Despite a sloppy performance marred by three turnovers, the No. 11 LSU Tigers leveraged a stellar defensive effort, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s two touchdowns, and a breakout game from tight end Trey’Dez Green to secure a crucial 20-10 victory over South Carolina, leaving fans to ponder the team’s championship potential and persistent execution issues.
In a hard-fought SEC matchup, the No. 11 LSU Tigers (5-1, 2-1 SEC) secured a 20-10 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks (3-3, 1-3 SEC) on Saturday night in Baton Rouge. While the scoreboard favored LSU, the game was a testament to the Tigers’ resilience in overcoming their own missteps, propelled by key offensive performances and a formidable defense that effectively neutralized South Carolina’s threats. The win kept LSU’s SEC title hopes alive, even as it highlighted ongoing questions about their offensive consistency.
The Tigers’ Tenacity: Overcoming Self-Inflicted Wounds
The victory should arguably have come with more ease for LSU, as the Tigers were plagued by three critical turnovers. Twice, they lost the ball right at the South Carolina goal line – once on a fumble by running back Ju’Juan Johnson and once on an interception. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s first of two interceptions also occurred deep in Gamecocks territory. These mistakes, alongside four punts, meant seven of LSU’s possessions ended without points, a recurring theme for their offense in power conference games, where they’ve averaged just 19 points.
Despite the offensive miscues, LSU coach Brian Kelly praised his team’s ability to grind out the win. “We found a way to win, even though we had some mistakes out there that could at some time be catastrophic,” Kelly stated. “The bottom line is: against an SEC opponent, we held them to 10 points and really, except for our own mistakes, we controlled the flow of the game.” The Tigers’ defensive stand and crucial big plays ultimately overshadowed their self-inflicted wounds.
Nussmeier’s Resilience and Explosive Passing Game
Garrett Nussmeier delivered 254 passing yards and two touchdowns, navigating the game despite his two interceptions. His ability to rebound after turnovers and lead scoring drives was pivotal. The passing game was significantly boosted by the stellar performance of tight end Trey’Dez Green, a 6-foot-7 former college basketball player, who caught eight passes for a remarkable 119 yards and a touchdown. Green, who has largely recovered from a knee injury suffered earlier in the season, proved to be an unstoppable force. “Clearly he is a mismatch,” Coach Kelly commented on Green. “He is a unique talent and we need to continue to feature him in our offense.” Green himself acknowledged the opportunity, stating, “The ball came my way tonight a lot. I wasn’t going to waste that opportunity,” as reported by Associated Press.
Wide receiver Kyle Parker also contributed significantly with five catches for 75 yards, highlighted by a spectacular 43-yard touchdown where he snagged a short slant pass in stride and outran the defense, a play celebrated by LSU Football on X. Green’s own leaping 6-yard touchdown catch on a fade pass, also highlighted by LSU Football on X, was a quick response after a Gamecocks score, underscoring the Tigers’ ability to bounce back.
Ground Game Stepping Up
Complementing the aerial attack, LSU’s rushing game achieved a season-high 166 yards. Running back Caden Durham led the charge with 70 yards on 15 carries, providing a much-needed balance to the Tigers’ offense and helping to control the clock in crucial moments. Kicker Damian Ramos’s second field goal with 1:46 left all but sealed the victory, capping a drive initiated after cornerback Mansoor Delane broke up Sellers’ fourth-down pass.
Gamecocks’ Missed Opportunities and Sellers’ Struggles
For South Carolina, the game was a frustrating narrative of missed opportunities. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers, despite flashes of athleticism, struggled in the passing game, throwing for 124 yards, taking five sacks, and being intercepted once by LSU safety Tamarcus Cooley. LSU’s defense was particularly effective at containing Sellers, limiting him to just 19 net rushing yards (74 gained, 55 lost). Coach Kelly acknowledged the challenge Sellers posed, stating, “Sellers is a difficult guy to corral. I’m proud of the way our guys attacked him. … He will leave here feeling the game against LSU.”
The Gamecocks drove into LSU territory six times but came away with no points on four of those possessions. One drive ended with a missed field goal, two with punts, and the final one with a turnover on downs. South Carolina coach Shane Beamer expressed his deep disappointment after the game. “I’m sick to my stomach that we didn’t win that football game,” Beamer said, noting that the Gamecocks finished with 193 yards rushing. “When we ran the ball, when we won the turnover battle, win time of possession — when you do all that, you should win the game,” sentiments echoed by a recap on ESPN.com.
The Fuller Surprise and Goal-Line Drama
A pivotal moment early in the second quarter saw LSU on the brink of a 10-0 lead, only for Ju’Juan Johnson’s goal-line effort to result in a fumble dislodged by defensive tackle Monkell Goodwine and recovered by edge rusher Bryan Thomas Jr. in the end zone. Just three plays later, South Carolina’s Matt Fuller, who had only 71 rushing yards all season prior to the game, broke loose for a stunning 72-yard touchdown run, giving the Gamecocks a 7-3 lead. This highlight play was also shared by Gamecock Football on X.
Beamer’s Bewilderment: The Fake Punt Controversy
Adding to Coach Beamer’s frustration was a controversial flag in the third quarter that nullified what initially appeared to be a successful fake punt. Beamer explained that officials told him the snap occurred before they had signaled that both teams had finished changing personnel. After reviewing the replay, a visibly upset Beamer vehemently argued with officials for several minutes.
“In 26 years of coaching I’ve never seen that,” Beamer asserted. “There was (no official) standing over the ball. I don’t know how the punter, the personal protector who is making the call, and the snapper are supposed to know to not snap it when the referee is standing behind the punter. Somebody is going to have to explain that one to me.” This moment encapsulated South Carolina’s evening of near misses and perplexing decisions.
The Takeaway: LSU’s Inconsistent Dominance, South Carolina’s Frustration
For LSU, the win underscores their potential but also highlights the persistent issue of inconsistent offensive execution. While their defense proved capable of containing a mobile quarterback like Sellers, the turnovers and stalled drives remain a concern for a team with championship aspirations. The emergence of Trey’Dez Green, however, offers a promising new dimension to their attack.
South Carolina, on the other hand, leaves Baton Rouge with a bitter taste. Despite strong rushing numbers and winning the turnover battle, their inability to convert drives into points and Sellers’ struggles in the passing game against a quick LSU defense ultimately cost them. The fake punt controversy only added to a frustrating night that leaves their season at a crossroads.
Looking Ahead
Next Saturday, South Carolina will host Oklahoma in a crucial matchup, while LSU will travel to face Vanderbilt, aiming to refine their offensive execution and continue their climb in the SEC standings.
