The 2022 season for LSU was filled with a lot of ups and downs. The Tigers had to navigate through slow starts in order to come out with a victory to lead them to 10-win season, a feat that many LSU fans would have taken given the preseason expectations. We look back on the great moments from this season and begin the countdown of the Top 5 LSU Games of the 2022 Season. Here is No. 2 on the list, where the Bayou Bengals traveled to the Plains to take on the Auburn Tigers:
LSU Goes Down 17 Against Auburn:
LSU was coming into their second SEC game of the season on a three-game winning streak after dropping the season opener to Florida State. The Tigers were looking to move to 2-0 and remain in contention in the SEC West this season. Meanwhile, Auburn was coming off a thrilling overtime win against Missouri at home.
As was the theme with most of LSU’s game this season they would be trailing out of the gates as Auburn took full control of this game from the start. Auburn was able to drive down the field on their first offensive possession to be able to take a 7-0 lead. Robby Ashford threw a 53-yard touchdown to Ja’Varrius Johnson to give them early momentum.
LSU wouldn’t be able to answer as Auburn’s defense was able to step up and force the Tigers to a quick three-and-out. Both teams would have to punt it away on their next two offensive possessions as both offenses were trying to find their rhythm. Auburn was finally able to break through on a 99-yard drive that led them extending their lead to 14. Ashford would throw his second touchdown on the night as he found Camden Brown for a 18-yard score.
Auburn’s defense would continue to give LSU’s offense problem as the Tigers were forced to punt once again. Auburn would be able to tack onto their lead as Anders Carlson nailed a 29-yard field goal to give them a 17-0 lead with 9:38 left in the second quarter.
LSU found themselves in a deep hole to start this game and their offense continued to have struggles against Auburn’s defense. The momentum would start to shift to the Bayou Bengals as Ashford fumbled the ball away that was scooped up by Jay Ward. Ward would take it to the house that would cut into the Auburn lead, 17-7.
On their next drive, Auburn was able to drive into LSU territory and they were threatening to adding on to their lead. Carlson missed a 40-yard field goal that would open the door for the Tigers to strike. LSU did just that as it only took them 1:41 to find the endzone. Jayden Daniels ran it in for a one-yard touchdown to put the score at 17-14 with 15 seconds left before the half. Auburn would kneel it out and they would take a a 17-14 lead going into the locker room.
LSU’s Defense Steps Up in the Second Half:
The second half would be all about the defenses as both offenses continued to be effective to start the third quarter. The first three drive resulted in punts for both teams. Auburn was able to finally drive down the field, but they were unable to convert on a fourth and 10 from LSU’s 37-yard line. LSU was able to take advantage of good field position by finding the endzone that resulted in them taking their first lead of the night.
John Emery high-stepped into the endzone on a 20-yard touchdown run that gave LSU the 21-17 lead with 3:32 left in the third quarter. LSU’s defense would get a much-needed stop as Auburn was deep into Tiger territory. Harold Perkins picked off Ashford and stopped Auburn from getting back any momentum. Both offenses would be forced to punt on their next offensive possessions.
A pivotal moment occurred at the 5:41 mark in the fourth quarter as Keionte Scott bobbled the ball while trying to catch a punt from Jay Bramblett. Kayshon Boutte would recover and it would set up LSU a chance to put the game away. That was until, the Tigers gave the ball right back as Donovan Kaufman recovered a fumble by Emery.
Auburn had 4:56 left to try to retake their lead back from LSU. They were able to drive into Tiger territory, but LSU’s defense was able to step up once more. Ashford’s pass would be intercepted by Greg Brooks Jr. that would give the Bayou Bengals an opportunity to run the clock out.
LSU would be able to pick up a key first down as Josh Williams ran it three yards to convert on a third-and three with 2:05 left to play. The Tigers went into victory formation and they were able to complete a 17-0 comeback. It would go down as another chapter in the historic LSU vs. Auburn series as the Tigers would come away with a 21-17 win on the road.
