LaTech came into Saturday’s contest averaging 42 points per game, and being ranked 17th in the NCAA in total offense. Having put up more than a thousand yards in total offense in their first two games while allowing their opponents just under 600 yards.
LSU was averaging nearly 29 points a game with 28.7, while holding their opponents to less than 13 points in three games. The Tigers defense has looked nothing short of fantastic through three games, being +7 and leading the nation in turnover difference.
LaTech would win the coin toss and defer until the second, LSU would receive. LSU started the game slow going three and out on their first possession, and a punt by Zach Von Rosenberg. The Bulldogs would start on their own 20 yard line QB J’Mar Smith would throw a 33 yard pass to receiver Adrian Hardy down to the LSU 47. The Bulldogs would then throw three straight incomplete passes and be forced to punt.
On LSUs second possession the Tigers marched down the field, for 78 yards, led by the tandem of Nick Brossette and Clyde Edwards-Helaire at running back. The drive would end with Nick Brossette punching it in from the one yard line. Cole Tracy would make his point after try and put the Tigers ahead 7-0.
On LaTech’s next drive, the Bulldogs continued to pass completing just one pass for nine yards and rushing for three more. LaTech would again punt.
LSU would again come out mixing up the play calling and passing on first down. Completing passes to Stephen Sullivan and Dee Anderson on a sustained drive that would eat up 68 yards and 4 minutes and 17 seconds.
Penalties and dropped passes in the first half would hamstring the LaTech offense having only a 183 yards of total offense compared to what they were averaging of nearly 250 yards per half. The Tigers defense seemed to be too much to handle for the Bulldogs offense during the first half as the Tigers were pitching a shutout. Going up 24-0 with five minutes left until LaTech Receiver Adrian Hardy scored with about four and a half minutes left to go in the half giving the Bulldogs a little breathing room.
LaTech would come out in the second half ready to play. They went on a long methodical 13 play 75 yard drive that ended in a touchdown and took up almost 6 minutes.
LSU had a great night running the ball, rushing for 218 yards and posted 409 yards of total offense.
LaTech LSU
Score 21 38
First Downs 21 25
Rushes-YDS (Net) 26-87 48-218
Passing YDS (Net) 330 191
Total Offense Plays YDS 76-417 46-409
Fumble Returns-YDS 0-0 1-29
Punt-Returns-YDS 0-0 0-0
Kickoff Returns-YDS 0-0 2-41
Interception Returns-YDS 0-0 1-0
Punts (Number-AVG) 5-35.6 5-45.8
Fumbles-Lost 1-1 1-1
Penalties-Yards 6-48 4-45
Possession Time 27:14 32:46
Third-Down Conversions 9 of 18 9 of 16
Fourth-Down Conversions 1 of 3 0 of 0
Red Zone Scores – Chances 2-2 5-5
