LSU Game Balls: Top performers from Tigers 44-22 win over Eastern Michigan

Posted 3 years ago

LSU’s 44-22 win over Eastern Michigan on Saturday night was closer than the experts predicted, but it was still a good win leading up to LSU’s clash with South Carolina next weekend. It’s time to hand out some game balls from Saturday’s contest. This week’s recipient may be an obvious choice.

Leonard Fournette

Shocking. Fournette was the catalyst in the second half for the Tigers. He broke a 75-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second half and ran for 233 yards and three touchdowns on the night. Fournette made LSU’s offense go and was the only thing working on Saturday. LSU’s passing game struggled mightily. Brandon Harris went 4 of 15 for 80 yards and an interception. His weapons weren’t much better and dropped some passes.

Fournette carried his team once again and made history in the process. He became the first SEC tailback to rush for 200 yards in three-consecutive games. Coach Les Miles certainly isn’t complaining about that.

Miles: "Nice to have a back that set an all-time #SEC record." #LSU

— Ross Dellenger (@DellengerAdv) October 4, 2015

Runners Up

Offense – LSU’s offensive line

Fournette gets all the praise, but LSU’s offensive line continues to give him holes to run through which in turn allow for easy opportunities to get to the second level of the defense. Fournette is an amazing back, but give his blockers some credit too.

Defense – Deion Jones, linebacker, senior

Jones’ pick-six in the fourth quarter sealed the deal for the Tigers. The linebacker anticipated a sideline throw from Eastern Michigan quarterback Brogan Roback, he then jumped the route, and dashed 26 yards into Eastern Michigan’s end zone.

Special teams – Kevin Spears, wide receiver, sophomore

Spears made a heads-up play on LSU’s second punt return of the game. The Tigers forced a three-and-out, but the ensuing punt became a live ball after it landed and ricocheted off of Duke Riley’s leg. There was a group of Eagles around the pigskin, but Spears wisely jumped on the ball to preserve the possession. The Tigers scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive to go up 14-0.