BATON ROUGE – The LSU Tigers struck first against the South Carolina Gamecocks, thanks to a big play by the defense.
On the Gamecocks’ first snap from scrimmage, LSU defensive end Patrick Payton recovered a fumble, setting up the Tigers deep in South Carolina territory. However, the offense was limited to a field goal, giving LSU an early 3-0 lead.
On the ensuing drive, LSU marched all the way to the South Carolina 1-yard line, but running back Ju’Juan Johnson fumbled on a rush attempt. The Gamecocks recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchback.
The Gamecocks wasted no time capitalizing, as running back Matt Fuller broke free for a 72-yard touchdown run, giving South Carolina a 7–3 lead with under a minute to play in the first quarter.
The Tigers answered right back with a six-play, 72-yard drive, capped by a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to tight end Trey’Dez Green, giving LSU a 10–7 lead early in the second quarter.
With under five minutes left in the half, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers was intercepted on a deep pass by LSU safety Tamarcus Cooley at the Tigers’ 20-yard line.
LSU gave it right back just before the two-minute timeout, as quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was intercepted by South Carolina linebacker DQ Smith.
The Tigers took their 10-7 lead to halftime.
LSU’s matchup with the Gamecocks airs on the SEC Network.