Doing what works

Doing what works

LSU uses defense, special teams in victory over WVU

http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/103810929.html

Smoke and mirrors might not be the solution forever for 15th-ranked LSU, but for one more steamy September night, those elements — in the form of a suffocating defense and game-changing special teams — were again enough.

The Tigers stifled 22nd-ranked West Virginia’s offense to 177 total yards, turned two turnovers into 10 points and got another jolt of lightning from Patrick Peterson to jump in front of the Mountaineers and then hold on for a 20-14 triumph Saturday night at Tiger Stadium.

LSU’s offense was again far from a masterpiece with a season-low 230 total yards and only 12 first downs. But Stevan Ridley anchored a powerful second-half rushing performance with 89 of his 116 yards coming after halftime.

And that Tigers’ defense refused to buckle again after the Mountaineers clawed back within 17-14 in the opening minutes of the third quarter.

WVU (3-1) got that close when Geno Smith whipped a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jock Sanders two plays after Jordan Jefferson’s second interception of the game on LSU’s first possession of the third quarter.