LSU Defeats Florida 52-35 With Historic Offensive Performance

The Florida Gators lost to the LSU Tigers 52-35 in Death Valley in what was a historic night for the Tigers and a night to forget for the Gators. 

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier spoke on the Gators loss in his postgame press conference.

“We were ready, and I have respect for the approach the players took. We came up short, but I think we played until the last snap. And I think this group will do it again, that’s what I think,” Napier said.

Here are my takeaways from Florida’s loss in Death Valley. 

Florida’s Defense Was Historically Bad Against LSU

Florida’s defense forced two fourth down stops in the first quarter, one of which being a goal line stand, making it seem like the Gators defense had shown up in Death Valley to stop LSU’s potent, high-scoring offense. 

Simply put that was not the case as Florida’s defense proceeded to allow a single-game program record 701 total yards (372 yards passing and 329 yards rushing) of offense.

LSU averaged 11.5 yards per play and a whopping 21.9 yards per completion, with LSU receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers recording 150 yards and 132 yards respectively. Thomas Jr. also recorded two touchdowns. 

It’s hard to pinpoint what exactly has gone awry for the Florida defense after they started the season strong. The loss to Kentucky earlier in the season that saw them allow Wildcats RB Ray Davis to rush for 280 yards was the big tipping point. Ever since then, Florida’s defense has dipped in performance drastically.

LSU’s historic performance can be attributed to their QB, and should-be future Heisman trophy winner, Jayden Daniels. 

Give LSU QB Jayden Daniels the Heisman Trophy 

LSU QB Jayden Daniels was concussed a week ago against Alabama. He was cleared to play against the Gators Friday and then proceeded to set FBS records the very next day.

Daniels accounted for 606 of LSU’s 702 yards (372 yards passing and 234 yards rushing) and scored five touchdowns, three of which through the air and two of which on the ground. That performance now makes Daniels the first player in FBS history to have 350+ yards passing and 200+ yards rushing in a single game. 

The two rushing touchdowns Daniels recorded were on an 85-yard run and a 51-yard run, respectively.

Napier commented on Daniels running ability being “the difference in the game” in his postgame press conference. 

“The quarterback is exceptional…I mean, he’s a really good passer, they have great skill [players], they have a good balance of run game that complements his legs.” 

Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. and Washington QB Michael Penix have had stellar seasons in their own right, but Daniels is undoubtedly the Heisman trophy front runner and if he doesn’t win the award it would be a travesty.

Florida RBs Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson Show Out in Front of Their Family and Friends 

Not everything about the loss to LSU was bad for the Gators, as their dynamic duo of running backs, Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne, showed out in front of their families in attendance. 

Johnson and Etienne are from New Orleans and Jennings, Louisiana, respectively, so this game was a homecoming for them, and they played inspired football against the Tigers. 

Etienne finished the game with 99 yards rushing on 18 carries and three touchdowns.

Napier commented on Etienne’s performance in his postgame press conference.

“I think you can tell this was special for him, and when given opportunities tonight, you know, he was elite. I thought he showed a spirit about himself, he showed some toughness tonight.”

Johnson finished the game with 70 yards rushing and 65 yards receiving on six catches. 

The Gators tried to rely on the run game against LSU, but the LSU offense scoring at will forced the Gators to pass the ball more often than not. That said, though, the Gators responded to many of LSU’s punches with scores of their own.

The Gators Kept Punching Back on Offense 

Even though the offensive barrage by the Tigers was plentiful, the Gators offense continued to punch back with scores of their own, keeping the game close for the majority of it and even taking the lead in the 3rd quarter after a muffed punt by the Tigers.

Florida QB Graham Mertz finished the game with 311 yards passing and a touchdown. WR Ricky Pearsall finished the game with 103 yards receiving on seven catches. WR Eugene Wilson III finished the game with six catches for 63 yards and a touchdown. 

Scoring 35 points on the road in Death Valley should be more than enough to win a game like this, but that just wasn’t the case Saturday night.

Final Thoughts 

Despite LSU’s historic performance on offense, this game was still very much winnable still for Florida. As mentioned, Florida took the lead in the 3rd quarter. The Gators defense just couldn’t come up with a few more stops in the second half to give their offense a chance to take control of the game.

The loss to LSU now makes Florida’s record 5-5 (3-4 in the SEC) and means the Gators are still seeking bowl eligibility with two matchups against top-ranked opponents remaining. Next up for the Gators is a road trip to Columbia, Missouri, to face off against the 11th-ranked Missouri Tigers, who just dominated the Tennessee Volunteers 36-7.

Ultimately, with two games left, the Gators just need to finish the season strong and injury-free.