It was hard to predict how Saturday night’s game between LSU and South Carolina would play out with the Tigers starting a freshman at quarterback. But TJ Finely looked like a poised veteran in his first start, throwing for 265 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for another score in a 52-24 win over the Gamecocks.
Finley was in complete control from the start. On the opening drive, he led the Tigers on a 16-play, 75 yard drive, capped off by his one-yard touchdown run. Later in the first half, he connected with Terrace Marshall Jr for two TDs.
Marshall finished with six catches for 88 yards and the junior from Bossier City has nine touchdowns on the season.
LSU’s running game complimented its passing game. The Tigers came into the game averaging 97 yards on the ground, but rushed for 265 yards against South Carolina. John Emery started and had 88 yards rushing, while Tyrion Davis-Price had 135 yards rushing. Each scored a touchdown.
It wasn’t a perfect performance. LSU was penalized ten times for 79 yards.
LSU’s defense also gave up some big plays. South Carolina’s first touchdown was a 45-yard run by Kevin Harris. The Gamecocks had five passing plays of 15 yards or more, and four rushing plays for 15 yards or more.
But LSU’s “D” also made some big plays too. Eli Ricks returned an interception for 45 yards for a touchdown. LSU also had five sacks, three of them came from freshman BJ Ojulari. He now has four sacks for the season.
South Carolina had 403 yards of total offense and could have scored more points. But Gamecocks field goal kicker Parker White missed three field goals.
And the Tigers special teams unit also made a big play. Sophomore Trey Palmer returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. It’s the first kickoff return for a touchdown by an LSU Tiger in Tiger Stadium since 1981 when Eric Martin did it. Palmer dropped the kicked, picked it up and ran past the coverage team for a touchdown.
The victory improves LSU’s record to 2-2 and gives them some confidence heading into Saturday’s matchup versus Auburn on the Plains. Auburn is 3-2 after winning a nail bitter over Ole Miss 35-28 in Oxford.
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