Syracuse went on the road over the weekend, playing the Louisiana State University Tigers in an attempt to give the Tigers their second upset of the season. The game started with Syracuse winning the toss and deciding to receive in the first half. This allowed for LSU to head off showing their defensive strength. Within six seconds, LSU defensive back, Greedy Williams, intercepted a Syracuse ball and brought it down at the one yard line, where Syracuse quarterback, Eric Dungey, received a facemask flag for his tackle of corner back, Andraez Williams. LSU running back, Derrius Guice, plowed through the middle for a one yard touchdown, and LSU took a 7-0 lead after the one point kick was deemed good. Syracuse responded offensively, driving the ball down the field methodically, just barely held off from a touchdown and restricted to a field goal, which brought the score to 7-3 LSU. The remainder of the first quarter was riddled with major defensive plays, such a sack by Syracuse defensive player, Kendall Coleman, and countless down and outs for both teams.
The second quarter was filled with big defensive plays on both sides, but more successfully on the LSU side, where Syracuse was contained to zero points in the second quater. LSU scored another touchdown with one minute and 15 seconds left in the first half, solidifying their lead.
LSU received in the second half and started off with offensive vigor, similar to that of the defense in the first half. In the first play of the third quarter, wide receiver, Drake Davis, made a phenomenal catch for LSU. Syracuse responded with their first touchdown of the night made by wide receiver, Devin C. Butler, bringing the score to 21-10 LSU. However, LSU’s freshman quarterback, Lowell Narcisse, was on a roll with a great hand off to running back, Darrel Williams, for another LSU touchdown. Syracuse’s special teams punted another LSU ball to the one yard line for the second time throughout the game. LSU tried to run the ball, only for the Syracuse defence to come out with a big safety play. Syracuse wrapped up the third quarter with another touchdown by Butler to put the score at 28-19 LSU.
Syracuse attempted a comeback with another touchdown, this time by tight end, Ravian Pierce, however, their defense could not prevent LSU from continuing to score. With two minutes left in the game, LSU closed out with a touchdown by wide receiver, DJ Chark, putting the final score at 35-26, and continuing the LSU home game winning streak.
Syracuse now has a record of 2-2 at the end of week four, whereas LSU’s record improved to 3-1.Even though LSU came out of this game victorious, there are a lot of areas in which the team still needs improvement. For example, the offense was held to a predominantly running game with many down and outs. This is mainly because their third down conversion rate was significantly lower than their opponents’. LSU is also struggling with injured players and two interchangeable quarterbacks. Although Syracuse lost, their defense played on the level of national championship teams, and the quick pace of the offense was only matched by LSU’s fast and flexible defense. Both teams are predicted to do well throughout their regular season.