LSU Earns First-Ever Victory vs. UCLA, 34-17; Avenge 2021 Loss

9/21/2024

Photo By: Corey Perrillioux

Da Boot Sports
9/21/2024
By: Jason Watson Jr.

BATON ROUGE, LA- New Big Ten member, UCLA, traveled to Baton Rouge for a Saturday afternoon bout versus the Tigers. The Bruins kept things interesting through the first half, but LSU pulled away late, securing a 34-17 victory, improving to 3-1 (1-0) on the year.

LSU and Garrett Nussmeier wasted no time driving down the field against a depleted UCLA defense on the game's opening series. A mix of air raid and rushing attack offense catapulted the Tigers into the endzone, taking less than three minutes off the game clock. Nuss flipped a touch pass to Zavion Thomas to cap off the drive with a five-yard touchdown.

UCLA’s offense responded in a big way. The Bruins found themselves in less-than-ideal situations numerous times on their first series of the game but converted a third and fourth down attempt to extend the drive. They attacked the LSU defense’s Achilles heel early with big chunk plays. Ethan Garbers found Jack Pedersen for a 20-yard touchdown strike, tying the ballgame at seven apiece.

After forcing an LSU turnover on downs near midfield, UCLA drove down the field into Tiger territory before eventually settling for a field goal, taking a 10-7 lead into the second quarter.

Brian Kelly and Joe Sloan drew up the perfect play on the ensuing drive, and Nussmeier executed nicely. A long bomb down the UCLA sideline right into the bread basket of wideout Kyle Parker put up another six for LSU. Parker never had to break stride as the pass landed directly in his outreached hands before tumbling forward into the endzone. The score gave the Tigers a 14-10 advantage with 13:57 left in the half.

Both teams would exchange possessions ending in punts before Bradyn Swinson wreaked havoc against Garbers. Swinson delivered a big hit against the UCLA quarterback, forcing a fumble, and earning the Tigers an extra possession.

LSU would make it all the down to the Bruins’ five-yard line before the red zone offense stalled out yet again in the young season. Damian Ramos would drill a 22-yard chip shot field goal, giving the Tigers three points off the turnover and a 17-10 lead.

UCLA got the ball back with 3:45 left in the opening half, trailing by seven. On the play following the newly installed two-minute timeout, it seemed as though LSU had forced another fumble and recovered, but upon review, officials found the ball carrier’s knee had touched the ground before losing control of the football; still, UCLA ball.

The Bruins took advantage of the second chance they were handed. Garbers fired a 32-yard pass to Kwazi Gilmer down to the LSU three-yard line. Even after a holding penalty setback, Garbers once again gashed the Tiger defense. This time, he hit Logan Loya for an 11-yard touchdown pass, tying things up at 17 just before halftime.

UCLA began the second half with the football but was quickly forced into a punt. A much-needed stop was rewarded by the LSU offense going on a 14-play, 96-yard drive that took over six and a half minutes of playtime, resulting in a touchdown. Running back Josh Williams was the beneficiary, punching the rock in from two yards out.

The Tigers forced another punt from the Bruins after a UCLA fumble caused them to fall outside of field goal range. LSU would reclaim possession at their eight-yard line and move beyond the 30 before the clock ran out in the third quarter.

Garrett Nussmeier would cap another methodical drive for the Tigers with a 35-yard touchdown on a catch-and-run with Caden Durham. That would be Nuss’ third touchdown on the day and mark Durham’s third career touchdown overall. LSU led UCLA 31-17 with 11:15 remaining in the game.

An interception from Ardin Gilbert on the ensuing UCLA drive followed by a 32-yard Damian Ramos field goal would be all LSU needed to salt away the contest and escape with their third victory. The Tigers earn their first-ever win over the West Coast squad, 34-17.

Next week, LSU stays home for a matchup with the University of South Alabama when they bring their high-powered offense into Death Valley. That game can be viewed on the SEC Network as the broadcast kicks off live from Baton Rouge at 6:45 p.m. CST on Saturday, September 28th, 2024. Geaux Tigers!

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Brian Kelly's post game press conference

Photos Below By: Michael Bacigalupi

Photos Below By: Jonathan Mailhes

Photos Below By: Corey Perrillioux

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