9 things that made the difference for LSU in Florida defeat

Something seemed enormously familiar with the way it was getting organized to finish, with LSU trailing on the Florida soil with less than 3 minutes. The Tigers completed their return against Auburn in similar circumstances three weeks earlier, with a late placement by Cole Tracy sealing a 22-21 win. Only this time, the first interception triggered by Joe Burrow in a LSU uniform was returned for a touchdown that gave the advantage to Florida 27-19, with 1:45 left. Burrow earlier in the game had set the LSU record for most consecutive pass attempts without interception. Another interception in the closing seconds sealed the defeat.

Nick Brossette finished the third quarter with 12 runs for 23 yards. These totals dramatically changed with his 31- and 47-yard runs that allowed his team to dive into the end zone for a lead touchdown in the fourth quarter. On his 47-yard run, LSU had forward Foster Moreau and back H Tory Carter, additional blockers on the right side, while Brossette ran through an opening for considerable gain. Clyde Edwards-Helaire recorded several of the longest gains in the first three quarters, including a 16-yard stack run.

Florida had success in the second half thanks to some ground options and a clever pass in the air. Lucas Krull's cross-field option was retained by quarterback Feleipe Franks, who allowed Florida's fourth quarter. Five penalties for 53 yards on the floor were penalized for LSU in the third quarter, including two fouls to kill the attack – one outfit and a false start on the third try – which defeated the LSU offense. The Tigers could hardly afford to have wasted goods.

LSU avoided a disastrous start to the match in the second half when Grant Delpit intercepted Feleipe Franks scam pass in the end zone. The Gators seemed to be looking to take a 21-10 lead in the first game of the half when defensive back Rashard Lawrence dismissed Florida guard Fred Johnson and hit the quarterback. Lawrence needed the coaches attention at the end of the first period, while he was slow to get up with an apparent injury. The Tigers were lucky enough to have Lawrence on the field for the start of the second half. He is a bona fide runner who travels regularly to the opposite fields.