No. 16 LSU rallies to escape upset vs. Gamecocks
Sep 14, 2024, 04:56 PM ET
COLUMBIA, S.C.– Garrett Nussmeier knew he needed to push aside the errors if No. 16 LSU was going to complete a rally and win.Nussmeier directed
a final goal drive that ended with Josh Williams’ 2-yard rating with 1:12 left as the Tigers returned from a 17-0 deficit to beat South Carolina 36-33 on Saturday.Nussmeier had actually thrown an interception at the objective line the series before, the last of numerous miscues he and his Tiger teammates made to trail much of this one.”You want me to stress over the interception with 3 minutes, 45 seconds left trying to win the game?”Nussmeier stated.”No. Let’s flush it and go win the football game. “It’s a temperament and mindset LSU coach Brian
Kelly as seen from his Tigers(2-1)as they fought back to win their Southeastern Conference opener and their 8th in a row over South Carolina(2-1, 1-1 ).”So proud of the grit and the determination of this group,”Kelly said.” They’re not going to quit. That remains in their DNA. They’re not going to let the rope slip. “The Tigers tracked 17-0 and were still tracking in
the last 2 minutes when Williams took a handoff through a huge hole on the left side and into the end zone for the winning rating. LSU players jumped with pleasure, however it was most likely as much relief after routing the majority of the game.And LSU made a lot of errors. Nussmeier had an interception and fumble off a bad snap.
The Gamecocks blocked a punt and the Tigers stopped working on an extra point with another bad snap. South Carolina held LSU without points after first-and-goal 2 backyards from completion zone in the 3rd quarter. “It’s not ideal by any methods. But it’s early in the season, “Kelly said.Nussmeier ended up with 285 yards passing and two
goals, Caden Durham ran for 98 yards and a pair of scores.For much of this game, it appeared like South Carolina would come away with an unanticipated win.Quarterback LaNorris Sellers ran for 2 touchdowns including a 75-yard burst that was longest by a quarterback in South Carolina history. Arkansas transfer Raheim Sanders had a 66-yard goal in the 4th quarter that put the Gamecocks back on top.South Carolina had a last possibility to tie things, driving to the LSU 39-yard line with 5 seconds to play. Kicker Alex Herrera, however, pushed his 49-yard objective effort left, and LSU players ran to the sidelines to celebrate.Sellers, who ran for 88 yards and tossed for 113, came out right before halftime with an ankle injury. Sellers and coach Shane Beamer both said it was not serious.Sanders ran for 143 yards and 2 scores.The Associated Press added to this story.