LSU’s depleted roster delivered a big upset for embattled coach Ed Orgeron, knocking off No. 20 Florida 49-42 on Saturday. The Tigers fed 36 carries to Tyrion Davis-Price, who ran for a school-record 287 yards and three touchdowns to liven up a difficult season for the 11-point home underdogs.
The defense at Florida (4-3, 2-3 SEC) came in allowing 3.2 yards per carry and 110 rushing yards per game but never slowed down Davis-Price, whose scoring runs covered 18, 40 and 25 yards. In the process, he broke Leonard Fournette’s single-game mark. LSU (4-3, 2-2) also got three touchdown passes from Max Johnson to Jaray Jenkins, including the game-winner with 3:30 left on fourth-and-goal from the 1.
Florida’s 47-yard Hail Mary from Emory Jones to Justin Shorter brought a stunning end to the first half, but Jones threw a pick-six to start the third quarter before Anthony Richardson took over at quarterback. The backup threw three touchdowns and ran for a fourth, but also was intercepted twice like Jones.
After LSU upset Florida as a 23-point underdog last season in Gainesville, this series has turned into a headache for coach Dan Mullen. It might buy time for Orgeron, whose defense was missing five starters as well as wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, the nation’s leader in touchdown receptions.
(Photo: Stephen Lew / USA Today)
