The LSU Tigers upset the No. 6 Florida Gators, 37-34, on Saturday night in foggy Gainesville to move to 4-5 on the season.
Entering the game, the Tigers were massive underdogs and learned they would be without All-American cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., just before game time.
With a depleted roster, the defending national champions played their best game of the season, led by freshman quarterback Max Johnson.
Making his first career start, Johnson was unflappable, completing 21 of 36 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns. Most importantly, Johnson did not turn the football over.
Johnson also led the Tigers with 59 yards rushing.
The lead went back and forth throughout the game, as the Gators connected on a game-tying field goal late.
However, the Tigers still had plenty of time on the clock and were driving late with around one minute remaining. On a third down, LSU came up short but was bailed out when Florida defensive back Marco Wilson tossed the shoe of an LSU player downfield, keeping LSU’s drive alive.
Marco Wilson just committed 1 of the worst penalties I’ve ever seen. #Gators pic.twitter.com/tFaBd2ZVfm
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) December 13, 2020
The Tigers moved into Gators’ territory, and the drive stalled.
Enter LSU kicker Cade York.
York absolutely drilled a 57-yard field goal to put the Tigers ahead, 37-34, but the game was still not over.
I can hardly believe it.
Cade York sends a 57-yard field goal through the uprights, and #LSU has the 37-34 lead with 23 seconds left in this game. pic.twitter.com/CSIre3aFZO
— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) December 13, 2020
The Gators had two timeouts remaining and would get into LSU territory. Florida kicker Evan McPherson comes onto the field and attempts a 51-yard field goal that goes just wide, preserving a massive upset for the Tigers.
Florida quarterback Kyle Trask passed for 474 yards and two touchdowns. He also intercepted twice.
LSU will face Ole Miss next week with a chance to even its record.