Instant Analysis: Florida falls short against LSU
A rare missed extra point proved to be the deciding factor as LSU won 17-16 in The Swamp, getting revenge over No. 21 Florida (3-2, 3-1 SEC).
Florida looked to have tied the game at 17 when sophomore running back Lamical Perine scored a 1-yard touchdown at the 1:45 mark in the third quarter. Redshirt junior kicker Eddy Pineiro shanked the extra point. LSU hold onto the lead for the rest of the third quarter and the entire fourth quarter.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Down 17-16, Florida turned the ball over on downs with 1:46 left as quarterback Feleipe Franks' pass was tipped. The Tigers successfully ran out the clock.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: LSU's top rusher was wide receiver Russell Gage (6 carries, 52 yards). The Gators did a good job of containing running back Derrius Guice (17 carries, 50 yards), but Gage was too fast for Florida on the edge.
THE STATS DON'T LIE: LSU won the battle of third downs. The Tigers were 6-of-13, which was not spectacular, but much better than the Gators' 2-of-9 effort. The Tigers won all three offensive yardage categories (341-302 total, 216-194 rushing, 125-108 passing).
WHAT A PLAY: Normally reserved for a specific play, it's appropriate here to recognize LSU's numerous jet sweeps. The Florida defense was frequently lost on the play, unable to set the edge which left wide open space for Tigers ball-carriers to get up the field.
THESE MATCH-UPS PROVED KEY: What felt like the deciding match-up took place in the press box between LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada and Florida defensive coordinator Randy Shannon.
UP NEXT: Florida finishes out its first three-game home stretch since 2006 when Texas A&M makes its first trip to The Swamp as a member of the SEC. The Gators look to get 4-2 on the year and 4-1 in SEC play.
Stay tuned with ITG, as we provide more post-game coverage tonight of Florida's loss to LSU.
------
Thank you for reading this Inside the Gators article. To discuss it, please visit the Alligator Alley Forum.