat them in Birmingham 6-3. Bear was so angry he had the SEC enact the "Artificial Noisemaker Ban" simply to rid himself of the shame of being beaten by a bunch of cowbell ringing Bulldogs. Maybe lightning can strike twice.
Well, I can hope can't I?...LOL. Yeah, I know, wish in one hand, spit in the other and see which one fills up fastest.
Posted by Campbell (anonymous) on November 11, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm rofl about how fired-up people get over football. Thanks for the entertainment! Seriously.
Posted by firered (Elizabeth Geter) on November 11, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sam,
I know of about 10 or so OU fans... Just recently came out of the woodwork in the past couple of years or so! I didn't know of any either until then.
I've never witnessed any of these occurances at any of the games. Just a bunch of drunk people. Who are very friendly if you ask me!! (Although I'm not the competition, I'm one of them!!) I'm sorry you experienced that, I'd hate for that to happen to anyone. I'm pretty sure, however, that its happened on other college campuses as well.
Posted by 2BAD4U (anonymous) on November 11, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is hard for me to believe that this is taught and happens only at LSU and in Baton Rouge. sam, with all jokes to the side, I sure hate that this happened to you. This would not be a good experiance for anyone, that's why I always watch the games on tv or listen to them on the radio. I don't find excitement in setting in traffic and being around a bunch of drunk people.
Posted by GodsChild (anonymous) on November 11, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Geaux Tigers
Win out and get a good bowl game and beat whoever you have to play.
What's the difference in people from around here being Dallas, Pittsburgh, New England, and or San Francisco fans...? You have the right to cheer for whoever you want to.
Most people cheer for WINNERS
So I say again…
Geaux Tigers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by purecountry (anonymous) on November 11, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You should cheer for your team whether they win or lose. That's sticking behind your team. Go BAMA!
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)