Da Boot Sports
7/2/2022
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - As the final seconds ticked off the clock the capacity crowd of 80,677 began to storm the field. Both goal post fell like the #1 ranked Gators did that night in Death Valley.

   Tiger fans celebrated on the field as it was the first time ever LSU had defeated a No. 1-ranked team. It took LSU officials 
almost an hour after the game ended to clear the field. 

   Top ranked Florida (5-0, 3-0) came into Tiger Stadium that Saturday night looking to extend their nine game winning streak over a LSU (4-1, 2-1) team who played very poorly the week before, struggling to squeak out a 7-6 win over Vanderbilt. 

   The Tigers used a powerful running attack lead by Kevin Faulk and the LSU defense played inspired football putting tremendous pressure on Florida quarterback Doug Johnson all night long, sacking him five times while forcing five Gator turnovers. 

   “We were sick and tired of hearing that we had no chance to win this game,” LSU running back Kevin Faulk said.

   LSU took the opening kickoff and began a nice drive starting from their own 20, moving the ball 58 yards in seven plays before a Rondell Mealey fumble at the Gators 22 yard line blew an early scoring opportunity.

   LSU's defense flexed their muscles early on Florida's first offensive possession. Chuck Wiley would sack Doug Johnson for a 14 yard loss on 2nd and five before Troy Twillie tackled Erron Kinney for a four yard loss setting up a 4th and 23 from the Gators' 12 yard line. 

   Florida punter Robby Stevenson blasted a 58 yard punt, but Kevin Faulk made him pay for out kicking the coverage returning the punt 30 yards to Gators' 40 yard line. 

   The Tiger offense wasted little time going 40 yards in one play as LSU quarterback Herb Tyler ran to the right side on an option, keeping the ball and following blockers up the sideline for the touchdown. The score sent the Tiger Stadium crowd into a frenzy as Wade Richey kicked the extra point to put the Tigers up 7-0 with 8:42 left in the first quarter.

   Three plays later Cedric Donaldson would intercept a Doug Johnson pass at the LSU 25 yard line and return the ball to the Florida seven yard line setting up a 1st and goal for the Tiger offense. 

   Once again, LSU wasted little time as fullback Tommy Banks blasted up the middle, diving into the end zone from seven yards out to extend the Tigers' lead to 14-0 with 7:44 still left in the 1st quarter. The drive went seven yards on one play. LSU had now scored two touchdowns in the last 98 seconds. 

   The Gators showed no signs of panic trailing by two scores early answering the LSU score by driving 80 yards in 13 plays. Fred Taylor would punch the ball in from two yards out cutting the LSU lead to 14-7 with 2:14 left in the first quarter.

​   Both teams would blow scoring opportunities in a scoreless 2nd quarter as Wade Richey missed a 39 yard field goal attempt, followed by Chis Cummings blocking a 44 yard field goal attempt by the Gators as the first half ended with LSU leading #1 ranked Florida, 14-7.

   The Gators took the second half kickoff and easily drove 80 yards in only seven plays to tie the game at 14-14 as Fred Taylor would score from one yard for his second touchdown of the contest. 

   With the game still even at 14-14 early in the 4th quarter, Cedric Donaldson stepped in front of a Doug Johnson pass and returned the interception 31 yards for a touchdown. Danny Boyd added the PAT giving the Tigers a 21-14 lead with 13:13 left in the game.

   On the ensuing kickoff, Florida's Bo Carroll fumbled on the return and Troy Twillie recovered for the Tigers at the Gator 30 yard line as the Tiger Stadium crowd remained deafening.

   Once again, LSU scored quickly making the Gators pay. After a 15 yard pass completion to Abram Booty and a four yard run by Kevin Faulk, the Tigers faced a 2nd and six at the Florida 11 yard line. Herb Tyler again ran the option to the right and kept the ball for a 11 yard touchdown run. With 11:40 left on the clock, LSU now lead 28-14 and Death Valley was rocking.

   Steve Spurrier and his Gators again showed no panic trailing by 14 points as they began their next drive from their own 22. Florida would eat 4:54 off the clock, driving 78 yards in 13 plays with Fred Taylor scoring from three yards out to cut the Bayou Bengals' lead to 28-21 with 6:44 remaining in the contest. 

   The Gators got the ball right back after a LSU three and out, starting from their 21 yard line. But Florida would shoot themselves in the foot on back to back plays, as an illegal procedure penalty wiped out a 19 yard gain, followed by a personal foul penalty that backed the Gators up to the shadow of their own goal line. Facing a 3rd and 22 from their nine, Doug Johnson fired the ball deep down field. Raion Hill would pull the ball in at the LSU 46 yard line for the 4th interception of the game for the Tiger defense.

   With 2:47 left in the contest the LSU offense was able to keep the ball, running the game clock down to zero for a huge 28-21 upset victory. 

   The loss snapped the Gators’ two long SEC winning streaks,.... 25 games overall and 19 straight on the road. Florida also failed to get a touchdown pass in the contest, snapping its NCAA record streak of 62 straight regular-season games with at least one score through the air.

   “Our defense won tonight,” Cedric Donaldson said. “If their defense was good, ours was better. If their offense was good, ours was better. We had a total team effort and that’s what it takes.”

   This LSU team went on to finish the 1997 season 13th in the final AP poll with a 9-3 record, including a win against Notre Dame in the Independence Bowl to avenge one of their regular season losses. (Notre Dame 24, LSU 6 in Tiger Stadium).

   This game would go on to be not only the biggest win in the Gerry DiNardo era, but also one of the best ever in school history. 

Da Boot Sports
6/18/2022
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - LSU headed into the 1986 season with high expectations, coming off of back to back winning seasons in Bill Arnsparger's third year as LSU's head coach. 

   The LSU offense was a big question mark in the preseason as they had loss starting quarterback Jeff Wickersham and star running backs Dalton Hilliard and Gary James to graduation. 

   "We have kids that can play." said Arnsparger when asked about offensive concerns the week of the season opener against a veteran Texas A&M team ranked #7 in the country. 

   Defensively LSU fielded one of the top units in the nation, led by All-American linebacker Michael Brooks. This LSU defense was loaded with speedy physical talent and had depth at every position. A Bill Arnsparger specialty. 

   The game was nationally televised on ESPN in Death Valley in front of 79,713 rabid Tiger fans, which at the time was the second largest crowd in Tiger Stadium history. 

   The Aggies received the opening kickoff and marched 74 yards on ten plays to take a 7-0 lead on a four yard touchdown pass from Kevin Murray to Shea Walker with 10:50 left in the first quarter.

   The LSU offense sputtered early in the game as redshirt freshman quarterback Tommy Hodson needed a couple of possessions to settle down, finally coming to life after a Ron Sancho interception that set up the Tigers 1st and ten at the Texas A&M 48 yard line. 

   It only took LSU five plays and 58 seconds to go 48 yards for their first score of the 1986 season. Tommy Hodson hit Sammy Martin out of the backfield for a four yard touchdown to even the game up at 7-7 late in the first quarter.
   It was the first of many touchdown passes that Hodson would pass for in his four year LSU career. 

   The Aggies would regain the lead early in the second quarter with the longest scoring drive of the contest, going 78 yards in 14 plays while burning 6:11 of the clock. Kevin Murray would hit Rod Bernstine in the back of the north end zone from 13 yards out for the score, giving the Aggies a 14-7 lead with 14:55 left in the first half. 

   With right at seven minutes left in the first half LSU began a drive, 1st and ten from their own 20 yard line. Arnsparger decided to give backup quarterback Mickey Guidry his first half series on this possession.
   On first down Guidry completed a 10 yard pass to Wendell Davis followed by a four yard gain by Sammy Martin to set up a 2nd and six. As the Tigers came to the line, Guidry read blitz and changed the play at the line of scrimmage moving Sammy Martin from the backfield, setting him up in the slot. Guidry took the snap and hit Martin on a quick four yard pass in the center of the field that Sammy turned into a 66 yard touchdown as he found an extra gear, splitting and pulling away from from the Aggies' secondary for the score. The electrifying play evened the game up at 14-14 with 6:37 left in the second quarter. 

   Neither team could manage a score over the final six minutes of the quarter as the first half ended in a 14-14 tie.

   The Tigers received the second half kickoff, but a Harvey Williams' fumble gave the Aggies the ball in LSU territory. 

   The Aggies drove into the LSU red zone before the Tigers would stop the drive at the six yard line forcing A&M to kick a 23 yard field goal. The three points would put Texas A&M up 17-14 early in the third quarter. 

   LSU would answer on their next possession, driving 69 yards in ten plays as Tommy Hodson had the hot hand on the drive, completing three big passing plays. (Two to Wendell Davis, One to Harvey Williams). The score would come on Harvey Williams' first touchdown of his career as he leaped into the end zone from one yard out for the score with 5:58 left in the third quarter as the Tigers took their first lead of the contest, 21-17.

   In front of an energized Tiger Stadium crowd, the Tiger defense began to dominate the ball game, shutting down the Aggies offensive attack for the remainder of the contest. 
   “In the first series, I think we were in awe of Texas A&M. Not in the sense that we were afraid of them, but we had a question about our team,” linebacker Ron Sancho said after the game. 
   
   With Murray and the A&M offense trying to answer the Tigers' last score, they slowly drove into LSU territory. Facing a 2nd and ten at the LSU 38 yard line, Murray was intercepted at the Tigers' 28 yard line by Kevin Guidry who raced up the side for 42 yards to the A&M 30 yard line. It was the third time the LSU defense intercepted Murray on the night. 

   Hodson and the LSU offense wasted little time. On 1st down Sammy Martin picked up ten yards and a 1st down at the Aggies 20, but a holding call negated the play and moved LSU back to the A&M 40 yard line. 
   On the next play Hodson dropped back to throw and completed a 35 yard bomb to Wendell Davis, who made a circus catch on the play, setting up a 1st and ten at the Texas A&M five yard line. 
   Two plays later on the final play of the third quarter, Hodson found his tight end Brian Kinchen in the back of the end zone for a five yard touchdown. LSU now led 28-17 as the game headed into the 4th quarter. 

   Neither team could move the ball until LSU mounted a drive late in the quarter, moving the ball deep into A&M territory before the drive stalled. LSU kicker Ronnie Lewis missed a 34 yard field goal attempt wide right. 

   The Aggies would take over at their own 20 with 1:06 left in the game. Jackie Sherrill decided to replace Kevin Murray with backup quarterback Craig Stump.
   On Stump's second passing attempt, Michael Brooks intercepted the ball after it bounced off of the attended receiver's hands and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown with only 35 seconds remaining on the clock. The interception would be LSU's 5th of the game off of A&M quarterbacks. 

   The 35-17 victory was an impressive and exciting start to the 1986 season, however many LSU fans remember the huge shocking let down the following week as LSU suffered a shocking 21-12 defeat to Miami of Ohio.

   The contest was also the beginning of the Tommy Hodson era.

   “I’m still nervous. I guess that’s normal when you go in front of 80,000 people,” Hodson said after going 15-22 for 193 yards  and two touchdown passes in the 35-17 victory.
   “Tommy worked hard, but he kept the game in perspective,” LSU Coach Bill Arnsparger said. “He said good or bad, he would still be here on Sunday.”

   Hodson would become LSU's starting quarterback from 1986 to 1989 and holds several school passing records. He would be named the SEC Freshman of the Year in 1986 along with being named First Team SEC from 1986-1989. Hodson passed for 9,115 yards and 69 touchdowns, becoming the first quarterback in SEC history to surpass 8,000 career passing yards, and the first quarterback in SEC history to surpass 60 career passing touchdowns. Hodson passed for over 2,000 yards during each of his four seasons at LSU, becoming the third player in NCAA history to achieve that feat.

   No doubt, it was another incredible night in Baton Rouge as the Death Valley crowd was deafening throughout the game. A game that can truly be called one of the best ever in LSU football history. 
   

Da Boot Sports
6/14/2022
By: Terrill J. Weil


It happened on a muggy Saturday afternoon on September 20, 2003. Year three of the Nick Saban era in Baton Rouge.

92,251 fans packed Tiger Stadium (back then became the largest crowd in Tiger Stadium history), to witness an epic SEC battle between two undefeated foes.

Most, including myself, feel like this is one of the greatest games in LSU football history. It was a memorable day for me as
it was my eight year old son's first ever LSU football game. He also remembers the deafening roar of the Tiger Stadium crowd and the heart stopping finish. We both agree it was one of our favorite father/son moments.

I can't remember a more hyped and electric LSU game day home crowd. I was so impressed at how loud Tiger Stadium stayed throughout the game as the record crowd of 92,000 plus raised the atmosphere to a relentless level. Death Valley was truly alive on that Saturday afternoon. Any LSU fan in attendance that day can confirm that.

“That Georgia game put LSU on the map,” said Matt Mauck, the Tigers’ starting quarterback in 2003 during an interview with SI. “It was our coming-out party.”

Georgia came into Death Valley ranked #7 in the country with a 3-0 overall (1-0 in the SEC) record to face #11 LSU, 3-0 overall (0-0 in SEC play) in a 2:30pm, nationally televised game on CBS.

It was an intense defensive battle for a majority of the contest as both teams struggled to score.

The Bulldogs would get on the board first, taking a 3-0 lead on a 33 yard field goal by Billy Bennett with 6:24 left in the first quarter. Bennett ended up missing three field goals in the game. It was the first time in the senior's career that he missed three field goal attempts in a game. He came into the contest as Georgia's most accurate kicker in school history at 78.75% (63-for-80).

LSU finally put together a scoring drive late in the first half. The Tigers would go 85 yards on six plays, taking 1:58 off of the clock as Shyrone Carey busting an electrifying 21 yard touchdown run right up the middle of the Georgia defense with 3:20 left in the first half. Tiger Stadium erupted as Carey dove into the end zone from three yards out for the score. Ryan Gaudet added the point after to give LSU a 7-3 lead which they took into the halftime break.

The defensive battle continued into the second half until LSU was able to mount another scoring drive, going 51 yards in ten plays before the drive would stall at the Bulldogs' 30 yard line. Gaudet entered the game and drilled a 47 yard field goal to extend LSU's lead to 10-3 with 6:30 left in the third quarter.

The LSU defense played 'bend but don't break' ball all day, except for one play late in game.

With 4:53 left on the clock, Georgia was starting a possession 1st and ten at their own seven yard line. Mark Richt called the right play at the right time. David Greene dropped back to throw into the end zone and found running back Tyson Browning out of the backfield on a screen play with blockers in front. The Bulldogs blocked and executed the play to perfection as Browning raced up the sidelines for a 93 yard touchdown to tie the game at 10-10.

Devery Henderson fielded Billy Bennett's kickoff at the one yard line and made an outstanding return for 48 yards setting up the Tigers with a 1st and ten at their own 49 yard line with 4:16 left in the contest.

On 3rd and four from the Georgia 34 yard line, Matt Mauck rolled out to his left, squared up, set his feet and while under pressure released a perfectly thrown deep pass that a wide open Skyler Green would catch in stride, five yards deep in the north end zone with only 1:22 left on the clock giving the Tigers a 17-10 lead.

The Bulldogs quickly moved down the field and into LSU territory setting up a 1st and ten at the Tigers' 43. David Greene would then fire a pass down the sideline that Corey Webster tipped to himself for an interception at the LSU 22 yard line with 32 seconds left to seal the 17-10 win.

After the celebration in the stands died down, I sat with my son in our seats, exhausted as Tiger Stadium began to empty. My cell phone rang as one of my best friends, Roy buzzed in. It was no surprise as Roy would call me right after every LSU football game. I answered and he said. "Terrill, I believe that was the greatest LSU football game I've ever seen." I answered with my hoarse voice, "I agree."

            LSU HEAD COACH NICK SABAN POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES:

   “Well you can’t really say about enough about both football teams the way they competed out there. A heavy weight fight. A real street fight. Both teams competed their heart out. It was about a physical a football game as I’ve seen in a long time and I’m proud of the way our players competed in the game. I don’t know if we were a little bit anxious in the beginning of the game. We were a little out of sorts at the start then in the second quarter we started to come around. To compete in the game, to overcome the adversity we had in the first half, to have then have an 85 or 87 yard screen pass when we were playing zone for one of the first times of the day. Then to come right back with the kickoff return and to make the plays to get right back ahead in the game. We told the players that regardless of what happened in the game, the leadership of this team would show what its roots really were. There would be good thing to happen and we would have to stay focused and there would be bad things to happen and we would have to support each other and stay together and go play the next play and I’m proud of the way they competed and did that.
   “That was a tough game. Georgia’s a good team. My hat is off to them. But I can’t tell you how proud of all the people who are responsible for allowing us to get the football players that we have here, the way they competed today. I’m just proud that we can just give a great win for our players and all those who support the program. I know how happy it makes them when we have success and it makes me happy that it makes them happy.
“It wasn’t a pretty game for us all the time, but you can’t fault the effort, you can’t fault the competitive spirit, you can’t fault the three or four stops in the red area by our team and you can’t fault the way the offense came back when it had to. There’s obviously some things we can improve on from this game and we’ve got to build on it. We want our players to focus on what we have to do week in and week out. We have no expectations about what we are going to try to accomplish long term, we are worried about the next game that we play. We enjoy this victory for 24 hours and then we need to focus on the next game. Anything else they thing or do is going to be poisonous to how we compete with consistency and we don’t want to do that. So don’t ask me about those kinds of things.”


​  LSU would go on to play the Bulldogs again in 2003, this time in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta where the Tigers dismantled Georgia, 34-13 before heading to the Sugar Bowl to defeat Oklahoma, 21-14, winning the program's second national championship. ​

All Photos Below By: The Advocate

Da Boot Sports
6/10/2022
Article courtesy of Crescent City Sports
By: Brent St. Germain for the LSWA


   Longtime coach Laury Dupont has seen many outstanding high school football players during his tenure on the sidelines.But there is one player that stands above the rest – Eric Andolsek.

​   Dupont coached Andolsek during the 1982 and 1983 seasons during his stint at Thibodaux High School. It didn’t take Dupont long to realize that Andolsek was a special football player.

   “You can tell that Eric’s talent was above everyone else on the team,” Dupont said. “We predicted that Eric would be a Division I football player and could make it to the pros ever since he came to Thibodaux High. He was bigger and stronger than anyone else around. He was such an unbelievable player at such a young age.”
   Dupont’s analysis proved to be correct as Andolsek would parlay his success at Thibodaux High to become a standout offensive guard at LSU and eventually in the NFL as an anchor along the Detroit Lions’ offensive line and blocking for future Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders.

   However, Andolsek’s life was tragically cut short.

   On June 23, 1992, Andolsek was killed when a flatbed truck veered off La. 1 and struck him while he was cutting the grass at his home in Thibodaux. He was 25.

   Andolsek may be gone but is not forgotten, as his football legacy will live in the state he called home. Thirty years
later, Andolsek will take his place among the state’s greatest athletes as a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s 2022 class.

   Andolsek is among a 12-member group being enshrined in Natchitoches June 23-25. For participation opportunities
and information, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.

   It’s an honor that holds a special place for Andy Andolsek, Eric’s brother.

   “I felt that Eric was certainly a qualified candidate based on the accolades that he compiled while prepping at Thibodaux High, playing at LSU along with a blossoming career in the NFL,” Andy Andolsek said. “I am fulfilled and grateful for Eric being chosen as a member of the (Louisiana Sports) Hall of Fame and to be part of that organization with others of similar stature.”

   Renee Jennings said she is overwhelmed with excitement and pride knowing that her brother’s hard work and dedication to the game of football is being recognized with a spot in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

   “His passion, work ethic and dedication to his sport was infectious to anyone who knew him,” she said. “He played such a prominent role in LSU’s history of strength training and leadership that many still recognize today. Even after 30 years since his death, we feel that this is just another testimony of our beloved Eric’s true legacy.”


    Former LSU quarterback Tommy Hodson understands the joy the Andolsek family is feeling, as he was inducted into
the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.

   Hodson said it’s a well-deserved honor for Andolsek, who helped protect the legendary LSU quarterback during the 1986 and 1987 seasons.

   “I am so happy for Eric’s family and everyone in Lafourche Parish because so many people loved him,” Hodson said. “It’s great to see that he will be getting his just due by going into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. It gives everyone a chance to tell their kids how good of a person, player and teammate Eric Andolsek was.”

   Andolsek’s football journey started at Thibodaux High where he earned all-state recognition and was named an Adidas Prep All-American after excelling along the offensive and defensive lines.

   But it was at LSU where football fans across the country would discover something that people in Louisiana knew. Andolsek was a special football player.

   After starting three games and playing both sides of the ball in the 1985 Sugar Bowl as a freshman, Andolsek started to assert himself as one of LSU’s top offensive linemen as a sophomore. The 6-foot-2, 286-pound guard would eventually become a three-year starter for the Tigers and was a team captain, two-time All-SEC selection in 1986 and 1987 and was ranked by Sporting News as the fourth best offensive guard in the nation his senior season.

   Former LSU offensive tackle John Hazard said Andolsek’s intensity on the field helped make him one of the top guards in college football.

   “Eric was by far the scariest offensive lineman that we had,” said Hazard, who played next to Andolsek along LSU’s offensive line for two seasons. “He was intense on how he approached the game because his plan was to maul the guy across from him. He had great technique, always made good calls and would beat up people.”

   Andolsek’s intensity on the field paid dividends for LSU, as the Tigers had a successful four-year stretch during his tenure. LSU posted a 36-9-3 overall record and a 19-4-2 mark in SEC play, including two conference championships, in Andolsek’s four-year stay in Baton Rouge.

   Hazard said LSU’s overall success could be attributed to Andolsek’s overall play on the field. Many of Andolsek’s LSU teammates fed off his energy and became better players because of it.

   “Eric was always so locked in and intense on the field,” Hazard said. “He was the type of player that made everyone around him a much better player. He was such a fierce competitor that even the coaches didn’t want to upset him.”

   While Andolsek was ferocious on the field, that all changed as soon as the pads were off.

   “Eric was fierce and competitive, but you wouldn’t know from his exterior that he was really a teddy bear,” Hodson said. “He was a good guy and good pal to be around, and that’s the kind of guy that he was. I would say that he was my best teammate, but I know everyone would say the same thing about him.”

   Andolsek’s dream of playing in the NFL became a reality when the Detroit Lions selected him in the fifth round (111th overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft.

   Before he could settle in with the Lions, Andolsek had to make amends with a former rival – Ohio State linebacker Chris Spielman.

   Prior to the 1987 LSU vs. Ohio State game in Baton Rouge, the foes didn’t exactly hit it off right away. They were involved in an on-the-field skirmish during the coin flip.

   But things changed after the Lions drafted them both in 1988.

   After staring down one another on the team bus for mini-camp, they got to know one another and quickly became good friends.

   “I went down to Thibodaux several times and got involved with the culture in south Louisiana with crawfish boils and all that good stuff,” Spielman said. “It was to be around him. He opened my eyes to a lot of things.”

   Andolsek’s intensity and overall play along the offensive line would once again pay dividends, as the Lions would go from a struggling NFL franchise to a team that was one win away from Super Bowl XXVII.

   During Andolsek’s final season in 1991, the Lions won the NFC Central division title and advanced to the NFC Championship game before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Washington Redskins.

   Four years into his career, Andolsek was considered an up-and-coming NFL guard, a future All-Pro.

   Jennings said the sky was the limit for her brother.

   “I know he would have been a perennial Pro Bowler at his position and a team captain because of the leadership qualities he possessed,” she said.

​   While Andolsek enjoyed playing in Detroit, Louisiana was always his home, as he lived in Thibodaux during the offseason. Andolsek typically spent the offseason enjoying two of his other passions – hunting and fishing.

    Andy Andolsek said his brother enjoyed playing for the Lions, but he knew Eric’s love of Louisiana would have eventually led
him to the Saints.

   “Eric did build a bond and friendships with his Lions teammates and did enjoy playing with them, which was evident since he was planning on re-signing with the team in 1992,” Andy Andolsek said. “However, he often spoke of returning home to play in New Orleans, which would have put him close to the family, friends and lifestyle that he very much treasured.”

   While he made a name for himself at LSU and with the Lions, Dupont said Andolsek left a lasting legacy at Thibodaux High and throughout Lafourche Parish.

   “Everybody loved him,” Dupont said. “No one was better than Eric on and off the field. Everybody still thinks about him because you don’t forget a legend like Eric Andolsek. Nobody was better than him.”

Da Boot Sports
4/24/2022
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - We have a few more photos from Saturday's Spring Football Game as well as a new video with two minutes more of highlights added for your veiwing...  Enjoy...   GEAUX TIGERS!!!

Photos Below By: Michael Bacigalupi

Video of spring game action with an additional two and a half minutes of footage...  Enjoy... 

Da Boot Sports
4/23/2022
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - The Tigers closed out their 2022 spring football camp with their annual spring football game in Tiger Stadium. Head Coach Brian Kelly decided to go with a different game format than what LSU fans are accustomed to seeing. Instead of splitting the roster into two teams, purple vs. gold, it was the offense against the defense. 

   SPRING GAME FORMAT – OFFENSE VS. DEFENSE* (4) 15-minute quarters
* Second half will be running time
SCORING SYSTEM (DEFENSE)* 3 points for a turnover/sudden change or stop
* 3 points for 3-and-out
* 2 points for a Color Zone Field Goal
* 2 points for a 3rd or 4th down stop
* 1 point for a sack or TFL or rush of -2 yards or more
* Normal scoring for interception, fumble returned for TD or safety
* Offense will be scored as a normal game
OTHER RULES* QBs will be in red jerseys and won’t be live
* There will be kickoffs but no returns
* All punts and kickoffs will be fair caught
* No rush permitted on punts, PATs and FGs
* No fakes on punts, PATs and FGs

   
   The game began with the offense going three and out on their first possession with Jayden Daniels taking the snaps. Daniels was unable to find anyone to throw to as he scrambled on first down for an eight yard gain but was then whistled down for back to back sacks by Mason Smith forcing a punt. 

   Next drive saw John Emery gained nine yards on first down as Garrett Nussmeier stepped in to lead the offense up the field. The drive would stall across midfield at the 30 yard line after Desmond Little would sack Nussmeier on 3rd and ten for an eight yard loss. Ezekeal Mata entered the game and hit a 48 yard field goal for the offensive's first points of the day. The Tigers drove 31 yards on nine plays eating 3:03 off the clock on the drive. 

   The Tiger defense would dominate the next two possessions as they forced back to back punts.

   Garrett Nussmeier again took over at quarterback driving LSU to their first offensive touchdown of the day. The Tigers traveled 74 yards on 12 plays ending with a ten yard Armoni Goodwin touchdown run.
   *Key plays on the drive came on a 21 yard pass from Nussmeier to Tre Bradford. Goodwin then added a nice, physical nine yard run to set up his ten yard scoring play.

   The Tigers' next score came midway through the second quarter as Jayden Daniels took it into the end zone from one yard out  for the score after driving the offense 45 yards in only three plays.
   *Key play of the drive came on a Daneils to Brian Thomas Jr. 39 yard completion down to the one yard line. 

   With the next possession Myles Brennan led the offense on perhaps the most impressive drive of the day. The drive covered 75 yards and took 11 plays with Josh Williams taking it in for the score from seven yards out.
  *Key plays on the drive came when Brennan hit Armoni Goodwin out of the backfield for a 24 yard gain on a 3rd and five. Brennan also connected with Noah Nash on back to back plays for a six yard completion and then for a 12 yard gain on a 3rd and four. 

   The final score of the first half came on a one yard touchdown plunge by Josh Williams. Garrett Nussmeier took his next turn in Coach Kelly's quarterback rotation on the drive and completed a 27 yard pass to Josh Williams to set up the one yard touchdown. Armoni Goodwin rushed for 19 yards on the drive. The score gave the offense their first lead of the day at 31-28.

   Nussmeier began the 3rd quarter guiding the offense on a 75 yard touchdown drive in only four plays. On 2nd and ten from their own 30 yard line, Tre Bradford broke a 37 yard gain to the defenses' 38. On the next play Nussmeier connected with Malik Nabors on a nice 30 yard completion down to the eight yard line. Nussmeier would then roll right and hit Jack Bech in the back of the end zone for an eight yard touchdown. 

   Jayden Daniels would lead the offense to another score on the next possession. The drive covered 75 yards in seven plays, ending with Daniles connecting with Bech for a nice 20 yard touchdown.
   *Key plays of the possession came when Daniels rushed for 14 yards on the first play of the drive. Josh Williams would then rush for two nice gains of 23 and 11 yards. The score extended the offenses' lead to 45-28 with 5:29 left in the 3rd quarter.

   The offense continued to dominate the second half as Myles Brennan directed the offense on a nine play, 75 yard drive ending with Brennan completing a eight yard touchdown pass to Malik Nabors on the final play of the 3rd quarter. This drive belonged to Tre Bradford who rushed for 40 yards on three carries while also grabbing a swing pass out of the back field for a nine yard gain. Goodwin also added a nice 12 yard run on the drive. 

   The final score of the game came when Walker Howard hit Corren Norman out of the back field on a 4th and six. Norman turned on the jets outracing the Tiger defense down the sideline for a 55 yard touchdown. 

   "We accomplshed what we wanted and that was to try and create, as much as possible, game like situations," Kelly said. "I wanted to see how our guys reacted to a game like atmosphere."

   Myles Brennan in my opinion showed that he's the leader in the quarterback battle. He finished 11-17 for 99 yards with one touchdown.
   Nussmeier finished 9-16 with 136 passing yards and a touchdown.
   Daniels ended his day going 3-9 for 68 yards passing and a touchdown while also rushing for 34 yards and a score.
   Howard went 3-7 for 59 yards passing and a touchdown,

   The Tigers are once again loaded at running back position. Tre Bradford led the team in rushing with 86 yards on nine carries.
Armoni Goodwin (71 yards rushing and a touchdown), Josh Williams (53 yards rushing and two touchdowns) and John Emery Jr. (24 yards rushing)

   The recievers had a solid day. All four quarterbacks spread the ball around nicely as 14 different players caught passes. Jack Bech led the way as he had a great day grabbing six passes for 56 yards and two touchdowns.

   The offensive line performed well showing improvement, especially in the second half after giving up a handful of sacks early in the contest. Center Charles Turner led the unit with a solid performance while true freshman Will Campbell continued his impressive play at left tackle. Even though there was no blitzing allowed and the defensive played basic formations, the O-line still showed improvement especially opening up nice holes and running lanes for the backs in the second half. 

   Defensively, the defensive line dominated the line of scrimmage in the first half. Mason Smith was a force finishing with three tackles and two sacks. Defensive end Savion Jones stood out finishing with five tackles. Mike Jones (4 tackles) and
Kolbe Fields (5 tackles) were solid at linebacker. Greg Penn played well finishing with six tackles on the day. 

   The secondary overall played well with nice coverage throughout most of the contest. Jay Ward was a standout leading the team with ten tackles. Mathew Langlois finished with seven tackles in a strong showing. Brian Kelly was very pleased with the physical run support and solid tackling by the safeties. 

   But the most important stat of the day was 'no injuries'. The Tigers ended the day healthy as it looks like the entire team should return healthy in the fall. 

   LSU has shown improvement over spring camp and Coach Kelly will continue to work on the team's depth problems and filling in the holes. 

   "We're going to be a competitive football team." Kelly said. "We have some holes and those holes need to be addressed. We need to continue to work on it." 

Da Boot Sports Spring Game Video

Brian Kelly's Post Game Press Conference

Photos Below By David Chivatero

Photos Below By: Jonathan Mailhes

Photo Below By: Terrill Weil / Joe Burrow in attendance at the spring game

Da Boot Sports
4/18/2022
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - It's being reported that LSU sophomore running back Corey Kiner has announced that he is entering the transfer portal.

   Kiner would have missed the LSU spring game this weekend due to suffering a high ankle sprain injury during practice last week which is expected to keep him sidelined for two to three weeks.

   He played well for the Tigers last season as a freshman rushing for 324 yards and two touchdowns. 

   The Tigers have a full stable of talented running backs with John Emery Jr., Armoni Goodman, Tre Bradford, Josh Williams and Noah Cain who will be joining the team in the fall. 
   

Da Boot Sports
4/16/2022
By: Terrill J. Weil

   BATON ROUGE, LA - On Saturday morning Brian Kelly decided to move his team's practice into Death Valley for day eleven of spring football camp. Kelly allowed the media to view the entire session, so for about two hours we had the pleasure of watching the Tigers go at it. 

   I'll start off with a key injury report. John Emery Jr. needed to be helped off the field during Thursday's practice and was spotted wearing a boot on his right foot on Saturday. Kelly mentioned in his post practice press conference that the injury isn't serious and that Emery should be able to return to practice next week. Though I doubt he will be avaible for the spring game. However Corey Kiner's injury is a little more serious as he has been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain. Kelly said his injury will keep him out two to three weeks.  
   
   The offensive units took turns going on a speed drill that simulated the hurry up offense. Each unit started at mid-field and quickly drove down for a score. No defense was used during this drill. Myles Brennan and Garrett Nussmeier were the most accurate during this drill. Jayden Daniels simply doesn't impress me and true freshman Howard Walker shows flashes of his talent but has a lot to learn. 

   All the players went through their individual drills with speed and intensity. They looked excited to be in Tiger Stadium as they all showed a lot of energy and excitement during their performances. These players are enjoying practice and the compitition at their positions. 

   Armoni Goodwin looked sharpe as he ran and caught the ball well. He also had one of the big highlights of the day as he busted a long touchdown run of 60 plus yards during the 11 on 11 scrimmage towards the end of the practice. Josh Williams also looked good in drills having a solid practice. 

   The wide receivers stepped up and made some nice plays today. Jaray Jenkins, Malik Nabors and Kyren Lacy stood out with huge grabs. Jack Bech was dressed but didn't practice. This unit will be talented and deep especially when Kayshon Boutte returns in the fall. 

   The kickers and punters seemed to struggle during the opening session when we entered the stadium. Most expect, including Da Boot Sports that true freshman kicker Nathan Dibert and Notre Dame transfer punter Jay Bamblett will win these positions when they arrive in the fall. 

  The annual LSU spring game will be held on Saturday, April 23rd and will have a different format than LSU fans are use to seeing. Instead of splitting the roster into two teams (purple vs. white), it will be strictly offense vs. defense. Brian Kelly feels this format will benefit the team more at this point. 

   We have plenty of photos and practice videos below for your viewing...  Enjoy! .... Geaux Tigers!!!

Photos Below By: Jonathan Mailhes

Photos Below By: Michael Bacigalupi

Our 'Da Boot Sports' Practice Video Footage

Head Coach Brian Kelly's post practice press conference

Photos Below By: Terrill Weil

Da Boot Sports
4/12/2022
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - Due to severe weather in the Baton Rouge area, Da Boot Sports was unable to attend and cover practice on Tuesday.  The werather also forced the Tigers to practice on day nine in their indoor facility. 

   After practice offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock met with the media in the Team Room. The video of that press conference is below for your viewing.   

OC - Mike Denbrock

Da Boot Sports
4/9/2022
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - By the time we were allowed into Saturday's practice all individual drills had been completed for the day  and the team had started scrimmaging 11 on 11. 
   
   The two highlights of the session came on when John Emery Jr. popped through a nice hole opened by the offensive line, running through a tackle before breaking into the open field. He than out raced Jay Ward to the end zone for a 50 plus yard touchdown. 
   
   The other came on the final play of the day when Walker Howard went deep hitting Kyren Lacy in stride for a 60 plus
yard  touchdown ending practice with the team jumping around celebrating the score. 

   The scrimmage had an eletric atmosphere as the team played with a lot of emotion and passion. They really were enjoying their day competing against one another. 

   The Tigers have six spring camp practices remaining including a full scrimmage in Tiger Stadium next Saturday that we, the media will be able to attend. Then spring camp will conclude with the spring game in Tiger Stadium on April 23rd.  

   Brian Kelly met with the media after practice followed by player interviews. All are posted below for your viewing. 

Video Highlights from Saturday's Practice

Photos Below By: Terrill Weil

Brian Kelly after Day 8 practice: courtesy of Tiger TV

DE - Saivion Jones: courtesy of Tiger TV

QB - Jayden Daniels: courtesy of Tiger TV

C - Charles Turner: courtesy of Tiger TV

DB - Greg Brooks: courtesy of Tiger TV

Da Boot Sports
4/7/2022
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - Tigers returned to practice on Thursday afternoon and it was with the same intensity and up-tempo as the previous ones. 

   John Emery Jr. is still running with the starting unit while both Corey Kiner and Amoni Goodwin continue to look impressive.

   The offensive and defensive line went head to head in one-on-one full contact drills against each other after hitting
on dummies.

   The first unit offensive line was true freshman Will Campbell at LT, Xavier Hill at LG, Charles Turner at center, Miles Frazier at RG and Cam Wire at RT.

   Both Myles Brennan and Jayden Daniels continue to flip flop snaps with the first and second units. 

  After practice special teams coordinator Brian Polian met with the media. Video of his press conference is below for your viewing. 

​   Much more to come from Saturday's practice, including photos and video...

Special Teams Coach Brian Polian

Da Boot Sports
4/3/2022
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - Brian Kelly allowed us to attend the entire practice on Saturday morning. I've heard from other media members who have covered LSU for several years that this is the first time the media has had this much access since 1997.   Kelly actually answers a question about the extended media access in his post practice press conference which is posted below. 
​   
   The practice facility was full of spectators on Saturday morning due to 'Junior Day', visiting recruits and current player's parents in attendance. This made it a little difficult to get around and even view certain areas of practice. 

   On one field the defensive players were put into a rotation, moving from drill to drill in groups every couple of minutes. Drills ranged from tackling to running cones to hitting the sled. The pace was fast with high energy and intensity. This group of coaches are loud and demanding. All players are expected to move full speed at all times. Very little time is wasted during these practice sessions as they are very well organized. These practices are designed to keep players moving fast with a physical mentality. 

   The competition between the players is fierce at every position. 

   Brian Kelly helped work with the quarterbacks along with quarterback coach, Joe Sloan. All five quarterbacks would go through foot work drills while working on throwing the ball with touch at a target. During this drill Myles Brennan seemed the most accurate, hitting the target more.

   I can't stress enough how fast these players go through their drills compared to the last two coaching staffs. Everything is up-tempo. Everything!

   Once again, John Emery Jr. stood out among the running backs. His speed, moves and intensity stands out. Corey Kiner and Armoni Goodwin also look solid. 

   The quarterbacks, receivers and backs worked on short passing routes, then moved to a short yardage red zone passing drill against the defensive backs. It was a fast and physical drill. 

   This Saturday Myles Brennan took snaps with the first unit while Jayden Daniels ran plays with the second during the 11 on 11 drills. Brennan had a great practice. He made several nice throws and looks confident. You can see he is grabbing that important leadership role on the team. 

   We saw a special teams session where players worked on blocking technique for the kick return unit, while Armoni Goodwin, Corey Kiner, Chris Hilton Jr. and Malik Nabors worked on fielding kickoffs.

   Next Saturday, I'll cover linemen drills as well as more from the defensive side of the ball. 

   Below is some video footage from practice for you to view.....  

Coach Kelly's Post Practice Press Conference

DB - Jordan Toles, LB - Mike Jones Jr., QB - Garrett Nussmeier, & WR - Jaray Jenkins answer questions from the media after Saturday's Practice.

Defensive Coordinator Matt House

Photos Below By: Michael Bacigalupi

Photos Below By: David Chivatero

Da Boot Sports
3/30/2022
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - The Tigers returned to the practice field on Tuesday along with a special guest in attendance. Former Tiger Tyrann Mathieu is spending the week with the team. Brian Kelly said he will attend and observe practice, sit in on meetings, as well as speak to the players.   
   
   Mathieu could be seen on the sidelines wearing a whistle around his neck as he watched the defensive backs run their drills. I also heard that former running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and former tight end Thaddeus Moss were both in attendance at practice on Tuesday, though I didn't notice or see them.

   Day three of spring camp saw the Tigers in pads for the first time. It was great to see a little light contact and linemen hitting the sled.
   
   After individual drills we were able to observe a full defensive formation. The 3-4 scheme had a different look as BJ Ojulari was playing at an outside linebacker position. Mike Jones and Greg Penn are taking first team snaps at inside linebacker. 
 
   The front three starters were Mason Smith and Ali Gaye at the defensive ends while Jaquelin Roy set up at defensive tackle/nose guard. 
   
   The hype of the secondary has been over cornerbacks Mekhi Garner and Jarrick Bernard-Converse along with defensive back Matthew Langlois. The secondary seems to be loaded with talent and nice depth. Jay Ward, Jordan Toles, Greg Brooks, Derrick Davis and Sage Ryan have the talent to shine. 

   Quarterback coach Joe Sloan vocally worked with the quarterbacks during their drills as we are all expecting the battle there to start to really heat up over the next few practices leading up to the team's first practice scrimmage in Tiger Stadium on April 16th.   

   Other news, junior linebacker Josh White has entered the NCAA transfer portal and is no longer part of the team. 

Da Boot Sports
3/26/2022
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - The Tigers hit the practice field on day two of spring camp Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately there isn't much for us to report as the media was let into practice 35 minutes later then scheduled. Once inside we only had about 15 minutes to observe the end of the session.  
   
   We were able to watch about nine non-contact plays of 11 on 11 as quarterback Jayden Daniels took the first seven snaps with the first unit before Myles Brennan stepped in with the second unit for a couple of plays before the LSU staff instructed us to head into the Football Opts Building for the post practice press conference. 
   
   All of the plays ran were simple check down passes into the flats. Tight end Kyle Taylor and John Emery Jr. were mainly Daniels' targets. Emery looked really good as he showed great acceleration, speed and moves each time he handled the football.  
   
   Brian Kelly met with visiting recruits at the conclusion of practice, missing his post practice press conference, leaving us with BJ Ojulari, Ali Gaye, Jack Bech and Myles Brennan to interview. 
   
​   The players are very up-beat about Coach Kelly and the new coaching staff, mentioning how high the energy is around the practice facility. Brian Kelly emphasizes accountability, paying attention to the little things that matter and attention to detail.

​   Videos of each player answering media questions are below for your viewing... 

DE - BJ Ojulari

WR - Jack Bech

DE - Ali Gaye

QB - Myles Brennan

Photos from Day Two -  Photos Below By: Jonathan Mailhes

Below is some video footage that I took of Saturday's Practice. Only had 10 minutes to shoot. Also was the first time I have videoed with that camera. I apologize for the poor quality. I promise to video better next Saturday.  Enjoy... 

Da Boot Sports
3/24/2022
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - Brian Kelly and his Fighting Tigers took to the practice field for day one of spring football camp on Thursday afternoon.
   The first day of practice was full of excitement and intensity as players moved at full speed through drills while the sound of position coaches yelling echoed in the air. The 90 minute practice was very up-tempo as Brian Kelly mentioned that he designs his practices to move along quickly. “I like to get a lot of work done in a short period of time,” Kelly said. “I don't think you need to be out there for two, three hours.” 
   Kelly spoke with the media after practice on Thursday and seemed very pleased with the first day of camp. 

   Below is a video of Brian Kelly's post practice press conference, courtesy of LSUsports.net