LSU vs. Bama lives up to hype

Sometimes the hype of a big game never lives up to expectations.

Saturday night in Tiger Stadium lived up to expectations.

The LSU Tigers did lose to No. 1 ranked Alabama 21-17, but to be honest they dominated the Crimson Tide on both sides of the ball for almost three full quarters. However, a host of plays throughout the contest and last minute touchdown drive put away the Purple and Gold. The Tigers won the stats part of the game, but lost the game on the field late.

LSU’s rushing attack and aggressive defense set the tone, but the real story is that quarterback Zach Mettenberger grew up in front of our very eyes.

Mettenberger, despite having a number of his passes dropped throughout the contest, was superb in completing 24 of his 35 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown.

And he did it against one of the best defense in college football.

If Saturday’s performance was any indication, the Tigers could well be a better team down the stretch and share similarities to the 2006 Tigers. That season the Tigers won their final seven games of the season and beat Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl (41-14).

The Tiger running game was also outstanding. Freshman Jeremy Hill rushed for 107 yards on 29 attempts and the Tiger rushing attack overall gained 139 yards and controlled the clock.

But late it was the dreaded “Prevent Defense” or soft zone coverages that allowed Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron to piece together a drive that gave them the victory.

For defensive coordinator John Chavis that move will keep him up late at night knowing how well his defense had played throughout the game in tight man coverage schemes.

There is little time to feel sorry for yourself if you are LSU.

You have to move on and finish the season strong. While the hopes of a national championship in 2012 ended on the turf of Tiger Stadium, the hopes that this young team offensively is starting to come around could put the Tigers into the 2013 championship picture.

Former HHS star has fumble recovery

Former Hahnville High School defensive back Jerqwinick Sandolph had a fumble recovery for the Tiger special teams during the contest. While it didn’t lead to any points Sandolph’s play tells a lot because under Les Miles you normally make your name first on special teams before seeing playing time on offense and defense.

Expect to see Sandolph in the lineup more as the season starts to wind down.