In a marquee matchup of two top 5 teams to kickoff the 2011 college football season, LSU used a strong running game and forced four turnovers as the Tigers beat Oregon 40-27 at Cowboys Stadium.
In a game featuring the 3rd ranked Ducks and 4th ranked Tigers, LSU – playing without suspended quarterback Jordan Jefferson – rode running backs Spencer Ware and Michael Ford to victory, as the two combined for 40 carries for 195 yards and three touchdowns.
LSU’s win wasn’t flashy by any means, in fact, they beat the Ducks by winning ugly. The Tigers defense pushed Oregon’s offensive line around for the entire game, holding the Ducks to just 95 yards rushing.
The Tigers were able to contain Oregon’s high octane offense much the same way Auburn was able to limit the Ducks in last season’s BCS national championship game.
Although Oregon outgained LSU 335 to 273, the Tigers capitalized on four Ducks’ turnovers and 12 penalties. LSU was able to keep Heisman Trophy candidate LaMichael James in check for the most part, holding him to 54 yards on 18 carries.
James had six receptions for 61 yards and one kickoff return for 21 yards to finish the game with 132 all purpose yards.
Two fumbles by Oregon’s freshman running back De’Anthony Thomas in the third quarter helped LSU break open a tight game.
Jarrett Lee, starting in place of the suspended Jefferson, was less than spectacular in completing 10 of 22 passes for 98 yards and one touchdown.
But other than not throwing the ball away as he should have several times, Lee didn’t make any mistakes. He was able to keep the chains moving by connecting on short passes to tight end Deangelo Peterson and generally managed the Tigers offense well.
Oregon entered the game with hopes of beating a highly ranked team that would give them a signature win and help increase their chances of returning to the BCS national championship game.
But just as they found out against Auburn, the Ducks were no match for a more physical team from the SEC.
LSU is among the teams with a legitimate chance of winning the BCS national championship, but the Tigers have perhaps the toughest schedule in the nation to navigate if they want to play for the title in their own backyard.
Oregon can still find their way to New Orleans if they win out, but they’ll need help now from other teams. The Ducks are talented, but they lack the type of athletes on the offensive and defensive lines to compete with an elite SEC team.
