Ed Orgeron said his team was "on fire all week" after injured defensive end Andre Anthony led a players-only meeting. It turns out LSU's coach wasn't just blowing smoke.
Just seven days after getting steamrolled for 330 rushing yards in a loss to Kentucky, LSU's defense came out with an edge to stifle the Gators offense after an early trick play and score.
LSU forced three-and-outs on the next two possessions while the offense snagged an early 7-6 lead. But that was just the beginning. Linebacker Micah Baskerville snagged an interception on a tipped ball from Gators QB Emory Jones, returning it well into Florida territory.
Tigers QB Max Johnson made it hurt by finding Jaray Jenkins a few players later.
On the very next Gators play it was Anthony Richardson at QB, with his pass snagged by LSU defensive back Jay Ward. The ball was again returned deep into Florida territory, and Johnson again found Jenkins for a touchdown to extend the lead to 21-6 in the second quarter.
It was the first time since 2011 that the Gators had thrown interceptions on consecutive plays. That time it was also two different quarterbacks, with Jef Driskel and John Brantley each throwing one in a 41-3 victory over Florida Atlantic.
The Tigers were looking to repeat the upset magic from last season, when they walked into Gainesville as double-digit underdogs and snagged the win after a pair of back-to-back SEC losses.
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The game was set up perfectly heading into halftime, at least until one final play landed a gutpunch before the break. Florida's Emory Jones connected with Justin Shorter on a Hail Mary to cut the Tigers' lead to 21-13 at halftime.