Eric Boggs 
LSU defeated South Carolina on the road after a huge comeback.
In a thrilling SEC showdown, No. 16 LSU mounted a remarkable comeback to edge South Carolina 36-33 at Williams-Brice Stadium. The Tigers fell behind 17-0 early in the second quarter, marking the second-largest road comeback in program history. South Carolina opened with a dominant first half, highlighted by Rocket Sanders’ 10-yard touchdown run and a 75-yard sprint from quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Despite their early struggles, LSU clawed back, with freshman running back Caden Durham and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier leading the charge.
South Carolina struck first with a quick 75-yard opening drive, capped by Sellers’ 4-yard keeper, and extended the lead to 17-0 after blocking an LSU punt. Sanders capitalized on the special teams’ miscue with a 10-yard score. LSU’s fortunes changed midway through the second quarter when Durham broke loose for a 26-yard rushing touchdown, cutting the deficit to 17-7. The Tigers’ defense then forced a crucial fumble, recovered by Harold Perkins, leading to a Damien Ramos field goal to make it 17-10.
The Gamecocks responded immediately, with Sellers breaking free for a historic 75-yard touchdown run, restoring their 14-point lead. However, LSU showed resilience, with Nussmeier orchestrating a critical drive, finding Kyren Lacy for a 12-yard touchdown to trim South Carolina’s lead to 24-16 at halftime.
The second half saw LSU take control. Durham’s second touchdown of the day tied the game at 24, and Nussmeier put the Tigers ahead for the first time with a 2-yard pass to Mason Taylor. South Carolina reclaimed the lead with a 66-yard rushing touchdown from Sanders, but their 33-29 advantage proved short-lived. LSU’s defense forced a key turnover, and despite a Nussmeier interception, the Tigers’ offense responded late.
With 1:12 remaining, Josh Williams punched in a 2-yard rushing touchdown to give LSU the 36-33 lead. South Carolina’s Alex Herrera had a chance to tie the game with a 49-yard field goal attempt, but it sailed wide left, sealing the victory for LSU.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly praised his team’s grit, saying, “Down 17-0, on the road in the SEC, against a veteran team, our guys didn’t quit. That’s in their DNA.”
The win moves LSU to 2-1 (1-0 SEC) as they prepare to host UCLA next week, while South Carolina (2-1, 1-1 SEC) will look to rebound after a hard-fought loss.
About The Author
