Werbung

Leonard Fournette returns with a vengeance in LSU's 38-21 win

LSU’s win against Ole Miss was significant in terms of the SEC West race, but how the Tigers won the game — on the legs of running back Leonard Fournette — is what will have people talking.

Fournette, who hadn’t played in a game since the Sept. 24 loss to Auburn, came back with fury, rushing for 284 yards and two touchdowns on just 16 carries — yes, 17.8 yards per carry — to help lead the Tigers to a 38-21 win against Ole Miss.

Fournette broke the school record of 250 yards (set by Alley Broussard in 2004, also against Ole Miss) in the third quarter and just kept on going until he was taken out midway through the fourth quarter in favor of Derrius Guice, who finished with 57 yards.

Fournette who had been dealing with the effects of a lingering ankle injury he suffered during fall camp, broke out with 171 yards on just six carries in the first half. He had touchdown runs of 59 and 76 yards in that period, and Ole Miss simply had no answer for the junior tailback, who looked determined to put himself back into the Heisman conversation in just one contest.

It is important to note that Ole Miss came into the game ranked 104th nationally in rushing defense, allowing 212.8 yards per game, but Fournette — alone — notched the second-most rushing yards against the Rebels this season. Only Alabama had more yards with 334. LSU had 311 rushing yards total.

Despite the strong offensive ground game, the Tigers did have three turnovers. However, Ole Miss was just as bad. Quarterback Chad Kelly, who opened the season hailed as the SEC’s best quarterback, had the worst outing of his career, throwing for a career-low 196 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Much of those struggles were because LSU took tight end Evan Ingram almost completely out of the game. He had three catches for a season-low 15 yards.

With the win, LSU moves to 3-1 in SEC play. However, the Tigers’ next game on Nov. 5 is against Alabama, which will be the true litmus test for this program, which hasn’t yet lost under interim coach Ed Orgeron. Ole Miss falls to a disappointing 1-4 in conference play and things don’t get any easier next week against an Auburn team that might be the most improved program in the conference from Week 1.

Leonard Fournette rushed for a school record 284 yards in his first game in nearly a month.
Leonard Fournette rushed for a school record 284 yards in his first game in nearly a month.

– – – – – – –

Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!