Thursday, February 14, 2008

The Unthinkable is Now a Reality: Part 5 (of 9)

October 20
#18 Auburn

Following a tough Kentucky loss, LSU had no time to mourn as Auburn was coming into Tiger Stadium. Auburn was a team coming in with 2 losses, both early in the season. Tuberville's crew was definitely underrated. More importantly no one on the Auburn squad was the least bit worried to be playing in Tiger Stadium. They were (quote), "looking forward to it."

Again, much like the Florida game, LSU got jumped on right from the get-go. LSU was fortunate to not trail 14-0 when it was 10-0. I will admit I thought LSU had pushed their luck too far this time.

Again down 17-7 at the half?! It was too much gambling. LSU was going to pay the price for playing lousy first half football.

Then again just like clockwork the Tigers rallied in the second half. Slowly the Bayou Bengals chipped away at an Auburn lead. With 2 field goals LSU trailed by the score of 17-13, but as a fan this was aggravating as LSU was missing opportunities in the red zone too often.

After some gutsy play calling on fourth down and a tremendous endzone dive by Jacob Hester, LSU took a 20-17 lead. The Bengals were in control.

Then Auburn gave it back to LSU who was driving in for the kill. Les opted not to go for a 4th and 1 when up 20-17. A touchdown would of sealed it, but a field goal helped.

23-17, Auburn was 83 yards away. The defense was playing stellar.

Key word: was.

Auburn drove the field and scored a TD that stun Tiger Nation. 24-23. LSU was on it's heels, but like he's done time and time again. Matt Flynn drove that LSU squad down the field like time was an irrelevant issue.

Play after play, tick after tick, LSU drove down the field methodically for the game-winning field goal...

Then the clock began to really tick. Under 20 seconds. LSU needs to call a timeout! 8 seconds! In a moment I'll never forget, Flynn called hike and threw one in the corner of the end zone for the Byrdman.

Absolutely incredible catch. Single most exciting play I've ever witnessed in my LSU football viewing days.

Final: 30 Tigers 24 Plainsmen/Tigers/War Eagles/Choose a Mascot!


Play of the Game: It was a hell of a gutsy call. I hear a lot of criticism on Les making that decision, but please we all know more than 1 second should of remained on the clock. Nonetheless, Matt Flynn's perfect throw was only half of that play. Demetrius "Birdman" Byrd had to make a play around the cornerback of Auburn who was all over him. Byrd caught that ball with one hand!

Note: I do not have too kind of feelings for Chaz Ramsey, the offensive lineman responsible for the cheap shot chop block on Glen Dorsey. That move could of ended Dorsey's career, but what it did do was greatly hinder Dorsey for the rest of the season. Dorsey was not near 100% until the Ohio State game.

Karma works it's way around. Ramsey will get his sentence.

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