Ed Orgeron is coaching his final LSU-Alabama game as the Tigers’ coach, and the Louisiana native proved early he’s willing to resort to trickery to get a win. LSU attempted — and converted — a fake punt from its own 48-yard line on its first possession.
On fourth-and-4 with 10:26 left in the first quarter, LSU punter Avery Atkins lined up for what seemed to be a normal kick. The play quickly proved to be anything but normal when Atkins sprinted forward upon catching the snap. Alabama’s punt return team converged on Atkins, who then tossed a jump pass to upback Jack Mashburn for a 26-yard gain and — crucially — a first down.
The gutsy call paid off later that drive, as quarterback Max Johnson hit Brian Thomas Jr. for an 8-yard score to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead. LSU failed to score the rest of the half while Alabama reached the end zone twice.
Orgeron, who agreed to part ways with LSU after the season, is 1-4 against Alabama as the Tigers’ coach. With plays like that first-quarter fake punt, it’s clear win No. 2 is important to the 2019 National Championship winner.
