by www.LSUsports.net, LSU Sports Interactive
Game Notes for the 2009 LSU Football team, as well as the weekly opponents' notes, will be published prior to each game.
LSU at Ole Miss, Nov. 21, 2009
LSU Goes After Win No. 9 On The Road Against Ole Miss
LSU will go after its ninth win of the season on Saturday when the Tigers return to conference play against Ole Miss in Oxford. Kickoff for the Tigers and the Rebels is set for 2:30 p.m. The game will be televised to a national audience on CBS. The game will also serve as the second "Magnolia Bowl", which was created in the spring of 2008 by the Student Governments from both schools in an effort to enhance the spirit of the football rivalry between the teams. The "Magnolia Bowl" trophy will be presented to the winning team following Saturday's game. LSU brings an 8-2 overall mark and a 4-2 league record into the game. LSU is 3-1 on the road this year, which includes a 2-1 record in SEC road games. LSU's only two losses this year have come against the nation's No. 1 ranked (Florida) and No. 3 ranked (Alabama) teams. Last week, LSU, despite playing without four offense starters - QB Jordan Jefferson, RB Charles Scott, TE Richard Dickson and C T-Bob Hebert - picked up a 24-16 non-conference win over Louisiana Tech. Jefferson, Dickson and Hebert are expected back this week, while Scott is out for the remainder of the regular season with a fractured clavicle. Ole Miss is playing its best football of the season as they have won four its last five to improve to 7-3 overall and 3-3 in league play. The Rebels are coming off a 42-17 win over Tennessee last week. LSU goes into the Ole Miss game ranked No. 8 in the BCS Standings and No. 10 in the three other major polls - USA Today Coaches, AP, and Harris Interactive. Ole Miss is unranked. LSU has won four straight over Ole Miss in Oxford. Defensively, the Tigers have gone six straight games without allowing a first quarter touchdown. The Tigers are allowing just 13.7 points and 311.8 total yards (126.9 rushing, 184.9 passing) per game. With Scott out of the lineup, LSU's top offensive players are QB Jefferson (1,535 yards, 12 TDs), RB Keiland Williams (328 yards, 4 TDs) and WRs Brandon LaFell (43 catches for 560 yards, 9 TDs) and Terrance Toliver (42 catches for 547 yards, 3 TDs). Defensively, a trio of linebackers - Kelvin Sheppard (87 tackles, 8.0 TFL), Perry Riley (77 tackles, 3.5 TFL) and Harry Coleman (63 tackles, 6 TFL, 3 sacks) pace the Tigers.
Short-Handed LSU Overcomes Slow Start To Beat Louisiana Tech, 24-16
Down four offensive starters due to injuries, LSU overcame a sluggish first half to post a 24-16 non-conference win over Louisiana Tech. Keiland Williams, starting for an injured Charles Scott, rushed for a season-high 116 yards and two second-half touchdowns to lead the Tigers to the victory. The Tigers played the game without offensive starters in QB Jordan Jefferson, RB Charles Scott, TE Richard Dickson and C T-Bob Hebert. LSU scored first, taking a 3-0 lead on a 35-yard field goal by Josh Jasper. Tech tied the score on its next possession before LSU stretched the lead to 10-3 when Jarrett Lee connected with Brandon LaFell on a 38-yard TD pass at the 1:55 mark in the first quarter. After pulling to within 10-6 at the 5:39 mark on another field goal, the Bulldogs took the lead at halftime when Daniel Porter hit Dennis Morris on a 1-yard TD pass on fourth-down as time expired in the first half. LSU regained the lead, 17-13, on a 3-yard run by Williams at the 6:59 mark in the third quarter. Williams extended the lead to 24-13 on a 9-yard TD run by Williams with 7:01 left in the contest. Lee, filing in for an injured Jefferson at quarterback, connected on 7-of-22 passes for 105 yards and one score for the Tigers. Defensively, Perry Riley led the Tigers with 14 tackles, while Jacob Cutrera added 11. As a unit, LSU recorded five sacks and had a total of 10 tackles for losses.
Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 21 at 2:30 p.m. CST
Location: Oxford, Miss (Vaught-Hemingway Stadium - 60,580)
Television: CBS - cable ch. 7 or HD ch. 707 in Baton Rouge
Cox Sports Television (delay) - cable ch. 37 or HD ch. 737 in Baton Rouge
Radio: LSU Sports Radio Network - 98.1 FM in Baton Rouge
Sirius Satellite Radio - ch. 213; XM Satellite Radio - ch. 242
The Series: LSU leads 55-38-4
Series Notes: LSU and Ole Miss meet for the 98th time with the Tigers holding a 55-38-4 lead in the series that dates back to 1894 ... Ole Miss snapped LSU's six-game winning streak in the series with a 31-13 victory last year in Tiger Stadium ... LSU still has won six of the last seven and seven of the last nine against the Rebels ... LSU has also won four straight in Oxford, which includes a 41-24 victory in 2007 ... Ole Miss' last win over LSU in Oxford came in 1999 by a 42-23 count ... LSU is 8-5-1 all-time in games played in Oxford ... LSU goes into the Ole Miss game ranked in the top 25 for the eighth straight year ... Last year, Ole Miss held LSU to 13 points which snapped the Tigers' school-record streak of game scoring at least 21 points at 31 straight contests.
LSU
Record 8-2 (4-2 SEC)
Ranking No. 10 Assoc. Press; No. 10 Harris
No. 10 USA Today/Coaches
No. 8 Bowl Championship Series
Last Game Nov. 14 in Baton Rouge
def. Louisiana Tech, 24-16
Coach Les Miles
Career Record 78-34/ninth year
LSU Record 50-13/fifth year
vs. Ole Miss 3-2 (3-1 at LSU)
Ole Miss
Record 7-3 (3-3 SEC)
Ranking NR Assoc. Press; NR Harris
NR USA Today/Coaches
NR Bowl Championship Series
Last Game Nov. 14 in Oxford, Miss.
def. Tennessee, 42-17
Coach Houston Nutt
Career Record 127-77/17th year
UM Record 16-7/second year
vs. LSU 5-6
LSU and Ole Miss To Play In "Magnolia Bowl" For Second Straight Year
For the second straight year, LSU and Ole Miss will play in what is called the "Magnolia Bowl". The "Magnolia Bowl" was created in a joint effort between the student government of both schools in the spring of 2008. The purpose of the Magnolia Bowl is to enhance the spirit of the LSU-Ole Miss football rivalry. The Magnolia Bowl Trophy will be presented to the winner of Saturday's game and will remain in possession of that school until next year's meeting. Next week, LSU will face Arkansas in the Battle for the Boot.
LSU Holds At No. 8 In The BCS Standings
LSU remained at No. 8 in the BCS Standings this week following the win over Louisiana Tech. LSU is one of three SEC teams in the top 10 - Florida is No. 1 and Alabama is No. 2. In the other polls, LSU is No. 10 the three other major polls - USA Today Coaches Poll, AP and Harris. LSU been ranked in the BCS top 10 all five weeks this year.
Miles Gets Win No. 50; Fastest Coach To 50 Wins In School History
With the win over Louisiana Tech, LSU coach Les Miles won his 50th game with the Tigers. Now in his fifth season at LSU, Miles has posted a 50-13 overall mark. Miles got to 50 victories faster than any other coach in school history. Miles is the third winningest coach in school history, trailing Charles McClendon (137 wins) and Bernie Moore (83 wins). It took McClendon 74 games to reach his 50th victory, while Moore needed 76 games.
Miles' List of Achievements
Now in his fifth season with the Tigers, LSU coach Les Miles has put together quite a list of achievements during his first 63 games. The following is a look at some of Miles' highlights during his five seasons with the Tigers:
Third-winningest coach in LSU history with a 50-13 mark.
Led LSU to 7-1 start for third time in five years (2005, 2007, and 2009)
Only coach in LSU history to beat Auburn, Florida and Alabama in same season - and he's done it twice (2005 and 2007)
Only first-year coach in SEC history to lead team to league's title game (2005)
Has 9 wins over coaches who have won national titles
Coached LSU to 10-plus wins in three straight seasons - a first at the school
Only coach in LSU history to lead Tigers to three straight top five final rankings
LSU's M*A*S*H Unit
LSU had four starters miss last week's game vs. Louisiana Tech as QB Jordan Jefferson, RB Charles Scott, tight end Richard Dickson and center T-Bob Hebert all sat out the contest with injuries. All but Scott are expected to return this week.
Scott To Miss Remainder Of Regular Season With Injury
LSU running back Charles Scott will miss the remainder of the regular season after fracturing his clavicle against Alabama. Scott, a senior from Saline, La., was injured on a 34-yard run late in the third quarter against the Crimson Tide. Scott finished the Alabama contest with 83 yards rushing on 13 attempts. Scott, who leads the Tigers with 542 rushing yards and four touchdowns this year, is the sixth leading rusher in LSU history with 2,317 yards. Scott is the second running back to go down with a season-ending injury for LSU this year as Richard Murphy (knee) was lost for the year during the Vanderbilt game.
LSU Storylines This Week ...
LSU will go after its ninth win of the season against Ole Miss.
LSU hasn't allowed a first quarter TD in its last six games. The last time a team scored a first quarter TD against LSU was Mississippi State in week 4.
LSU's won nine straight games in the state of Mississippi (6 vs. Miss. State, 4 vs. Ole Miss). LSU last lost a game in the state of Mississippi in 1999 when Mississippi State posted a 17-16 win over the Tigers.
LSU has won four straight over the Rebels in Oxford, a streak that dates back to a 20-9 win in 2000.
LSU will face a different Ole Miss head coach for the third time in its last four trips to Oxford (Cutcliffe in 2003, Orgeron in 2005 and 2007, Nutt in 2009)
With its win over Louisiana Tech last week, LSU ran its non-conference winning streak to a nation's best 23 straight. LSU coach Les Miles is 23-0 in non-conference games as head coach of the Tigers.
Since the 2002 season, LSU is 51-12 in games which they were ranked in the Top 10.
LSU's Keiland Williams started at running back last week vs. Louisiana Tech replacing the injured Charles Scott. Prior to last week, Scott had started 22 straight games at that position for the Tigers.
Noting the LSU Defense
LSU is third in the SEC and 10th in the nation in scoring defense at 13.7 points per game.
LSU has allowed just 3 rushing TDs all year - tied with Georgia for fewest in the SEC.
LSU's streak of games with an interception was snapped at 11 straight last week vs. Louisiana Tech. It was the longest streak for LSU since having an interception in 19 consecutive games from the Tulane game in 1983 to the Ole Miss game in 1985.
LSU hasn't allowed a first quarter touchdown since the Mississippi State contest (6 games).
LSU has only allowed 26 first half points in its last six games (La. Tech 13, Florida 10, Alabama 3).
LSU has pitched first half shutouts against Georgia, Auburn and Tulane and allowed just a first half field goal to Alabama.
LSU has forced 17 turnovers this year and the Tigers are third in the SEC in turnover margin at +9 (0.9 per game)
CB Patrick Peterson is No.3 in the SEC in passes defended with 13 (11 PBUs, 2 interceptions).
LB Kelvin Sheppard ranks No. 3 in the SEC in tackles with 8.7 per game (87 total).
Noting the LSU Offense
LSU's Brandon LaFell and Terrance Toliver have combined for more receptions (85) than any other wide receiver tandem in the SEC. LaFell leads the Tigers with 43 catches for 560 yards and 9 TDs, while Toliver has 42 catches for 547 yards and 3 scores.
Six different LSU players have scored rushing TDs this year for the Tigers.
RB Keiland Williams had LSU's second 100-yard rushing game of the year last week vs. Louisiana Tech with 116 yards on 15 carries.
LSU's Jordan Jefferson is No. 5 in the SEC in pass efficiency and his four interceptions is ties for the fewest among starting quarterbacks in the league.
Noting the LSU Special Teams
LSU ranks No. 2 in the SEC in kickoff coverage with a net average of 45.2 yards. On 49 kickoff returns, LSU is allowing just 17.4 yards per return.
LSU is first in the league in punt return average at 16.2 yards.
LSU is No. 3 in the SEC in net punting at 38.1 yards per punt. LSU opponents have returned only nine punts for 41 yards against the Tigers this year.
Trindon Holliday leads the SEC in punt return average at 14.0 yards a return.
Both LSU punt returners - Chad Jones and Trindon Holliday - have returned punts for touchdowns during their career.
On 46 punts this year, LSU punters have had 12 downed inside the 20-yard line. Alabama.
LSU's Won At Least 8 Games For 10th Straight Year
The win over Louisiana Tech was the eighth of the year for the Tigers and it extended LSU's streak with at least eight wins to 10 consecutive seasons. LSU has won at least eight games every year this decade. LSU's streak of 10 seasons with at least eight wins currently ranks as the nation's fifth best total. Here's a look at those teams with a current streak of winning at least eight:
Rank No. Team
1. 12 Georgia
Texas*
3. 11 Virginia Tech
Boise State*
5. 10 LSU*
6. 9 Oklahoma
7. 8 Boston College
Ohio State
9. 7 Navy*
Southern Cal
Texas Tech
West Virginia
*Includes this year
LSU's 14-5 Under Miles In November Games
LSU coach Les Miles has guided the Tigers to a 14-5 mark in games played during the month of November. LSU won its first eight November games under Miles, going 4-0 in both 2005 and 2006. LSU was 3-1 in November in 2007 followed by a 2-3 record last year. Two of LSU's four November losses under Miles have come in overtime (2007 vs. Arkansas 3 OT; 2008 vs. Alabama). Since the start of the 2000 season, LSU is 28-8 in games played in November.
Miles Goes Into Ole Miss Game With a 13-6 Record in SEC Road Games
LSU coach Les Miles goes into the Ole Miss game with a 13-6 record in SEC road games. Miles and the Tigers are 2-1 on the road in the SEC this year after going 2-2 in 2008. In his first year with the Tigers, Miles won all four of his SEC road games in 2005 followed by a 2-2 record in 2006 and a 3-1 mark in 2007. Of Miles' 13 SEC road wins, six have come against teams ranked in the top 20. Miles is 7-1 in SEC road games against unranked teams.
Tigers Bowl Eligible For Record 10th Straight Year
The win over Auburn on Oct. 24 gave the Tigers their sixth win this year, thus making LSU bowl eligible for a school-record 10th straight season. Since the start of the 2000 season, LSU has played in the BCS National Championship twice (2003, 2007), played in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (2000, 2005, 2008) , Sugar Bowl (2001, 2003, 2006), Cotton Bowl (2002) and Capital One Bowl (2004) in consecutive years. LSU's current streak of bowl appearances ranks as the nation's ninth-longest streak. Here's a look at the top current bowl streaks going into this year's bowl season:
Rank Bowls Team
1. 27 Florida St.
2. 19 Florida*
3. 17 Virginia Tech*
4. 13 Georgia Tech*
13 Georgia*
6. 12 Texas*
7. 11 Boston College*
11 Oklahoma*
9. 10 LSU*
10 Ohio State*
* Includes being bowl-eligible this year
Miles 8-7 Against Top 10 Teams; 17-10 vs. Top 25 Opponents
LSU coach Les Miles has eight wins over top 10 teams and 17 victories over top 25 teams during his career with the Tigers. LSU is 1-2 vs. Top 25 teams this year. Miles and the Tigers won a school-record seven games against top 25 teams in 2007, which included a perfect 3-0 mark against top 10 teams. The following is a look at how Miles has fared against top 10 teams during his five years with the Tigers:
Year Opponent (Rank) LSU Rank Results
2005 Tennessee (No. 10) No. 4 L, 30-27 OT
2005 at Alabama (No. 3) No. 5 W, 16-13 OT
2005 Miami (No. 10) No. 9 W, 40-3 in Peach Bowl
2006 at Auburn (No. 3) No. 6 L, 7-3
2006 at Florida (No. 5) No. 9 L, 23-10
2006 at Tennessee (No. 8) No. 13 W, 28-24
2006 at Arkansas (No. 5) No. 9 W, 31-26
2007 Virginia Tech (No. 9) No. 2 W, 48-7
2007 Florida (No. 7) No. 1 W, 28-24
2007 Ohio State (No. 1) No. 2 W, 38-24 in BCS Game
2008 Auburn (No. 9/10) No. 6 W, 26-21
2008 Georgia (No. 9) No. 11 L, 52-38
2008 Alabama (No. 1) No. 16 L, 27-21 OT
2009 Florida (No. 1) No. 4 L, 13-3
2009 Alabama (No. 3) No. 9 L, 24-15
LSU Among The Best In Turnover Margin
LSU goes into the Ole Miss game ranked No. 3 in the SEC and No. 15 nationally in turnover margin at +9 (or +0.9 per game). In 10 games, the Tigers have gained 17 turnovers - 12 interceptions and 5 fumbles, while losing just eight turnovers - 5 interceptions, 3 fumbles. LSU has scored 41 points off of opponents' turnovers. On the other hand, LSU has turned the ball over eight times this year and the opponents have yet to capitalize on the Tiger miscues this season.
LaFell Moving Up The LSU Career Record Books - 2nd In Career TDs and 6th In Yards
Senior WR Brandon LaFell continues to make an impact in the LSU career record books. LaFell, who opted to return for his senior season, is now second in LSU history with 23 receiving touchdowns. LaFell trails LSU record holder Dwayne Bowe by just three touchdowns going into the Ole Miss game. In addition, LaFell ranks fifth in LSU history in receptions with 159 and he's sixth in LSU history in receiving yards with 2,285. LaFell has caught nine TD passes this year which ties for the seventh-highest single-season total in school history (Dwayne Bowl holds the record with 12 in 2006). Wendell Davis holds the school record for career receptions with 183, while Josh Reed is the record holder in receiving yards with 3,001.
Despite Injury, "Chuck The Truck" Moves Up To No. 6 In LSU Career Rushing
Senior RB Charles Scott moved into sixth place on LSU's all-time rushing list with 83 yards against Alabama. Scott ran his career total to 2,317 yards. Scott ranks fourth in LSU history in rushing TDs with 32 and he's fourth in school history in 100-yard games with eight. Scott will miss the remainder of the regular season with an injury (collar bone).
Trio of Linebackers Leading Tigers On Defense
LSU's trio of linebackers - Kelvin Sheppard, Harry Coleman and Perry Riley - have emerged as the leaders of an LSU defense that has become one of the best in the SEC. Sheppard, who has recorded double-figure tackles in three straight games against Florida, Auburn, and Tulane, leads LSU and ranks third in the SEC with 87 tackles, followed by Riley with 77 and Coleman with 63. The trio of linebackers has combined for 17.5 tackles for losses, four sacks, nine pass breakups and four forced fumbles. LSU's fourth linebacker - Jacob Cutrera - has 56 tackles, 3.0 tackles for losses and an interception to his credit.
Jefferson Has Best Game Career Against Auburn - Resets Three Career Bests In Win
LSU sophomore QB Jordan Jefferson has performed well in the first nine games of the season as he's connected on 133-of-210 passes for 1,535 yards, 12 TDs and just five interceptions. Jefferson has also added 159 rushing yards. Jefferson is 8-3 as LSU's starting quarterback. The following is a look at some of Jefferson's accomplishments during his young career:
Opened 2009 by completing 31 passes in his first two games, which were the most by an LSU quarterback since Rohan Davey completed 32 passes in the first two games of the 2002 season.
Opened 2009 by throwing 3 TD passes in the win over Washington and by doing so, he joined JaMarcus Russell (2006 vs. UL-Lafayette), Matt Mauck (2003 vs. UL-Monroe) and Davey (2000 vs. Western Carolina) as the only quarterbacks who have tossed 3 TDs in a season opener for the Tigers in the modern (SEC) era.
Ran his streak of passes without an interception to 100 before throwing a pick against UL-Lafayette.
Had his best game as a Tiger against Auburn as he set career-highs for completions (21), attempts (31) and passing yards (242) in the 31-10 LSU win.
LSU's Been Good As A Top 10 Team
LSU's top 10 rankings haven't come by accident in recent years as the Tigers have backed up their placement in the polls by winning 51 of the 63 games they've played as an AP Top 10 team. Since returning to the top 10 on a consistent basis earlier this decade, LSU has recorded a 51-12 record in games in which they have been ranked in the AP Top 10. That record goes back to the 2002 season when LSU cracked the AP Top 10 the week they faced Auburn. LSU is 6-2 this year as an AP Top 10 with wins over UL-Lafayette, Mississippi State, Georgia, Auburn, Tulane and Louisiana Tech. The losses have come to top-ranked Florida and No. 3 Alabama.
LSU Does It Again...Records 12th Fourth-Quarter Comeback Under Miles
For the 12th time under Les Miles, LSU won a football game despite trailing in the fourth quarter as the Tigers rallied from a 13-12 deficit with just over a minute to play to beat Georgia, 20-13, in Athens. The following is a look at LSU's fourth quarter comebacks under Miles, how many points the Tigers had to overcome in the final frame to win and the quarterback who engineered the comeback:
Year Opponent Situation Results QB
2005 at Arizona St. scored TD with 1:13 left W, 35-31 Russell
(LSU trailed 17-7 entering 4Q; LSU scored 28 4Q points)
2005 Florida scored TD with 12:35 left W, 21-14 Russell
(LSU trailed 17-14 in 4Q)
2005 Auburn scored FG with 1:40 left to force OT W, 20-17 Russell
(LSU trailed 17-14 with less than 5 minutes to play)
2006 at Tennessee scored TD with 9 seconds left W, 28-21 Russell
(LSU trailed 24-21 with less than 8 minutes left in 4Q)
2006 Ole Miss scored TD with 14 sec. left to force OT W, 23-20 ot Russell
(LSU trailed 20-7 with less than 9 minutes left in 4Q)
2007 Florida scored TD with 1:06 left W, 28-24 Flynn
(LSU trailed 24-14 to start 4Q)
2007 Auburn scored TD with :01 left W, 30-24 Flynn
(LSU trailed 24-23 with 3:12 left in the 4Q)
2007 Alabama scored TD with 1:26 left W, 41-34 Flynn
(LSU trailed 34-27 with 4:53 left in 4Q)
2007 Tennessee scored TD with 9:54 left W, 21-14 Perrilloux
(LSU trailed 14-13 with less than 10 minutes left in 4Q)
2008 at Auburn scored TD with 1:03 left W, 26-21 Lee
( LSU trailed 21-20 with 4:00 left in 4Q)
2008 Troy scored go ahead TD with 4:50 left W, 40-31 Lee
(LSU trailed 31-10 to start 4Q)
2009 at Georgia scored go ahead TD with 0:46 left W, 20-13 Jefferson
(LSU trailed 13-12 with 1:09 left)
Dickson Breaks LSU Career Record For Receiving Yards by a Tight End
With his 31 receiving yards at Georgia, Richard Dickson shattered the school record for career receiving yards by a tight end. Dickson, who now has 903 receiving yards, eclipsed David LaFleur's old mark of 881 yards set from 1993-96. Dickson broke the mark on his 10-yard catch late in the fourth quarter that set up a Charles Scott touchdown. Dickson stands in second place in career receptions by a tight end with 82. He passed Malcolm Scott (77 from 1979-82) and now needs just six catches to become the school record holder. Mitch Andrews (1982-85) is the current school record holder with 87 receptions. Dickson shares the LSU career record for touchdown receptions by a tight end with Brad Boyd (1972-74). Both own 10 career touchdown catches. The following is a look at Dickson's career receiving numbers and who he's chasing to become the most productive tight end in school history
Category Dickson's Numbers LSU Record Holder
Career Receptions 82 (2nd) Mitch Andrews (87)
Career Receiving Yards 903 (1st) Richard Dickson (903)
Career Receiving TDs 10 (t1st) tied with Brad Boyd (10)
Note: These are stats for players at the tight end position
With Win Over Georgia, Miles Has Victories Over Every SEC Team
With the win over Georgia, LSU coach Les Miles has recorded at least one victory over every team in the SEC. Miles is 26-11 in SEC regular season games and 27-12 in all league games (including SEC Championship Game). In addition, Miles has faced 46 different teams during his head coaching career and he's beaten all but one of them. The only team that Miles has played as a head coach and yet to beat is Texas.
Coleman Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week For Performance vs. Auburn
Harry Coleman had perhaps his best game in an LSU uniform against Auburn with nine tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. Coleman finished with a total of 2.5 tackles totaling 18-yards in losses. He also added a pass breakup. Both of Coleman's forced fumbles led to first half points for the Tigers as LSU built a 17-0 lead at halftime. He's added 4.5 tackles for losses, two sacks, three forced fumbles and three pass breakups. Coleman was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his effort in the Tigers' win over Auburn on Oct. 24.
LSU Defense Turned In Fine Outing In Win Over Georgia
LSU turned in an inspiring defensive effort "Between the Hedges". Sparked by Georgia natives Perry Riley and Kelvin Sheppard, the Tigers shutout one of the league's top offenses in their own stadium for three quarters. It represented the first time LSU blanked a ranked opponent on the road for the first three quarters since Nov. 6, 1993. That day Curley Hallman's Tigers stunned No. 5 Alabama in Bryant-Denny Stadium, 17-13. Alabama trailed 14-0 heading into the fourth quarter of that contest. Here are a few more notables on the Tiger defense from the win over Georgia:
LSU held Georgia to just one first down and 49 total yards in the first half
Georgia's 13 points were the fewest by a ranked opponent on the road since Auburn had 7 on Sept. 16, 2006.
Georgia's 45 net rushing yards were the fewest by an SEC opponent since South Carolina had 39 last season. They were also the fewest rushing yards by a ranked opponent since Ole Miss has 27 on Nov. 22, 2003.
Chad Jones 93-yard Punt Return Ranks Second In School History
Chad Jones' 93-yard punt return for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter against Mississippi State ranks as the second-longest punt return in school history. Eddie Kennison holds the school record with a 100-yard return against Mississippi State in Tiger Stadium in 1994. By returning a punt for a TD, LSU now has two punt returners on its roster - Jones and Trindon Holliday - who have returned at least one punt for a touchdown during their career.
LSU Returns Another Interception For a Touchdown
LSU CB Patrick Peterson became the second Tiger to return an interception for a touchdown this year when he picked off a pass and returned it 37 yards for a first quarter score against Mississippi State. Peterson's interception came on Mississippi State's first offensive play from scrimmage. Linebacker Jacob Cutrera returned the other interception for a TD, taking a Jake Locker pass back 29-yards for a score in the first quarter against Washington in the season-opener.
LSU's Best After Dark
Night games in Tiger Stadium seem to bring out the best in LSU. However, lately LSU has been at its best no matter the location just as long as it dark outside. After the Louisiana Tech game, LSU has won 29 of its last 31 night games (no matter the location). Note: NCAA determines that a kickoff at 5 p.m. or later is a night game. Last year, on Oct. 11 in Gainesville, Florida snapped LSU's streak of consecutive night wins at 19. Prior to the Florida game on Oct. 11, 2008, LSU hadn't lost a night game since a 34-14 loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game in 2005. Overall, LSU coach Les Miles has guided the Tigers to a 35-4 mark in night games.
Jefferson Youngest Starting QB In SEC; Youngest LSU QB To Start Season-Opener Since 1945
LSU's Jordan Jefferson is the youngest starting quarterback in the SEC. Jefferson, who has five career starts to his credit, was 19 years and 11 days old when he took the first snap against Washington. Jefferson was the youngest quarterback to start a season-opener for the Tigers since Y.A. Tittle in 1945. That year, Tittle was 18 years, 11 months and 6 days when LSU opened the season against Rice. Here's a look at some of the younger quarterbacks who started season-openers at LSU:
Year Player Age Results
1945 Y.A. Tittle 18 yrs., 11 months, 6 days def. Rice, 42-0
2009 Jordan Jefferson 19 years, 11 days def. Washington, 31-23
1980 Alan Risher 19 yrs., 4 months, 1 day lost to Florida State, 16-0
1986 Tommy Hodson 19 yrs., 7 months, 16 days def. Texas A&M, 35-17
1996 Herb Tyler 19 yrs., 9 months, 1 day def. Houston, 35-34
LSU Has Used 13 First-Time Starters In 2009
Ten games into the 2009 season and LSU has had 13 players make their first career start. The following is a look at LSU's first-time starters this year:
Game First-Time Starters
Washington T-Bob Hebert (C), Josh Dworaczyk (LG), Lazarius Levingston (DE),
Derek Helton (P)
Vanderbilt Brandon Taylor (SS), Chancey Aghayere (DE)
UL-Lafayette Mitch Joseph (TE), Richard Dugas (FB)
Miss. State None
Georgia James Stampley (FB)
Florida None
Auburn Dominique Allen (FB)
Alabama R.J. Jackson (WR), Rueben Randle (WR)
La. Tech Thomas Parsons (FB), P.J. Lonergan (C)
He Must Be A Former Lineman
One look at LSU's results in relation to rushing the football and it's easy to figure out that head coach Les Miles is a former offensive lineman. In 63 games under Miles, LSU's success is easy to predict when it comes to net rushing yards. Get to 100 yards rushing and LSU will more than likely win as the Tigers are 46-5 under Miles when that happens. Hold the opponent to fewer than 100-yards and the Tigers are 31-3. An even more telling stat is that when LSU rushes for 100-plus yards and holds the opponents to fewer than 100-yards, the Tigers are 30-0. The following is a look at LSU's rushing numbers during the Miles era and have the Tigers have fared in those games:
Year LSU 100+ LSU 100- Opp 100+ Opp 100- LSU 100+/Opp 100-
2005 10-0 1-2 3-1 8-1 7-0
2006 10-0 1-2 5-0 6-2 6-0
2007 11-2 1-0 3-2 9-0 8-0
2008 8-3 0-2 2-5 6-0 7-0
2009 7-0 1-2 6-2 2-0 2-0
Totals 46-5 4-8 19-10 31-3 30-0
A Unique Situation At Left Tackle - 2 Players Have Accounted For Last 102 Starts
Starting left tackle Ciron Black goes into the Ole Miss game having started 50 straight games, all coming at left tackle. Since the start of the 2002 season, a stretch that spans 102 games, only two players have started at left tackle for the Tigers - Black and Andrew Whitworth. Whitworth, now a starting tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals, set an LSU record by starting 52 straight games for the Tigers from 2002-05. Black then picked up where Whitworth left off, starting the next 50 games at that position for the Tigers. Black's 50 straight starts ranks as the second-longest active streak in college football.
Five True Freshmen Have Played For The Tigers So Far
Six members of LSU's heralded 2009 signing class have seen action this year. The following is a look at the true freshmen who have played this season and the games in which they have appeared:
Rueben Randle (WR) - all 10 games
Craig Loston (S) - Washington, UL-Lafayette
Josh Downs (DT) - 9 games
Morris Claiborne (CB) - 7 games
Russell Shepard (QB) - 8 games
Dominique Allen (FB) - 1 game
Taking Note On The Tigers Under Miles (Since 2005)
Here are some notable trends for LSU in the 63 games its played under head coach Les Miles ... LSU is 30-0 under Les Miles when rushing for 100 or more yards and holding the opponent to less than 100 rushing yards ... The Tigers are 46-5 when rushing for 100 yards or more ... On the contrary, the Tigers are just 4-8 under Les Miles when failing to reach the 100-yard mark in net rushing yards ... The Tigers are 37-3 when leading after the first quarter with the only losses during that span coming against Tennessee in 2005, Arkansas in 2007, and Alabama in 2008 - all three of which were overtime losses ... LSU is 48-7 when scoring 20 or more points and 39-5 when scoring 25 or more points ... The Tigers are 31-3 when holding opponents to fewer than 100 yards rushing, while the record goes to 19-10 under Miles when allowing opponents to go over the 100-yard mark.
Two Brothers Start For Tigers On Defense -- Alem and Jones
LSU had two brothers starting on defense against Washington in the season-opener as DE Rahim Alem (formerly Al Jones) and FS Chad Jones both started. It is the first time brothers started in the same game for the Tigers since 2005 when FB Kevin Steltz and S Craig Steltz both started in a win over Appalachian State.
Cap and Gown Tigers
Three current members of the LSU football team - DE Rahim Alem, WR R.J. Jackson and DT Charles Alexander - have already earned their Bachelor's degree from the university.
LSU Best In SEC Over Past 6 Seasons
Since the start of the 2003 season, LSU has posted a 72-17 mark, which ranks first among all SEC teams. LSU's 71 wins is three more than second place Florida. The following is a look at how the SEC stacks up over since the 2003 season:
Team W-L Bowls SEC Titles Top 25s
LSU 72-17 6 2 5
Florida 69-19 6 2 4
Georgia 67-20 6 1 5
Auburn 62-24 5 1 4
Alabama 55-32 5 0 2
Tennessee 54-31 4 0 4
Arkansas 47-38 3 0 1
So. Carolina 44-39 3 0 0
Ole Miss 40-42 2 0 2
Kentucky 39-45 3 0 0
Vanderbilt 27-54 1 0 0
Miss. State 27-53 1 0 0
LSU Among Nation's Best Over Last 6 Years
In addition to leading the SEC in terms of wins over the last six years, LSU ranks among the best in the nation for number of victories since the start of the 2003 season. LSU has recorded 72 wins since the start of the 2003 season, a figure that ranks No. 4 nationally. The following is a look at the teams with the most wins since 2003:
Rank Team Wins
1. Southern Cal 78
Boise State 78
3. Texas 74
4. LSU 72
Ohio State 72
Oklahoma 72
7. Florida 69
8. Va. Tech 67
Utah 67
Georgia 67
Streaking Tigers
Several Tigers bring streaks into the Ole Miss game:
Consecutive Starts: Ciron Black (50), Lyle Hitt (30), Harry Coleman (23), Joseph Barksdale (23)
Consecutive Games With A Reception: Brandon LaFell (38, 37 straight multiple-reception games), Richard Dickson (19)
LaFell Fifth In Nation in Consecutive Games With A Catch
WR Brandon LaFell takes a streak of 38 consecutive games with a reception into the Ole Miss game. That streak ranks as the fifth-longest current streak in NCAA FBS. LaFell's streak is the longest in the SEC. Here is a look at the top five:
Name (School) Games
Bryan Anderson (Central Michigan) 51
Naaman Roosevelt (Buffalo) 49
Duke Calhoun (Memphis) 48
Dennis Pitta (BYU) 41
Brandon LaFell (LSU) 38
Game 1 Notes vs. Washington
LSU ran just 48 offensive plays in the season-opener against Washington. The 48 offensive plays were the fewest by an LSU team since the 1965 season when the Tigers mustered just 45 snaps in a 23-0 loss to Ole Miss on Oct. 30. LSU, 5-1 and ranked No. 5 in the nation at the time, managed just 52 yards of offense that day against the Rebels.
LSU LB Jacob Cutrera intercepted a pass on his first play (Washington's first play of second drive) and returned it 29 yards for a TD. Cutrera became the first LSU player to return an interception for a TD since CB Jonathan Zenon did it against Tennessee in the 2007 SEC Championship Game. He's the first linebacker to do it since Kenny Hollis scored on a 3-yard interception return against Tennessee in 2005.
Game 2 Notes vs. Vanderbilt
LSU senior Rahim Alem was named defensive player of the week in the SEC for his play in the Tigers' 23-9 win over Vanderbilt. Alem recorded a career-best seven tackles, a sack and a pass breakup in the victory.
Game 3 Notes vs. UL-Lafayette
LSU stretched its non-conference winning streak to a nation's best 21 straight
FS Chad Jones became the first Tiger to intercept two passes in a game since Chris Hawkins did it against Auburn in 2008
LSU ran its streak of not allowing a TD to six consecutive quarters.
Game 4 Notes vs. Mississippi State
Chad Jones returned a fourth quarter punt 93 yards for a TD. The 93-yard punt return ranks as the second-longest in school history.
For the second straight week, LSU's defense had a goalline stand - this time coming with just over a minute left in the contest, which preserved the Tiger victory.
LSU CB Patrick Peterson returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown on Mississippi State's first offensive play.
Game 5 Notes vs. Georgia
LSU limited Georgia to just one first down and 49 total yards in the first half.
LSU RB Charles Scott ran for a 33-yard score with just under a minute left as the Tigers recorded their 12th fourth quarter comeback under Les Miles.
LSU won in Athens for the first time since 1987.
With the win, LSU coach Les Miles has now beat every team in the SEC at least once.
Game 6 Notes vs. Florida
LSU's streak of 32 straight Saturday night wins in Tiger Stadium came to an end.
LSU limited Florida to 13 points, the fewest by the Tigers against the Gators since a 36-7 LSU win in 2002.
LSU LB Kelvin Sheppard registered a career-best 13 tackles.
Game 7 Notes vs. Auburn
Russell Shepard scored his first career TD on a 69-yard run during the third quarter
LSU limited Auburn to just 42 total yards in the first half and only 193 for the game.
LSU QB Jordan Jefferson set career highs for completions (21), attempts (31) and yards (242).
LB Harry Coleman had 2 sacks and forced 2 fumbles in the game.
Game 8 Notes vs. Tulane
Charles Scott had the first 100-yard rushing game of the year vs. Tulane with 112 yards.
LSU had season highs for points (42), total offense (455) and rushing offense (267)
LSU shutout an opponent for the first time since the 2007 season.
The Tigers limited Tulane to just 26 rushing yards and 216 total yards.
LSU blocked a punt in a game for the first time since the 2006 contest against Florida.
Game 9 Notes vs. Alabama
LSU held its fifth straight opponent without a first quarter touchdown.
LSU intercepted a pass in its 11 straight game
TE Deangelo Peterson caught the first TD of his career with a second quarter score.
LSU held Alabama to just 55 yards rushing in the first half.
Game 10 Notes vs. Louisiana Tech
LSU coach Les Miles ran his non-conference record to 23-0
LSU ran the nation's longest non-conference winning streak to 23 straight
Keiland Williams started in place of an injured Charles Scott and rushed for 116 yards and 2 TDs.
Jarrett Lee started at quarterback in place of an injured Jordan Jefferson. He completed 7 of 22 passes for 105 yards and 1 TD.
LSU held an opponent without a first quarter TD for the sixth straight game.
An Offseason of National Championships for Chad Jones and Trindon Holliday
Free safety Chad Jones and running back/return specialist Trindon Holliday became national champions during the football off-season. Jones was an outfielder and key relief pitcher for LSU's 2009 College World Series champion baseball team. Jones maintained a 2.70 ERA in 6.2 innings pitched while walking three and striking out seven. He tossed three innings and did not allow a run or a hit in three appearances at the College World Series, which earned him the nickname "Dreadlocks of Doom". Jones came on in relief of starter Anthony Ranaudo in the deciding Game 3 of the CWS Championship Series against Texas and was brilliant. He did not allow a run in 1.2 innings of work while walking none and striking out two. Prior to spring football practice, Jones played in the outfield and batted .343 (12-for-35) with a homer, six RBI and eight runs scored. Along with former WR Jared Mitchell, Jones and he became just the second and third athletes in school history to win national titles in multiple team sports. Both were members of the 2007 BCS national championship team. Holliday, meanwhile, became the 100-meter dash national champion at the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Holliday clocked 10.00 in the national final of the 100-meter to claim the title. The time was the fastest of any player in the history of college football.
