No. 16 LSU avoids upset, completes late comeback against South Carolina

COLUMBIA, South Carolina - The LSU Tigers escaped a near upset on the road Saturday by completing a comeback after being down 17 points early in the contest. For much of this game, it looked like South Carolina would come away with an unexpected win.

On Saturday, Garrett Nussmeier led a crucial touchdown drive culminating in Josh Williams' 2-yard touchdown with 1:12 remaining. This comeback victory saw the Tigers overcome a 17-0 deficit to defeat South Carolina 36-33.

Nussmeier had thrown an interception at the goal line in the previous series, one of many errors made by him and his teammates, causing them to trail for most of the game. "Do you expect me to dwell on the interception with three minutes and 45 seconds left while we're trying to win the game?" Nussmeier remarked. "No, let's move on and focus on winning the football game."

LSU coach Brian Kelly displayed a composed and determined demeanor, evident in his Tigers (2-1) as they staged a comeback to secure victory in their Southeastern Conference opener, marking their eighth consecutive win over South Carolina (2-1, 1-1). "I am extremely proud of the resilience and determination shown by this team," Kelly stated. "They refuse to give up; it's ingrained in their character. They won't let go of the rope."

Despite falling behind 17-0, the Tigers were still trailing in the final minutes when Williams ran through a gap on the left side and scored the winning touchdown. The LSU players celebrated exuberantly, perhaps as much due to the relief of overcoming their deficit as to the joy of victory.

Throughout the game, LSU committed numerous errors. Nussmeier had an interception and lost possession due to a botched snap. The Gamecocks blocked a punt, and the Tigers failed on an extra point due to another poor snap. South Carolina prevented LSU from scoring after a first-and-goal situation just 2 yards from the end zone in the third quarter.

Nussmeier finished with 285 yards passing and two touchdowns, Caden Durham ran for 98 yards and a pair of scores.

South Carolina had one last opportunity to even the score, advancing to the LSU 39-yard line with 5 seconds remaining. Yet, kicker Alex Herrera missed his 49-yard field goal attempt to the left.

LSU will be back at home next week to face the UCLA Bruins in a non-conference game that will be broadcast on ESPN's network of channels, starting at 2:30 p.m.