Tinker Town: "Everyone seems to be getting very tired of the excuses made over Les Miles head coaching ability by the Les Miles supporters over the years. The LSU football fans have been very disappointment, as they keep watching him coach the LSU fighting tiger college football program into one heartbreak after another, these past lone eight years. At what point will they simply just turn off all together?"http://www.youtube.
----------------------------
Tinker Town: "If you love LSU football. Call them now!
1/2/2013 "Tom" Brokaw" on the MSNBC morning show told Joe Scarborough that LSU Les Miles can't coach. because of the way LSU messed up the last LSU drive with 2 minutes left against the Clemson tigers in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. "That Les Miles is a very bad coach." We the LSU tiger football program - are a disgrace to the nation...Good Grief!"
Board of Supervisors
The
Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and
Mechanical College is established by Article 8, Section 7 of the
Louisiana Constitution. It is a constitutionally empowered board granted
the authority and responsibility to “supervise and manage the
institutions, statewide agricultural programs, and other programs
administered through its system.” The constitution provides that the
membership of the board is composed of two members from each
congressional district and one member from the state at large, appointed
by the governor with confirmation of the Senate. Those members serve
six-year terms, which are staggered. In addition, a student member is
selected to serve a one-year term.
For more information on the Board of Supervisors, please contact:Dr. Robert Rasmussen, Assistant Vice President for System Relations
Carleen N. Smith, Administrative Secretary
104B System Bldg.
3810 W. Lakeshore Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: (225) 578-2154
Fax: (225) 578-5524
Welcome New User 7-Day Free Trial!  Sign inHelp
|
ShopMobileRadio
RSS
Rivals.com
Yahoo! Sports |
This One Cut Deep |
| by William Weathers
With an opportunity for an 11-win season and potential top-five national
finish LSU will have to endure another offseason of discontent. [details]
|
 LSU falls to Clemson: Fans discuss Robert Nkemdiche UA interview | LSU DE commit Herron a top performer | Priest Willis UA interview | Rivals100 WR an option for LSU? |  Army Bowl Headquarters |
LSU QB commit Rettig shines |
  |
| Video of LSU QB commitment Hayden Rettig who was a standout at Monday's first U.S. Army Bowl practice. | |
| Quay Bain video interview |
 |
| Rivals.com three-star defensive tackle Maquedius Bain of Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) University School is expected to announce his ... | |
| LSU awaits bowl test |  |
| Over the course of preparing their teams for Monday's Chick-Fil-A Bowl, LSU's Les Miles and Dabo Swinney of Clemson struck a chord of ... | |
| Pregame notebook |
 |
| Before Les Miles became head coach, LSU had registered just two 11-win seasons - one under Paul Dietzel and one under Nick Saban. If ... |
http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.
Greater New Orleans
LSU's epic bowl-game meltdown was excruciatingly familiar
By
Jeff Duncan, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
ATLANTA -- On the same night that America avoided the fiscal cliff, LSU plunged off a physical one against Clemson Monday night in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Enlarge
Brett Duke, Nola.com | The Times-Picayune
LSU Tigers quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8)
warms up before taking on the Clemson Tigers in the Chick-fil-A Bowl at
the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Monday, December 31, 2012. (Photo by
Brett Duke, Nola.com | The Times-Picayune)
Chick-fil-A Bowl: LSU vs. Clemson gallery (43 photos)
Ironically, it might have been the only help the LSU offense gave the defense all night. That Montgomery was staggering off the field after he and his defensive teammates were forced to play a staggering 100 snaps on the night should surprise no one.
Bowl games are supposed to be a reward. This was cruel and unusual punishment. And it was difficult to witness.
"Our young men played their hearts out tonight," LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "Hey, that's football. But it obviously took a toll on us at the end there."
Asking a unit, even one as talented and capable as LSU's nationally ranked group, to defend someone as talented and dangerous as Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd for 100 plays is simply unfair. It's an impossible task, like dumping Michael Phelps into the middle of the Pacific Ocean and asking him to swim home. The job's too big. Eventually, failure is the only option.
"We have to improve," LSU coach Les Miles said. "... Certainly adjustment has to be made. We need to get better on offense."
In the gridiron world, it's called complementary football and LSU's offense failed to uphold its end of the bargain.
Against a Clemson defense that ranked seventh in the mediocre ACC while allowing an average of 411 yards a game, LSU managed just 219 yards and a measly nine first downs. Eight of LSU's 14 offensive series ended in three-and-outs. LSU gained three first downs in the second half. In the fourth quarter. Clemson held astonishing advantages of 169-1 in total yardage and 12-0 in first downs.
"We left them out there a lot longer than we wanted them to be," offensive lineman Josh Dworaczyk said of his defensive teammates. "We didn't extend drives the way we wanted to and that put a strain on our defense."
Pushed beyond its physical limit, LSU's proud, talent-laden defense finally started to wilt down the stretch. Four different defenders - Lavar Edwards, Montgomery, Kevin Minter and Craig Loston - collapsed with cramps on Clemson's game-winning final drive. On the first four drives of the second half, LSU allowed just one first down and 18 combined yards. On the final three, they surrendered scoring drives of 63, 77 and 60 yards.
"What a miserable event for them," Miles said. "There's young men that are spent, that gave everything they had out there."
The LSU staff once again seemed to out-think itself with a befuddling pair of play calls on the decisive last drive. After getting a solid 8 yards on a first-down pass completion to Kadron Boone, LSU ill-advisedly attempted back-to-back passes in a clear, milk-the-clock scenario.
Clemson coach Dabo Sweeney magnanimously defended Miles afterward but even he knows you have to run the ball on second-and-2 in that situation. If nothing else, you force Clemson to burn two of its three timeouts. It was a baffling decision for LSU, which prides itself on its power running game and physical offensive line play.
"We had to throw the football (there)," Miles said, citing the overloaded "box" by the Clemson defense.
You could almost feel Bo Schembechler turning in his grave as Miles uttered the sentence.
After starting his LSU tenure with four consecutive bowl wins, Miles has now lost three of his past four bowl games.
Ugly, head-scratching bowl performances have now closed out three of the past four LSU seasons. In 2009, they slogged through a lifeless loss to Penn State in the Capital One Bowl. Last year, of course, was the epic no-show against Alabama in the BCS title game. And now this, which, given the late 24-13 lead and the talent on hand, might be the most difficult of all to stomach.
The epic meltdown served as a disspiriting end to one of the most disappointing seasons of the Miles era. By most accounts, this was one of the most talented teams in LSU history. It seemed to have it all: depth; experience; ability. Indeed, one day, we'll scan NFL rosters on Sundays and wonder how such a talented team could have possibly lost three games.
And then we'll look at the mediocre offensive numbers, the unimaginative play-calling and rudimentary system, and we'll understand.
GAME 13: Clemson 25, LSU 24
----------------------------http://www.dandydon.com/
Dandy Don's LSU Sports Report
Good morning, Tiger Fans, and Happy New Year to you all.
After last night’s extremely disappointing 25-24 loss to Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, I'm at a loss for words as I sit down to write this update. So, let me start with this: Hats off to Clemson for playing a great game. Clemson was clearly the best Tiger team last night, and they deserve the win, as evident by virtually every statistic in the books.
Clemson out-gained LSU by over 200 total yards (445-219) and had 32 first downs to LSU’s nine. They executed 100 total plays on the night, compared to only 42 for LSU, and had possession of the ball for 36:21 compared to 23:39 for LSU. Considering these stats, it's remarkable that LSU was even able to keep it close, much less be in a position to win with less than a minute-and-a-half remaining. But there they were, holding a two-point lead with a 2nd-and-two and 1:47 on the clock, and instead of playing LSU ball and pounding it out on the ground for a first down that would have likely secured the win, LSU threw two consecutive incompletions. Honestly, I just don't know how to defend that play calling, and it’s very concerning. And based on the hundreds of emails I received since the game’s end, I know that many of you are concerned as well.
A while back I stated that I didn't agree with the idea of having one man in the role of offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, and last night’s game makes me more convinced of this than ever. Eight three-and-outs and 219 total yards against a Clemson team that had given up an average of 413 yards per game to inferior opponents is just hard to justify considering all the talent on the team.
With that said, I think LSU's defense deserves a lot of praise for their performance. The fact of the matter is they were asked to do too much and spent far too much time on the field. Kevin Minter had a great night, as did Keke Mingo, Sam Montgomery, Lamin Barrow, Benny Logan and Craig Loston.
LSU’s special teams played lights out, and I was especially pleased with the return game of Michael Ford and the punting of Jamie Keehn. In just his second game of the season and his first since the season opener, Keehn finished with nine punts for an average of 44.6 yards per punt. He booted five punts over 50 yards (long of 58) with two inside the Clemson 20-yard line. Former starting punter Brad Wing, who was suspended for last night’s game for violating team rules, tweeted last night that he will be making an announcement about his future today. I suspect he'll announce that he’s declaring for the draft, but after seeing how well Keehn performed last night, I think the Tigers will be just fine either way.
Jeremy Hill was the lone bright spot on LSU's offense and I really look forward to seeing him play next season. Hill ended the night with 124 yards rushing and two touchdowns. He also broke Dalton Hilliard’s LSU true freshman record by scoring his 12th touchdown of the season on a 57-yard run to start the third quarter. Hill only carried the ball 12 times and averaged 10.3 yards per carry, and I find it very odd that he wasn’t called on more often to help establish a running game that might have eaten some time off the clock and helped to keep the defense off the field.
With the loss, the Tigers ended the season 10-3, and the fact that I'm sitting here feeling this disappointed as I write this report is clear indication of just how far this LSU program has risen since the days when I attended LSU in the late 80s and early 90s. Keep your heads up, Tiger Fans, the future is still very bright for LSU football, and with the recruiting class that LSU is putting together, and the talent in the state of Louisiana for 2014, it looks to be bright for many years to come.
In closing, I'd like to ask for your patience and understanding as I try to respond to the many emails I received last night. There's no way I can reply to them all, but those that I don't answer individually I will try to address in my daily reports. I'll also have much more on the game and the season in tomorrow's report.
----------------------------
http://www.tigerdroppings.com/
|
athletemed
LSU Fan
The Woodlands, Texas
Member since Oct 2007
5274 posts
re: Official last straw thread. (Please don't delete.) (Posted on 1/1/13 at 12:47 a.m. to CamdenTiger)
He has made LSU football maddening and almost unwatchable...
nothing will be done to fix the offense in the off season...
----------------------------
Scoop
LSU Fan
Bayou State
Member since Sep 2005
24065 posts
Official last straw thread. (Please don't delete.) (Posted on 1/1/13 at 12:44 a.m.)
Who besides me decided tonight they couldn't explain away this stuff anymore?
I put forth a noble effort, but I can't do it anymore.
Les Miles is a great guy, a passionate guy and a character guy. I admire him as a man.
He has now done too much stupid shite to have credibility and as we all know, he's done alot of stupid shite.
Straw meet camel's back.
I love him, but he is hurting this program.
-------------------------
bopper50
LSU Fan
Sugarland Texas
Member since Mar 2009
882 posts
I just can't defend Les anymore, I dont have the stomach.. (Posted on 1/1/13 at 10:50 a.m.)
I have spent several years defending on message boards and to other football fans because I know that he is a good man and loves his players.
Last night was piss poor coaching at it's best !
Everytime that the camera panned to Les he looked lost and kept mouthing "What happened" ? How can he not know what is going on ?
We have one of the best running backs is the SEC and maybe the nation and we can't get 2 yards ?
Great coaches would have pounded the ball and got those 2 yards and ran the clock or made Clemson use timeouts.
And these fake injuries everytime Clemson drove the ball, is that what we have been reduced to ?
I am beyond sad for our team.
------------------------
Tiger_n_ATL
LSU Fan
New and improved
Member since Jul 2005
26206 posts
Online
re: Official last straw thread. (Please don't delete.) (Posted on 1/1/13 at 9:39 a.m. to SOL)
Agree...welcome to the dark side. You got what you asked for by not being more vocal when you had the chance in 2010 and it was glaringly obvious that the dude is in over his head.
"There is a sense of urgency to play football," Sam Montgomery
------------------------
http://www.tigerrag.com/?p=
GAME BLOG — FINAL: Clemson 25, LSU 24
LSU blows 11-point fourth quarter lead to drop bowl game
By CODY WORSHAM
Tiger Rag Editor
Ouch.
To put it as bluntly as possible, that’s the sentiment burning around Tiger Nation heading into 2013, as the LSU Tigers ended a disappointing 2012 in disappointing fashion, falling 25-24 to Clemson in the final seconds of the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
LSU entered the fourth quarter with an 11-point lead, thanks to 124 rushing yards and two touchdowns from Offensive MVP Jeremy Hill, but the ninth-ranked Tigers (10-3) managed just one total yard of offense in the final stanza.
Clemson, meanwhile, scored 12 unanswered points, led by Tajh Boyd and DeAndre Hopkins, who connected six times for 86 yards and a touchdown in the game’s final 15 minutes.
That touchdown pulled Clemson to within two points, and the 13th-ranked Tigers (10-3) converted a fourth and 16 (Boyd-to-Hopkins, of course) and drove down the field in 1:39 to get a game-winning 32-yard field goal from Chandler Catanzaro.
Stay tuned for the full postgame wrap up coming in the hour, but for now, relive (or don’t, more likely) the game below using our live blog, fueled and powered by Storify. Read more...http://www.tigerrag.
--------
12 Responses to “GAME BLOG — FINAL: Clemson 25, LSU 24”
-
former idolater on
December 31st, 2012 8:01 pm
Good thing LSU has 7 defensive junior starters, which will be going pro—-MSU, Ole Miss, Arkansas, and Clemson are really explosive against these future NFL players.
GeauxVertical on December 31st, 2012 10:26 pm
Poor coaching again. Too conservative when we need to be aggressive. Miles and Studrawa. It is becoming all to familiar.
--------michiganbengal on December 31st, 2012 10:33 pm
FIRE LES NOW!
The moron basically gave Clemson two timeouts on the last series. And where’s the upgrade at QB? This bum can’t run, can’t throw and can’t elude a rush. Taking too many sacks. Almost makes me miss Jefferson.
-------The moron basically gave Clemson two timeouts on the last series. And where’s the upgrade at QB? This bum can’t run, can’t throw and can’t elude a rush. Taking too many sacks. Almost makes me miss Jefferson.
Sween Dawg on December 31st, 2012 11:13 pm
We need an offensive coordinator in a bad way! With the talent we
have on the offensive side of the ball we should have been able to run
the clock out and win the game. Find a great offensive coordinator Les
Miles!
-------badley on January 1st, 2013 12:43 am
Either coach Stud the Dud goes or I go….I don’t really care at
this point…..and if DB, Reid is even considering going pro, he is
nuts….he can’t cover my mother and she is 95…
--------mhanna on January 1st, 2013 4:19 am
i think les miles is way over rated and must get the hell out of LSU an idiot for a coach.
---------TigerGumbo on January 1st, 2013 6:31 am
The powerful LSU fighting tigers college football team is loaded with talent. But keep losing because of a lack of coaching.
Coaching really matters, Clemson had that advantage over this LSU tiger in this football game all night long. Until the LSU football program finally fixes the offensive of the LSU fighting tigers football team. No matter how good the LSU football players are. The LSU college football program will remain heart break hotel for the LSU tiger football fans for years to come.
Because frankly, that lack of not fixing that offensive problem (unable to make first downs if their life depended on it). In the LSU college football program is getting very old.
I’m starting to feel like Rhett Butler at the end of Gone With The Wind. "Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn?”
Something got to be done about that LSU football program problem. Because LSU is a very big time University, and deserves much better.
-------Coaching really matters, Clemson had that advantage over this LSU tiger in this football game all night long. Until the LSU football program finally fixes the offensive of the LSU fighting tigers football team. No matter how good the LSU football players are. The LSU college football program will remain heart break hotel for the LSU tiger football fans for years to come.
Because frankly, that lack of not fixing that offensive problem (unable to make first downs if their life depended on it). In the LSU college football program is getting very old.
I’m starting to feel like Rhett Butler at the end of Gone With The Wind. "Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn?”
Something got to be done about that LSU football program problem. Because LSU is a very big time University, and deserves much better.
-
Brent LeDoux on
January 1st, 2013 7:41 am
A fitting end to a miserable season of mediocrity. Les Miles’ teams have become punks, thugs and drug abusers that think they can just show up and beat other teams. That is a direct reflection of the head coaches arrogance. Totally disgusting display of a team with no game plan, thanks to the coach (LM) as usual, no fire, no discipline, no offensive rhythm, and a defense that gives up huge plays. LM plays “not to lose” football, he doesn’t “play to win”.
Don’t expect to see anything different next season as long as UseLes is in charge. I’m sure all you Miles bangers will be responding to my post…………don’t bother, I’m out!
james c on January 1st, 2013 10:10 am
One Word defines this game: Playcalling
---------james c on January 1st, 2013 10:11 am
I meant to say “crunch time” playcalling; that is 3 words
--------Mark on January 1st, 2013 11:07 am
What’s new? Offensive line missing assignments on blocking. (Good
work again this year Stud), Missed tackles on defense, soft coverage
with our cb’s. (Good job Corey). And questionable coaching.
Then the final insult to injury is, the LSU board and powers that be are going to extend Miles contract and give him a raise.
Again this year I would like to thank Skip Bertman for getting rid of ‘that blow hard’.
Oh by the way Happy New Year everyone.
-------Then the final insult to injury is, the LSU board and powers that be are going to extend Miles contract and give him a raise.
Again this year I would like to thank Skip Bertman for getting rid of ‘that blow hard’.
Oh by the way Happy New Year everyone.
james c on January 1st, 2013 12:01 pm
2nd and 2 and one back has 124 on 12 carries and you pass twice with under 2 min to go and a 2 point lead; yep, sure do, LM.
Almost as disappointing as the NC game last yr for the seniors and last yr jrs.
Need an OC in the worse way.
------------------------Almost as disappointing as the NC game last yr for the seniors and last yr jrs.
Need an OC in the worse way.
Tinker Town: "Quotes from the LSU, Clemson, players and coaches:"
| LSU Sports | Video (3 min, 55 sec): LSU vs. Clemson - Highlights |
| Orange and White | Video (17 min, 22 sec): Les Miles postgame press conference |
| Times Picayune | Video (3 min, 22 sec): Postgame interview with John Chavis |
| Times Picayune | Video (4 min, 8 sec): Postgame interview with Zach Mettenberger |
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
January 1, 2013
Clemson edges LSU 25-24 on last-second FG
ATLANTA — Clemson got one last impressive drive from Tajh
Boyd and company to record its first 11-win season since its 1981
national championship team.
And Tigers coach Dabo Swinney thinks this is only the beginning.
Chandler Catanzaro kicked a 37-yard field goal as time expired to give No. 14 Clemson a wild 25-24 win over No. 9 Louisiana State in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Monday night.
Trailing 24-22, Clemson (11-2) took possession on its 20 with 1:39 remaining. Boyd passed to DeAndre Hopkins for 26 yards on a fourth-and-16 play during the decisive 10-play drive.
Catanzaro's kick set off a wild celebration on the field and in the stands. Some players collapsed on the field in apparent disbelief while most of Clemson's orange jerseys met in a midfield circle.
Clemson reached 11 wins for only the fourth time in school history and the first time since the 12-0 1981 team.
"You can't win 12 until you win 11," Swinney said. "You can't win a national championship until you learn how to win games like this.
"This was a landmark win."
Catanzaro had an extra point blocked in the second quarter, but he said that didn't cause him to doubt his chances to make the last-second field goal.
"I was ready when the opportunity came to me," Catanzaro said. "It was next-kick mentality. I was so thankful for the opportunity."
Catanzaro, a former walk-on from Greenville, S.C., made 16 of 17 field goals in the regular season.
"I didn't have any doubt," Swinney said of the junior kicker. "He's just a clutch player all the way."
Boyd completed 36 of 50 passes for 346 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He set career highs for attempts and completions while winning the game MVP award.
"Tajh Boyd was phenomenal," LSU coach Les Miles said. "I did not expect the heroic, if you will, efforts that he had."
Hopkins, who had 13 catches for 191 yards and two touchdowns, also had receptions for 7 and 13 yards in the final drive. LSU safety Greg Reid was flagged for pass interference while defending Hopkins.
Jeremy Hill ran for 124 yards and two touchdowns for LSU (10-3), which carried a 24-13 lead into the final quarter.
After Hopkins' second TD catch, LSU got the ball with 2:43 remaining and threw three straight passes. Only one was complete in the three-and-out series that took only about 1 minute off the clock, leaving Clemson with enough time for its winning drive against LSU's exhausted defense.
Hill did not have a carry in the fourth quarter.
"We had to throw the football," Miles said.
"We were not running the football. They were in a position where they outnumbered us in the run."
LSU's three passes allowed Swinney to save his timeouts.
"I had three timeouts," Swinney said. "If he runs it three times, I can call timeout, timeout, timeout.
"I think (Miles) was trying to win the game. I think he felt confident in the plays. I know he knew he needed to get a first down, because if he gets a first down I have to start burning timeouts."
Boyd said having 1:39 to stage the final drive "is like having 10, 15 minutes for us."
"When I saw that clock and that we had three timeouts I said `Let's get it.'"
LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger was sacked six times and completed 14 of 23 passes for 120 yards. He also threw for a touchdown and an interception.
"It's a tough thing to figure our pass protection was as poor as it was," Miles said. "That's the piece that needs fixing and frankly we've got some young players here we'll address and improve and make some strides going forward."
LSU scored 10 points off Clemson's two lost fumbles, including one by Sammy Watkins on the second play of the game that set up Hill's first touchdown.
Hopkins scored on an 11-yard reception in the second quarter and a 12-yard grab in the fourth. LSU's Bennie Logan blocked Catanzaro's extra point attempt following Hopkins' first touchdown.
Clemson had a chance to tie it after Hopkins' second TD, but Boyd's pass for the 2-point conversion was incomplete.
Michael Ford had a 43-yard kickoff return for LSU to open the second half. On first down, Hill broke through the line for a 57-yard touchdown run. His 12th rushing touchdown broke Dalton Hilliard's LSU record for a freshman set in 1982.
Clemson lost Watkins to a right ankle injury on his early fumble. X-rays were negative.
Clemson already was without backup receiver Martavis Bryant, who was suspended for the game for failing to meet academic requirements.
Clemson's second costly fumble came midway through the third quarter. Andre Ellington ran for 8 yards but lost the ball when hit by defensive end Sam Montgomery. Reid recovered the fumble at the Clemson 29, setting up Drew Alleman's 20-yard field goal.
The injury to Watkins left the spotlight on Hopkins, Clemson's leading receiver. He had catches of 17 and 12 yards as Clemson pulled even with an 11-play drive capped by Boyd's 11-yard touchdown run.
After LSU regained the lead on Mettenberger's 6-yard touchdown pass to Jarvis Landry, Hopkins had a 31-yard catch to set up his 11-yard score late in the second quarter.
Hopkins' sliding grab gave him TD receptions in 10 straight games to set an Atlantic Coast Conference record. Virginia's Herman Moore had touchdown catches in nine straight games in 1990.
------------------------And Tigers coach Dabo Swinney thinks this is only the beginning.
Chandler Catanzaro kicked a 37-yard field goal as time expired to give No. 14 Clemson a wild 25-24 win over No. 9 Louisiana State in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Monday night.
Trailing 24-22, Clemson (11-2) took possession on its 20 with 1:39 remaining. Boyd passed to DeAndre Hopkins for 26 yards on a fourth-and-16 play during the decisive 10-play drive.
Catanzaro's kick set off a wild celebration on the field and in the stands. Some players collapsed on the field in apparent disbelief while most of Clemson's orange jerseys met in a midfield circle.
Clemson reached 11 wins for only the fourth time in school history and the first time since the 12-0 1981 team.
"You can't win 12 until you win 11," Swinney said. "You can't win a national championship until you learn how to win games like this.
Catanzaro had an extra point blocked in the second quarter, but he said that didn't cause him to doubt his chances to make the last-second field goal.
"I was ready when the opportunity came to me," Catanzaro said. "It was next-kick mentality. I was so thankful for the opportunity."
Catanzaro, a former walk-on from Greenville, S.C., made 16 of 17 field goals in the regular season.
"I didn't have any doubt," Swinney said of the junior kicker. "He's just a clutch player all the way."
Boyd completed 36 of 50 passes for 346 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He set career highs for attempts and completions while winning the game MVP award.
"Tajh Boyd was phenomenal," LSU coach Les Miles said. "I did not expect the heroic, if you will, efforts that he had."
Hopkins, who had 13 catches for 191 yards and two touchdowns, also had receptions for 7 and 13 yards in the final drive. LSU safety Greg Reid was flagged for pass interference while defending Hopkins.
Jeremy Hill ran for 124 yards and two touchdowns for LSU (10-3), which carried a 24-13 lead into the final quarter.
After Hopkins' second TD catch, LSU got the ball with 2:43 remaining and threw three straight passes. Only one was complete in the three-and-out series that took only about 1 minute off the clock, leaving Clemson with enough time for its winning drive against LSU's exhausted defense.
Hill did not have a carry in the fourth quarter.
"We had to throw the football," Miles said.
"We were not running the football. They were in a position where they outnumbered us in the run."
LSU's three passes allowed Swinney to save his timeouts.
"I had three timeouts," Swinney said. "If he runs it three times, I can call timeout, timeout, timeout.
"I think (Miles) was trying to win the game. I think he felt confident in the plays. I know he knew he needed to get a first down, because if he gets a first down I have to start burning timeouts."
Boyd said having 1:39 to stage the final drive "is like having 10, 15 minutes for us."
"When I saw that clock and that we had three timeouts I said `Let's get it.'"
LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger was sacked six times and completed 14 of 23 passes for 120 yards. He also threw for a touchdown and an interception.
"It's a tough thing to figure our pass protection was as poor as it was," Miles said. "That's the piece that needs fixing and frankly we've got some young players here we'll address and improve and make some strides going forward."
LSU scored 10 points off Clemson's two lost fumbles, including one by Sammy Watkins on the second play of the game that set up Hill's first touchdown.
Hopkins scored on an 11-yard reception in the second quarter and a 12-yard grab in the fourth. LSU's Bennie Logan blocked Catanzaro's extra point attempt following Hopkins' first touchdown.
Clemson had a chance to tie it after Hopkins' second TD, but Boyd's pass for the 2-point conversion was incomplete.
Michael Ford had a 43-yard kickoff return for LSU to open the second half. On first down, Hill broke through the line for a 57-yard touchdown run. His 12th rushing touchdown broke Dalton Hilliard's LSU record for a freshman set in 1982.
Clemson lost Watkins to a right ankle injury on his early fumble. X-rays were negative.
Clemson already was without backup receiver Martavis Bryant, who was suspended for the game for failing to meet academic requirements.
Clemson's second costly fumble came midway through the third quarter. Andre Ellington ran for 8 yards but lost the ball when hit by defensive end Sam Montgomery. Reid recovered the fumble at the Clemson 29, setting up Drew Alleman's 20-yard field goal.
The injury to Watkins left the spotlight on Hopkins, Clemson's leading receiver. He had catches of 17 and 12 yards as Clemson pulled even with an 11-play drive capped by Boyd's 11-yard touchdown run.
After LSU regained the lead on Mettenberger's 6-yard touchdown pass to Jarvis Landry, Hopkins had a 31-yard catch to set up his 11-yard score late in the second quarter.
Hopkins' sliding grab gave him TD receptions in 10 straight games to set an Atlantic Coast Conference record. Virginia's Herman Moore had touchdown catches in nine straight games in 1990.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment