Instant Analysis: Comeback leads LSU past Auburn in road SEC win

The Tigers overcame a 17-0 deficit to move to 2-0 in SEC play.

LSU got punched in the mouth yet again on Saturday night. The Tigers looked totally out of sorts to start the game, falling behind 17-0 early in a game that looked like it could get ugly.

But once again, this team responded. The defense tightened up, shutting out Auburn in the second half and scoring a touchdown on a fumble return. The offense — while far from perfect — did just enough to bring the team back as LSU earned a 21-17 win.

It was truly pretty remarkable considering how the game began, including [autotag]Sevyn Banks[/autotag]’ scary injury situation on the opening kickoff.. The Tigers gave up two touchdown passes from Robby Ashford early, and facing a three-score deficit, it looked like things could get out of hand.

That’s when the defense came up with a huge play. A strip-sack from [autotag]BJ Ojulari[/autotag] was recovered by [autotag]Jay Ward[/autotag], who returned it for a touchdown. That play flipped the momentum in the game significantly, and a touchdown run from [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] right before half cut the deficit to three.

It wasn’t Daniels’ best game. He finished just 8 of 20 passing for 80 yards, though he did add 59 on the ground plus the score. Once again, Daniels didn’t complete this game. He was looked shaken up after an awkward slide, and though he tried to stay in, he was ultimately pulled.

[autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] entered, though he wasn’t very successful and completed just two of six passes for five yards. [autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag] was the team’s best offensive weapon, taking eight carries for 42 yards and a touchdown in addition to a 39-yard reception, though he did have a fumble that could have been costly at the end.

The ground game, in general, was strong. It totaled 185 yards, led by [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] with 68 on 17 carries. But it was LSU’s defense that truly saved the day in the second half.

It forced two interceptions, one on a trick play which was thrown by former LSU receiver [autotag]Koy Moore[/autotag] to true freshman [autotag]Harold Perkins Jr.[/autotag], and another from Ashford when the ball was ripped out of Moore’s hands by [autotag]Greg Brooks Jr.[/autotag]

It was overall the best passing day of Ashford’s career. He completed just 19 of 38 passes but totaled 337 yards and two passing touchdowns. Still, his two turnovers held the team back despite AU outgaining LSU 438-270.

It wasn’t the prettiest game, but LSU is now 2-0 and has won four-straight games as it prepares to welcome the top-10 Tennessee Volunteers to town next weekend.

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