LSU Spoils #6 Gators Playoff Aspirations

The LSU Tigers came into Ben Hill Griffin Stadium heavy underdogs against the SEC East Champion Florida Gators. In a game where LSU had nothing major to play for, Florida had everything on the line. A win would keep their CFP hopes alive. A loss would all but crush those dreams. In one of the more entertaining, and surprising, games of the year, the LSU Tigers came out victorious, beating Florida 37-34 and spoiling their larger postseason aspirations.

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LSU’s Max Johnson threw for 239 yards and three touchdowns in his first start as a collegiate quarterback. His wide receiver Kayshon Boutte had a big night as well, securing five catches for 108 yards and a touchdown. On the other side, Florida’s Kyle Trask had 474 yards through the air with two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Coming into today's game, Trask had only thrown three interceptions. Kadarius Toney was Trask’s biggest target, accounting for 182 yards and a touchdown.

Florida got the scoring started with a one yard Kyle Trask touchdown run. LSU responded with a touchdown of their own- a beautiful touch pass from freshman quarterback Max Johnson to Jaray Jenkins tied the game 7-7. Kyle Trask’s biggest mistake of the night came on a second quarter pick-six to LSU cornerback Eli Ricks, giving the Tigers a 14-7 lead. The back-and-forth matchup, with large contributions from both teams starting quarterback and kickers, led to a 24-17 LSU advantage at halftime.

The most exciting moments of the game happened on both team’s final drives. Tied 34-34 late in the fourth quarter, LSU faced a third and long situation. Johnson got the ball out to receiver Kole Taylor for a four yard gain, setting up a fourth-and-6, and a likely punting scenario for LSU. However, Florida cornerback Marco Wilson threw Taylor’s shoe way down field after the play was over, earning his team a huge penalty and keeping LSU’s drive alive. Moments later, LSU kicker Cade York nailed a 57 yard field goal, giving the Tigers a 37-34 lead with less than 30 seconds remaining. Florida had an opportunity to tie the game late, pushing the ball to the LSU 33 yard line. Florida kicker Evan McPherson, who was two-for-two up until that point, barely missed a 51-yarder as time expired, giving LSU the shocking victory.

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Both teams have one more game scheduled this season. Florida faces Alabama next Saturday in the SEC Championship Game. LSU will play Ole Miss in Baton Rouge. LSU has had their struggles this season but were able to pull off one of the largest upsets of the 2020 season in Gainesville. Florida will hope to pull off one of their own next week in Atlanta.