Kentucky enters the final SEC weekend with a narrow lead over the pack (photo courtesy Kentucky Athletics).

By RICHARD FISCHER
Tiger Rag Assistant Editor

The race for the SEC baseball championship may be considered a sprint in the sport of baseball, but it’s certainly a marathon compared to other collegiate sports.

Nine weeks have passed, and just one weekend remains in the regular season to crown a champion in the nation’s best college baseball conference. Fittingly, it could come down to the final day of the regular season.

Few expected Kentucky to lead the league entering the final weekend of the year, but fresh off a sweep of pitiful Alabama, that’s where the ‘Bat Cats find themselves. But they don’t have any room for error if they’d like to take home the regular-season conference title. At 18-9, Kentucky is a half game ahead of South Carolina and a full game ahead of LSU.

South Carolina and LSU play each other in Columbia this weekend, meaning somebody has to lose those games, helping Kentucky’s chances. The ‘Cats will be in Starkville for three games against Mississippi State.

LSU has already clinched the SEC West, thanks in large part to Arkansas’ recent futility. Whoever wins more games between Kentucky and South Carolina this weekend will take home the East’s bye in the SEC Tournament (assuming Florida doesn’t jump in. We’ll get to that in a second). If Kentucky and South Carolina win the same amount of games this weekend, the ‘Cats would earn the bye.

Currently at fourth in the league, Florida still has an outside shot at shot at winning the SEC East but not the outright SEC overall title. The Gators need to win two more games than both Kentucky and South Carolina this weekend. Unfortunately for Florida, hoping that South Carolina loses two means LSU wins two, so the Gators would then be out of contention for the outright SEC overall title. The Gators can forge a three-way share of the SEC overall title with a sweep this weekend, LSU winning two of three, and Kentucky losing two of three.

The remaining six teams to qualify for the SEC Tournament are a jumbled mess that are only separated by two games from fifth to tenth, so there’s no telling how the seeds will play out. The good news for those squads is that none of them can lose their spot in the SEC Tournament this weekend, with Tennessee and Alabama eliminated from contention. Following a sweep in Lexington, Alabama put the finishing touches on an 0-15 road record in the SEC. It’s amazing the Tide has won seven at home in conference play.

Below are the SEC standings as well as last week’s results and this week’s schedule for all 12 SEC schools. All times are Central Time.

Overall
1. Kentucky (18-9 SEC, 41-12 overall)
2. South Carolina (17-9 SEC, 38-13 overall)
3. LSU (17-10 SEC, 40-13 overall)
4. Florida (16-11 SEC, 38-15 overall)
5. Ole Miss (14-13 SEC, 34-19 overall)
6. Georgia (13-13 SEC, 30-22 overall)
T-7. Arkansas (13-14 SEC, 36-17 overall)
T-7. Mississippi State (13-14 SEC, 31-21 overall)
T-7. Vanderbilt (13-14 SEC, 26-25 overall)
10. Auburn (12-15 SEC, 28-24 overall)
11. Tennessee (8-19 SEC, 24-28 overall)
12. Alabama (7-20 SEC, 19-33 overall)

East
1. Kentucky (41-12, 18-9)
2. South Carolina (38-13, 17-9)
3. Florida (38-15, 16-11)
4. Georgia (30-22, 13-13)
5. Vanderbilt (26-25, 13-14)
6. Tennessee (24-28, 8-19)

West
1. LSU (40-13, 17-10)
2. Ole Miss (34-19, 14-13)
T-3. Arkansas (36-17, 13-14)
T-3. Mississippi State (31-21, 13-14)
5. Auburn (28-24, 12-15)
6. Alabama (19-33, 7-20)

Alabama
Last week’s results:
Friday at Kentucky - L, 4-2
Saturday at Kentucky, L, 7-6
Saturday at Kentucky - L, 8-1
Tuesday vs. Troy - W, 10-5
This week’s schedule:
Thursday vs. Georgia - 6:35 p.m.
Friday vs. Georgia - 6:35 p.m.
Saturday vs. Georgia - 1:05 p.m.

Arkansas
Last week’s results:
Thursday vs. Auburn - L, 3-2 (10 innings)
Friday vs. Auburn - W, 5-4
Saturday vs. Auburn - L, 12-5
Tuesday vs. Louisiana Tech (North Little Rock) - W, 6-5 (10 innings)
This week’s schedule:
Thursday at Tennessee - 5 p.m.
Friday at Tennessee - 5 p.m.
Saturday at Tennessee - 3 p.m.

Auburn
Last week’s results:
Last Tuesday vs. Presbyterian - W, 3-2 (10 innings)
Thursday at Arkansas - W, 5-4
Friday at Arkansas - L, 5-4
Saturday at Arkansas - W, 12-5
Monday vs. Florida A&M - W, 11-3
Tuesday vs. Jacksonville State - L, 8-7
This week’s schedule:
Thursday vs. Florida - 6 p.m.
Friday vs. Florida - 6 p.m.
Saturday vs. Florida - 1 p.m.

Florida
Last week’s results:
Last Tuesday vs. North Florida - W, 4-3 (11 innings)
Friday vs. Mississippi State - W, 4-1
Saturday vs. Mississippi State - L, 2-0
Sunday vs. Mississippi State - W, 2-1
Tuesday at Samford - L, 12-7
This week’s schedule:
Thursday at Auburn - 6 p.m.
Friday at Auburn - 6 p.m.
Saturday at Auburn - 1 p.m.

Georgia
Last week’s results:
Last Wednesday at Georgia Tech - L, 8-6
Friday vs. South Carolina - L, 3-0
Saturday vs. South Carolina - W, 6-5 (10 innings)
Sunday vs. South Carolina - cancelled
Tuesday vs. ETSU - W, 7-4
This week’s schedule:
Thursday at Alabama - 6:35 p.m.
Friday at Alabama - 6:35 p.m.
Saturday at Alabama - 1:05 p.m.

Kentucky
Last week’s results:
Last Wednesday at Indiana - W, 6-5 (12 innings)
Friday vs. Alabama - W, 4-3
Saturday vs. Alabama - W, 7-6
Sunday vs. Alabama - W, 8-1
Tuesday at Murray State - L, 7-3
This week’s schedule:
Thursday at Mississippi State - 6:30 p.m.
Friday at Mississippi State (SportSouth) - 7 p.m.
Saturday at Mississippi State - 2 p.m.

LSU
Last week’s results:
Friday vs. Vanderbilt - W, 2-1
Saturday vs. Vanderbilt, L, 6-3
Sunday vs. Vanderbilt - L, 5-4 (10 innings)
Tuesday vs. Nicholls - W, 9-6
This week’s schedule:
Thursday at South Carolina (FSN) - 6 p.m.
Friday at South Carolina (CST) - 6 p.m.
Saturday at South Carolina (ESPNU) - noon

Ole Miss
Last week’s results:
Friday vs. Tennessee - W, 4-2
Saturday vs. Tennessee - W, 7-4 (11 innings)
Sunday vs. Tennessee - W, 4-2
Tuesday at Arkansas State - L, 10-5
This week’s schedule:
Thursday at Vanderbilt (ESPNU) - 6:30 p.m.
Friday at Vanderbilt - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday at Vanderbilt - 2 p.m.

Mississippi State
Last week’s schedule:
Last Tuesday vs. Miss Valley State - W, 6-3
Friday at Florida - L, 4-1
Saturday at Florida - W, 2-0
Sunday at Florida - L, 2-1
Tuesday vs. Central Arkansas - L, 2-0
This week’s schedule:
Thursday vs. Kentucky - 6:30 p.m.
Friday vs. Kentucky (SportSouth) - 7 p.m.
Saturday vs. Kentucky - 2 p.m.

South Carolina
Last week’s schedule:
Last Wednesday vs. Furman - W, 7-0
Friday at Georgia - W, 3-0
Saturday at Georgia - L, 6-5 (10 innings)
Sunday at Georgia - cancelled
Tuesday vs. USC Upstate - cancelled
This week’s schedule:
Thursday vs. LSU (FSN) - 6 p.m.
Friday vs. LSU (CST) - 6 p.m.
Saturday vs. LSU (ESPNU) - noon

Tennessee
Last week’s schedule:
Last Wednesday at Memphis - W, 8-7
Friday at Ole Miss - L, 4-2
Saturday at Ole Miss - L, 7-4 (11 innings)
Sunday at Ole Miss - L, 4-2
Tuesday at Mid Tenn State - L, 11-4
This week’s schedule:
Thursday vs. Arkansas - 5 p.m.
Friday vs. Arkansas - 5 p.m.
Saturday vs. Arkansas - 3 p.m.

Vanderbilt
Last week’s schedule:
Tuesday vs. Louisville - W, 3-2
Thursday at LSU - L, 2-1
Friday at LSU - W, 6-3
Saturday at LSU - W, 5-4 (10 innings)
This week’s schedule:
Thursday vs. Ole Miss (ESPNU) - 6:30 p.m.
Friday vs. Ole Miss - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday vs. Ole Miss - 2 p.m.

-

Richard Fischer is Tiger Rag’s lead reporter on LSU Baseball. Reach him at richard@tigerrag.com.

Charles Alexander’s single-season rushing total of 1,686 yards in 1977 still stands as an LSU record (photo courtesy LSU Sports Information).

By RICHARD FISCHER
Tiger Rag Assistant Editor

ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption calls its interview segment ‘Five Good Minutes.’

Tuesday, Tiger Rag Radio could have made the same statement.

That’s because Ben Love and Jeff Palermo had the honor of spending more than five good minutes with LSU two-time All-American running back and College Football Hall of Fame 2012 inductee, Charles Alexander.

Alexander will be LSU’s eighth player to be enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame.

“I didn’t know if it was going to come. I wanted it to come, and I’m just thankful that it did before I was too old to get around,” Alexander said with a laugh.

The running back suited up in purple and gold from 1975-1978 and is best remembered for his junior season in 1977 when he rushed for 1,686 yards - a school record that still stands to this day.

“No I didn’t [think it would hold up this long]. When I did set it, I had no idea that I was going to have the season that I had. Thinking of how my career started at LSU, I never did think that I would actually rush for over 1,600 yards. I think I only rushed for like 298 yards my freshman year, so there was a pretty big difference in that.”

Alexander actually rushed for 301 yards as a freshman in 1975.

He was named an All-American following both the 1977 and 1978 seasons, and he finished fourth in Heisman Trophy balloting in his senior season of 1978.

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Alexander with the No. 12 overall pick in the 1979 NFL Draft. He played seven professional seasons, including Super Bowl XVI.

With the current system that LSU runs where the Tigers rotate their running backs quite frequently, Alexander’s record seems secure as long as Les Miles is calling the shots. But could Alexander play in a system that splits up the carries so much?

“I love to win, and that’s what Coach Miles is doing. So I wouldn’t have a problem with that at all. I went to Cincinnati, and I didn’t carry the ball a lot of times. I basically was a blocking back. If we were winning, I wouldn’t have a word to say, and he’s doing that.”

Alexander rounded out the enjoyable interview by talking more about his time in Baton Rouge and telling us who the next candidates for the College Football Hall of Fame from LSU should be.

 CLICK HERE to listen to Tiger Rag Radio’s interview with Charles Alexander in its entirety.

By HUNT PALMER
BBI Senior Writer

Throughout a 56 game season, few things remain constant. LSU’s midweek dominance has been just that.

The Tigers (40-13) finished off a perfect 13-0 midweek slate by knocking off Nicholls 9-6 on Tuesday. What looked like a comfortable win quickly became a nail biter when relievers Nick Rumbelow and Nick Goody combined to surrender four runs on four hits and a walk in the ninth which allowed the Colonels to bring the tying run to the plate on two separate occasions - both resulted in Goody strikeouts.

Before the ninth, LSU head coach Paul Mainieri sent Evan Powell and Casey Yocom out to relieve his two seniors on the left side of the infield, Tyler Hanover and Austin Nola, who received a standing ovation from their home crowd. Nola called the moment “special”, but didn’t enjoy the tense moments in the dugout.

“When I’m watching the game, I get more nervous than when I’m out there,” Nola said. “I’m pulling my hair, twisting it. When I’m out there, I’m cool and confident. We’re gonna win the game. In here you’re thinking, ‘It’s getting a little scary.’”

Nola spurred the Tiger offense early and often. The senior shortstop finished the evening 4-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Since being inserted into the leadoff spot on Sunday, Nola has hit in nine of 10 at bats.

“I’ve kept the same approach and the same mentality, and it’s paying off,” Nola said. “I’m getting good pitches to hit, and I’m seeing the ball really well right now.”

After falling behind 2-0, Nola and the Tigers roared back with a five-spot in the bottom of the third.

After Arby Fields reached and advanced to second on a throwing error by Colonel shortstop Austin Flores, Nola scorched a single to right field to put runners on the corners. Jackson Slaid’s infield single off the glove of a diving Blake Bergeron at third plated Fields.

Mason Katz’ double and Raph Rhymes’ single each scored a run a piece, and JaCoby Jones capped the inning four batters later to make the score 5-2.

The cushion allowed starter Kurt McCune to settle in and take control of the game. The sophomore, who hadn’t started a game since April 5 at Florida, retired Nicholls in order in the fourth and danced around a pair of two-out hits in the fifth to qualify for his third win.

“It was a little shaky at first, my fastball command wasn’t really there,” McCune said. “Coming in the fourth, my arm was getting a little more live. I got the feeling that I haven’t had in a while.”

McCune, who is an option for the fourth starting positon when postseason play rolls around, felt he made a case for himself by earning the win.

Another strong candidate is sophmore Joe Broussard who fired a pair of scoreless frames in relief, striking out three and allowing just one hit.

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes, come out of the bullpen, start, whatever it takes to win,” Broussard said. “Me and Kurt have a good relationship. We compete against each other, but it’s nothing like, ‘I hope he does bad.’ We root for each other, because that what it’s going to take to win a championship.”

McCune added, “(Broussard) doing better pushes me and makes my expectations better. I really like that Joe did well tonight.”

While the Tiger bullpen rolled, the LSU bats piled on.

Nola lazered a single to center field to lead off the sixth inning, and Slaid walked forcing Colonel reliever, Brad Delatte, to challenge Katz. The Tiger slugger blasted his tenth home run of the year into the bleachers in left field to swell the lead to 8-2.

LSU would add what looked to be a meaningless run the the eigth when Hanover swatted an RBI single to score Grant Dozar. Though the Colonels would threaten in the ninth, the lead would prove insurmountable as all of LSU’s have in the midweek.

“Since I’ve been here we’ve never really squandered midweek games,” Nola said. “We don’t take games lightly. We take one game at a time. As a leader on this team, that’s what we instill in the guys.”

LSU, which snapped what was tied for longest losing streak of the season, 2, on Tuesday, heads to Columbia, S.C., Wednesday in preparation for a three game series with the Gamecocks of South Carolina.

The Gamecocks trail Kentucky, the Southeastern Conference leader, by a half of a game. The Tigers trail the Wildcats by just one game.

Thursday’s series opener will be televised by SportsSouth and FSN at 6 p.m. CST.

Below is Hunt’s game blog.

It’s a little exciting that the next time I come to you from this chair we’ll be playing regional baseball at the Box for the first time since 2009. First thing’s first, though, for LSU. There is work to be done. That starts tonight with the Colonels. A win tonight would make the Tigers a perfect 14-0 in the midweek this season, quite a feat. It would also snap LSU’s losing streak at two. The Tigers have not lost three straight this season. Also impressive.

Nicholls presents an interesting challenge. They are a running team first and foremost. That wasn’t a problem for LSU until Saturday morning. With Jordy Snikeris behind the dish, Vandy stole nine bases in nine tries. It was a merry-go-round out there. LSU’s pitchers are going to have to do a great job of holding runners tonight, but the Colonels are gonna be going.

Kurt McCune gets the responsibility first. It’s his first start since Thursday night in Gainesville when he was pretty good. His last two relief appearances have not been very good, and he didn’t go against Vanderbilt. He’s auditioning for that fourth starter spot that comes into play in the postseason. Kurt has a loose leash tonight. This won’t be a “2 innings and your out” type deal. If he can go five, he’ll go five. Expect to see Joe Broussard after that for 2 or 3. After that, we’ll see where we are.

Joey Bourgeois and Chris Cotton probably won’t go tonight. Both were extended Sunday, as was Nick Goody. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Goody get the last out, and only the last out, tonight just for his psyche. Maybe not.

Paul Mainieri is going with an all-righty lineup tonight against the Nicholls southpaw. Jackson Slaid is getting his first start in a LONG time. He’s also hitting second. The musical chairs continue in front of Katz and Rhymes.

Starting Lineups:

Nicholls St. (25-25)
1. Philip Lyons 2B .344
2. Matt Richard CF .259
3. Jeremy Hill DH .383
4. Blake Bergeron 3B .266
5. Michael LeGrange RF .313
6. Austin Flores SS .220
7. Beau Faulk 1B .250
8. Cody Dufrene C .196
9. David Zorn LF .319

SP- Mike Wisecarver LHP (1-6, 4.61ERA, 68.1IP, 93H, 46R, 35ER, 14BB, 29K, OPP Ba- .341)

LSU (39-13)
1. Austin Nola SS .295
2. Jackson Slaid DH .268
3. Mason Katz 1B .330
4. Raph Rhymes LF .478
5. Jordy Snikeris C .311
6. Alex Edward RF .314
7. Tyler Hanover 3B .283
8. JaCoby Jones 2B .258
9. Arby Fields CF .240

SP- Kurt McCune RHP (2-4, 4.21ERA, 36.1IP, 35H, 19R, 17ER, 13BB, 22K, OPP BA- .261)

Top 1
Philip Lyons grounds to short. 1 out… Matt Richard flies to center. 2 out… Jeremy Hill grounds to second. 1-2-3 1st for McCune… LSU 0, Nicholls 0

Bottom 1
Austin Nola doubles to right… Jackson Slaid grounds to 3rd. Unproductive out. 1 out… Katz flies to right. 2 out… Rhymes grounds to 3rd. Nola’s double and nothing else. 1 in the books… LSU 0, Nicholls 0

Top 2
Blake Bergeron doubles into the left field corner… Michael LeGrange takes one off the shoulder. 1st and 2nd… Austin Flores bunts to Katz who applies the tag. 2nd and 3rd. 1 out… Beau Faulks blooper finds the turf in center. Bergeron scores. LeGrange to 3rd. Corners. 1 out… Safety squeeze was on and Cody Dufrene popped it up. Sliding grab by Katz. Runners retreat. 2 out… David Zorn flies to left. Side retired… Nicholls 1, LSU 0

Bottom 2
Snikeris grounds to short. 1 out… Alex Edward grounds to short. 2 out… Hanover swats a single to center… Wild pitch puts Hanover in scoring position… JaCoby’s fly ball is tracked down by Richard in center. Make it a pair left in scoring position for the Tigers through two… Nicholls 1, LSU 0

Top 3
Philip Lyons grounds to Nola’s right. He circled it and fired, but Katz couldn’t handle the short hop. Base hit… Matt Richard scorches a single to left. 1st and 2nd with no one out for the 2nd straight inning… Jeremy Hill flies to center. Lyons tags and heads to 3rd. Corners with 1 out… Blake Bergeron bounces to 3rd. Short hop handcuffed Hanover. His only play is to 1st. 2 out. Run scores. Richard to 2nd… McCune walks Michael LeGrange. 1st and 2nd. 2 out… Austin Flores pops to 2nd… Nicholls 2, LSU 0

Bottom 3
Fields chops to short, but the throw sails into the Tiger dugout. E6. Fields to 2nd for the top of the order… Nola stays hot. He singles to right. Fields to 3rd. Corners. No one out… Slaid’s hot shot tips off the glove of the 3B. It’s an infield single. Fields scores. 1st and 2nd. No one out… Katz lines a double to right-center. Nola comes around to score, and the throw to the plate it WAY high. To the screen. That allows Slaid to score and Katz to move to 3rd. Still no one out… Rhymes busts out of a little skid with a sharp single to center. Katz scores… Snikeris’ bunt is too strong. Wisecarver fires to second to force Rhymes. 1 out… Edward put a good stroke on it, but it’s a lineout to left. 2 out… Hanover walks. 1st and 2nd… Jones singles through the left side. That scores Snikeris. 1st and 2nd. 2 out… Fields grounds into the 6-4 FC. Jones out at 2nd. We head to the 4th… LSU 5, Nicholls 2

Top 4
Beau Faulk flies to right. 1 out… Cody Defrene fans. 2 out… David Zorn pops foul to 3rd. McCune’s second 1-2-3 frame of the evening… LSU 5, Nicholls 2

Bottom 4
Nola walks. That’s 7 times in a row he’s reached… Jackson Slaid pops to right. 1 out… Kats pops on the infield. Lyons, the second baseman, puts it away. 2 out… Rhymes walks. 1st and 2nd… Snikeris pops to short. Four in the books… LSU 5, Nicholls 2

Top 5
Philip Lyons grounds to short. 1 out… Matt Richard grounds to 3rd. Good, strong throw from Hanover. 2 out… Jeremy Hill ropes a double to right-center. He’s there with 2 out… Blake Bergeron singles to left. Rhymes charged it and held Hill at 3rd. Corners. 2 out… Michael LeGrange pops to 2nd. Colonels leave a pair… LSU 5, Nicholls 2

Bottom 5
Alex Edward flies to left. 1 out… Hanover walks… Jones flies to right. 2 out… Fields flies to left… LSU 5, Nicholls 2

Top 6
Kevin Berry is on to relieve McCune. Kurt was far from dominant tonight, but he was serviceable. He may get another look in Hoover if LSU makes it four games deep. He tossed a pair of 1-2-3 innings and worked out of some trouble in the others. McCune: 5IP, 6H, 2ER, 1BB, 1K… Berry fans Flores with a fastball. 1 out… Beau Faulk grounds to 3rd. 2 out… Berry gets Cody Defrene looking. Good inning for him… LSU 5, Nicholls 2

Bottom 6
Brad Delatte is on for Nicholls. Another lefty… Eight consecutive times Nola has reached base safely now. He ropes a single to center just out of Richard’s reach… Nola reads the ball in the dirt and scurries to 2nd. Wild pitch… Slaid walks. 1st and 2nd. No one out… Katz blasts off. That one was high into the night. His 10th… Rhymes grounds to short. Booted. E6… Snikeris fans. 1 out… Edward on the short end of things tonight. He lines right at the second baseman for the 2nd out… Hanover grounds to second. Inning over… LSU 8, Nicholls 2

Top 7
Joe Broussard is on the mound. Jared Foster has taken over in center for Fields. Infer what you may… David Zorn grounds to 2nd. 1 out… Philip Lyons singles to center… Matt Richard fans on a ball in the dirt. Lyons moves up to second. Score it a wild pitch. 2 out… Jeremy Hill strikes out. Really good breaking ball for Broussard in that inning. He was very sharp… Stretch time… LSU 8, Nicholls 2

Bottom 7
JaCoby can’t find the curve. 1 out… Foster flies to right. 2 out… Nola is unconscious. He singles to right-center… Jackson Slaid grounds to 3rd. Inning over… LSU 8, Nicholls 2

Top 8
Brett Bergeron flies to right. 1 out… LeGrange pops on the infield. Nola calls everone off and makes the play. 2 out… Broussard freezes Flores with a heater. Excellent work by the sophomore right hander tonight. He’s been razor sharp… LSU 8, Nicholls 2

Bottom 8
Jordan McCoy on for Nicholls… Katz lines to 3rd. 1 out… Dozar with a pinch hit single to right… Tyler Moore draws a walk. It’s a left handed parade… Beau Didier strikes out. 2 out… Hanover singles to left. That scores Dozar. Moore stayed too far off second, and the throw behind him appeared to be in time. He’s called safe… Jones grounds to second. We head to the 9th… LSU 9, Nicholls 2

Top 9
Classy move by Paul Mainieri to pull Austin Nola and Tyler Hanover after warmupp for the 9th. Great hand for the two seniors. Nick Rumbelow is on to pitch. Incidentally, Brent Bonvillain is playing right… Rumbelow overmatches Beau Faulk. 1 out… Pinch hitter Adam Seal with a whistling single to center… Rumbelow walks Kevion Persick. Mainieri calls for Nick Goody… Goody surrenders an RBI single to Philip Lyons. 1st and 2nd. 1 out… Matt Richard lines a single to right-center. Sacks packed… Jeremy Hill’s scorcher gets through Jones. It’s an E4. 2 runs score. Corners with 1 out… Blake Bergeron drills it to deep right. Bonvillain is out there. He can’t run it down. It’s a double. 1 scores and the tying run is at the plate. Runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1 out… Michael LeGrange takes strike three. 2 out… Austin Flores fans, and it’s over… Tigers complete a perfect midweek record, head to Columbia on a good note.

FINAL: LSU 9, NICHOLLS 6

Can Tyler Wilson and the Hogs overcome a turbulent offseason to win the SEC West? (Photo courtesy of Beth Hall/Arkansas Media Relations) 

By BEN LOVE
Tiger Rag Editor

How many of you out there wish we could just press a button and fast-forward to Sept. 1?

I would raise my hand, but I’m getting married in August and don’t think that would go over exceedingly well with the fiancée.

But for the rest of you football junkies for whom pigskin is life, the kickoff of a new college football season can’t come soon enough.

That’s where I come in. For at least the next 2,350 words, it’s time to hop in the time machine and teleport to the fall on the horizon, a time when stadiums will be packed, tailgates will be frequented and Southeastern Conference football will be back in our lives.

What I’ve compiled below is one man’s take on how the SEC teams — all 14 of them — stack up with spring football in the rearview and the 2012 season approaching.

It is not meant to be an indicator of where each of these programs are in a broad, long-term view. This is simply a one-through-14 ranking establishing the pecking order of the SEC for the upcoming season based on what each team has coming back (schedules are not taken into consideration).

Enjoy.

1. LSU

In most preseason polls the team that finished on top the previous year gets the benefit of the doubt. But, in a strict eyeball test of returning talent, LSU trumps Alabama — and everybody else in the league — leading up to 2012, despite how the 2011 campaign concluded. Defensively the Tigers bring back arguably the nation’s best pass rush and pass coverage units. Those two groups figure to combine for no less than four first-round NFL Draft picks in 2013 (Tyrann Mathieu, KeKe Mingo, Sam Montgomery and Eric Reid). On offense LSU adds the missing piece to the puzzle from 2011 — a strong-armed, competent quarterback. If the Zach Mettenberger of the spring game shows up in the regular season, this will be a near-impossible offense to game plan for given the options at running back and the mauler of an offensive line. Throw in special teams aces Brad Wing and Drew Alleman, and there is little wonder why LSU’s talent is the envy of the SEC heading into 2012.

2. Alabama

The Tide will keep on rolling in 2012 despite the loss of four first-round draft picks in April (and a fifth player who was taken with the second pick of the second round). That Alabama can continue to put such a dominant product on the field in the face of that kind of attrition is nothing short of impressive. It’s also a testament to what can happen when you stockpile consecutive top-five recruiting classes. The Crimson Tide bring back quarterback AJ McCarron, whose cold-blooded effort in the BCS Title Game has elevated him from “game manager” status. He’ll be joined in the backfield by Eddie Lacy, the next Tide rusher in line. All-SEC lineman Barrett Jones also returns while longtime center William Vlachos does not. It’s on defense where Alabama must backfill the most. Three of the departed first-rounders came on that side of the ball (Mark Barron, Dont’a Hightower and Dre Kirkpatrick, with Courtney Upshaw the early second-rounder). Their absences will be felt and are the biggest reason why the defending national champs are a rung below LSU on the SEC (and NCAA) ladder on the eve of a new season.

3. Arkansas

Sometimes even anarchy can’t derail talent. Say what you want about the upheaval in Fayetteville caused by ousted coach Bobby Petrino and his hog-riding antics this offseason, but Arkansas boasts the kind of roster, particularly on offense, which any incoming coach could inherit and attain success. Tyler Wilson and a healthy Knile Davis might just be the league’s best QB-RB duo, assuming Davis can avoid a repeat injury. The Razorbacks do lose a wealth of gifted wide receivers, but returner Cobi Hamilton will provide some familiarity. Defensively the Hogs move on minus end Jake Bequette, linebacker Jerry Franklin and safety Tramain Thomas, but D-Line play should improve with a slew of experienced players coming back, led by end Tenarius Wright. Don’t forget: Heading into Thanksgiving 2011, LSU-Alabama-Arkansas were the three best teams in the nation. Arkansas hasn’t slipped that much. The Hogs deserve this distinction.

4. South Carolina

Moving from the loaded West into the Eastern Division, South Carolina gets the nod just ahead of Georgia for the fourth overall spot in the SEC. From nine wins in 2010 to 11 a season ago, this is a program clearly on the rise under Steve Spurrier. The Gamecocks also return arguably the best player in the conference in running back Marcus Lattimore, who will be looking to prove a point and re-establish himself following an injury which sidelined him for the tail end of the 2011 season. Quarterback Connor Shaw, who threw 14 touchdowns against six picks last year, is more than serviceable under center. On defense the Cocks will vie for the title of Best Front Seven, along with LSU and Georgia. End Jadeveon Clowney leads the bunch, which also brings back all but one linebacker from a year ago. Right now USC edges out Georgia as the early favorite to represent the East in the Georgia Dome.

5. Georgia

Not that South Carolina should start making reservations in Atlanta just yet. The home-state Dawgs, who travel to Columbia in Week Six, will have something to say about that. Last year’s Eastern Division winner touts one of the top two or three quarterbacks in the conference with junior Aaron Murray. He’ll have super sophomore Isaiah Crowell behind him in the backfield. UGA will have to fill the shoes of three departed offensive linemen, which looks to be the team’s biggest challenging entering the summer. Defensively there are very few challenges in the way of choosing personnel. Most of it’s returning … and very good. Linebacker Jarvis Jones, who had 13.5 sacks in 2011, will be a menace coming off the edge and in run support along with a bevy of talented front-seven players, all of whom have experience to boot. Georgia rounds out the preseason top five in the SEC, a group which few will dispute (although some will question the order). The bottom line: It will be a shocker if anyone outside these five appears in the SEC Championship Game in early December 2012.

6. Auburn

The War Eagles head up the next tier of SEC teams heading into the new season, but the difference between Auburn and the next two teams is razor-thin. What gives Aubie the advantage? Sheer depth of talent built over the last few years of top-notch recruiting. AU has athletes all over the field, particularly on defense where virtually the entire two-deep along the defensive line returns. The defense will also benefit from the tutelage of new coordinator Bryan VanGorder, formerly at Georgia and then the Atlanta Falcons. Now, what keeps Auburn from floating any higher up on this list? Massive issues at quarterback. This is a theme you will see repeated with another overall talented team below (ahem, Florida, ahem). The Tigers owned the fourth-best rushing attack in the SEC last year. Duplicating that effort will be paramount for an offense still deciding between youngsters Clint Moseley, Zeke Pike and Kiehl Frazier (not much of a passer) at quarterback.

7. Missouri

The first of two newcomers to the league comes in at No. 7. Coach Gary Pinkel brings with him to the SEC what should be one of the league’s best quarterbacks in James Franklin. A year ago Franklin torched the defense-optional Big 12 for 2,865 yards and 21 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. How Franklin fares against a treacherous-by-comparison SEC will go a long way to deciding Mizzou’s fate in 2012. Pass-catching option T.J. Moe returns as a target for Franklin and all-everything true freshman wide-out Dorial Green-Beckham is set to show up in the fall. Defensively the Tigers will be best at linebacker, but Missouri will have a lot of work to do to build an SEC-caliber defensive line. The fact that Mizzou landed in the East and not the West is the biggest win to date for the program.

8. Mississippi State

Rounding out the second tier of SEC teams is Dan Mullen’s Mississippi State bunch. In his fourth year leading the Cowbell Crew, Mullen will continue to build on his run-heavy, play-defense formula to winning ballgames at Starkville. Unfortunately he’ll continue to do so in a stacked division where his ceiling is fourth of six. With Chris Relf gone from the picture, Tyler Russell inherits the reins of full-time starting quarterback in 2012. Russell will operate without the services of departed stud running back Vick Ballard. Defensively tackle Josh Boyd is set to lead a group that has caught the attention of the SEC in recent years and has legitimate respect. It will be MSU’s ‘D’ that keeps the Bulldogs competitive.

9. Tennessee

The Vols enter 2012 as perhaps the most dangerous lurking wildcard team in the SEC, but UT will have to prove it deserves more than that title before getting any additional benefit of the doubt. The combination of quarterback Tyler Bray along with elite receivers Justin Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers, who hauled in 67 passes for 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns last season, is as strong as you’ll find anywhere in the conference of Dixie. If nothing else, teams will have to score with Tennessee to beat them. Sadly for Vols’ fans, opponents will probably be able to do so. Other than an above-average secondary led by Prentiss Waggner, who is making the move from safety to corner, UT has a ton of holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball. Shoring up the ‘D’ is the biggest priority to having a successful season and to helping head coach Derek Dooley keep his job.

10. Florida

To many this will be the biggest eyebrow-raiser on the list. It shouldn’t be. Urban Meyer may have left the cupboard full of ESPN 150 recruits on his way out of Gainesville, but he didn’t leave behind a group filled with much character, unity or resolve. Oh, or SEC-ready quarterbacks. And now that John Brantley is completely removed from the equation under center, UF will have to turn to either Jeff Driskel or Jacoby Brissett to breathe life into a stumbling offense from a year ago. One of those two will have to step up for the Gators to prove they belong a cut above in these rankings. If it were based on defense alone, Florida would belong in the top half of the SEC. A front-seven filled with the likes of end Ronald Powell and linebackers Jelani Jenkins and Jonathan Bostic merit at least that much. Throw in safety Matt Elam, and the Gators have a chance to leapfrog Tennessee (and possibly Missouri) in the East. But right now, it’s hard to see them scoring enough points to do that.

11. Texas A&M

Leading off the bottom four is the second newcomer to the fray, Texas A&M. The Aggies quite simply have too much to overcome to be anything special in 2012. New conference (which is the toughest in America). New division (which is the toughest in America). New head coach (who has never coached in the league). New quarterback (replacing a top-10 draft pick). The list is long, and it will prevent A&M from making too many waves right away, even if the Aggies have a better long-term shot at survival than does Missouri (which I believe they do). Much like Missouri, Texas A&M, under coach Kevin Sumlin, plans to come into the SEC throwing the ball aplenty on offense. That was the mantra against LSU in the 2011 Cotton Bowl and it’s the way the Aggies tried to beat Arkansas each of the last few years in Dallas. Each of those games ended up with the SEC opponent scoring an awful lot of points on that Aggie defense. Order of business No. 1 to improve stock this year: Get defense ready to be on the field a lot with that tempo on offense.

12. Vanderbilt

It’s almost a shame the ‘Dores don’t come in any higher considering the minor miracles head coach James Franklin pulled off in Year One, getting perennial doormat Vandy to 6-7. Heading into 2012 Franklin’s bunch will rely on the same quarterback-running back punch to take the next step forward. Signal caller Jordan Rodgers, Aaron’s little brother, gave VU life on the ground and through the air — throwing for 1,524 yards and nine touchdowns (but with 10 interceptions). Tailback Zac Stacy, who totaled 1,193 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground in 2011, is also back in Nashville. Defensively the ‘Dores will be stout in the secondary again, but they will have to backfill a lot at linebacker. Until proven otherwise Vandy belongs ahead of the next team on the list.

13. Kentucky

Joker Phillips finished his second year with Big Blue at 4-7, failing to guide the Wildcats to a bowl game. Just about the only thing that went right for UK was getting a season-ending win against rival Tennessee, the first in 27 tries for Kentucky. If that win helps propel the ‘Cats through the offseason with more energy, Kentucky could climb two or three spots on this list, but that’s about it. The talent disparity is simply too big between Phillips’ gang and the upper-echelon of the conference. Returning quarterback Maxwell Smith will lead the offense, and his development — along with that of the playmakers surrounding him — will be crucial to revamping a Kentucky ‘O’ which flat-lined more often than not in 2011. The defense will need to make up for the loss of stud linebacker and tackling machine Danny Trevathan, a sixth-round pick in the 2012 Draft by the Denver Broncos.

14. Ole Miss

Poor Hugh Freeze. Even when you do a great job coaching at a place like Arkansas State, sometimes the next step up isn’t always a smooth one (although it will pay significantly better). In Oxford Freeze inherits a team at the bottom of the conference. Ole Miss is likely the only team in the highly respected SEC which won’t come close to competing for a bowl game in 2012. There’s just too far to climb on the rebuilding trail for Freeze and the Rebels. The team had problems scoring points last year (most notably losing to dreadful Kentucky 30-13) and also preventing others from putting points on the board (giving up 52 apiece to Alabama and LSU). In fact the only two teams Ole Miss beat last season were Fresno State and FCS foe Southern Illinois. The Rebs went 0-8 in the league. Prospects for this year aren’t much better.

—

Editor Ben Love covers LSU football and men’s basketball for Tiger Rag. Reach him at ben@tigerrag.com.

(2012 College Football Hall of Fame inductee Charles Alexander (left) poses with 2008 inductee Billy Cannon and his Heisman Trophy for the cover of the inaugural Tiger Rag Magazine, released Sept. 1, 1978; Tiger Rag File Photo)

Tiger Rag News Services

Charles Alexander, a two-time All-American and Heisman Trophy finalist who played at LSU from 1975-78, has been named to the prestigious College Football Hall of Fame, it was announced by the National Football Foundation on Tuesday.

One of the greatest running backs in the history of the Southeastern Conference, Alexander etched his name in college football history during a four-year career from 1975-78.  Known to LSU fans as “Alexander the Great,” he earned All-America honors in 1977 and 1978 while finishing ninth in the Heisman Trophy race as a junior and fifth in the balloting his senior season. 

“This is an important recognition for one of the legendary figures in LSU athletics history,” LSU Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Joe Alleva said. “This honor is one of the most significant and prestigious honors in all of sports and one which is well-deserved.  Charlie played an important role in LSU football history and the University congratulates him on this tremendous honor.”

Alexander will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame during ceremonies at the historic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City in December.  He will become only the eighth player in LSU history to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, and he will be one of just four living LSU members, joining Billy Cannon, Tommy Casanova and Jerry Stovall.

Before there was Herschel Walker or Bo Jackson, there was Charles Alexander.  The MVP of the Southeastern Conference in 1977, he set nine SEC records and tied for another.  At the end of a stellar career that included a pair of All-America and All-SEC honors, his name sat atop 27 LSU records. In two bowl games, he was responsible for 330 yards.  He rushed for more than 150 yards on nine occasions and twice topped the 200-yard mark during his LSU career.

Alexander still holds the school records for most rushes in a game (43), most yards in a season (1686) and most yards gained per game in a season (153.3).  He was selected with the 12th pick in the first round of the 1979 NFL Draft by Cincinnati and played in Super Bowl XVI.

He later served as a development officer for LSU’s Tiger Athletic Foundation and is now a successful businessman in Houston, Texas.

He is a member of LSU’s Modern Day Team of the Century  and a member of both the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame.

LSU players previously inducted into the hall of fame (with year of induction) include Stovall (2010), Cannon (2008), Casanova (1995), Doc Fenton (1971), Ken Kavanaugh (1963), Abe Mickal (1967), and Gaynell Tinsley (1956). College Football Hall of Fame coaches with stints at LSU include Dana Bible (1951), Michael Donahue (1951), Lawrence “Biff” Jones (1954), Charles McClendon (1986) and Bernie Moore (1954). For a complete list of players and coaches in the hall, please visit www.collegefootball.org.

It appears Ralston Turner is headed to play for Mark Gottfried’s Wolfpack in the ACC (photo by Jay Potter).

By BEN LOVE
Tiger Rag Editor

As first reported Monday afternoon by BBI Publisher Derek Ponamsky, LSU sophomore guard Ralston Turner will be transferring to North Carolina State.

Turner was granted his release last week by new LSU coach Johnny Johnes and, after visiting the Raleigh-based school this past weekend, decided the transfer was the right move for him.

A 2011 All-SEC Freshman Team selection, the 6-6 Turner averaged a team-high 12.3 points per game during his rookie season, connecting on 48 three-pointers and pulling down 2.6 rebounds per game while averaging 29.9 minutes per game. He played in 27 games as a freshman, starting all of them.

The Muscle Shoals, Ala., native saw his numbers take a dip this past season, posting averages of 9.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while playing 29.0 minutes a night. Turner played in all 33 of the team’s games, starting 32, and scoring in double figures 13 times.

He will be forced to sit out the 2012-13 season due to standard transfer rules and will have two years of eligibility remaining for the Wolfpack.

In Raleigh Turner will be playing for former Alabama coach Mark Gottfried, who recruited Turner when he was a standout player in the state as part of the 2010 recruiting class.

As for LSU, Turner’s departure means the Tigers now have three openings on their bench, and Jones can only sign players for next year’s team through tomorrow, May 16, which is the final day of the late signing period.

Here is how the Tigers’ roster currently looks heading into next season:

PG Anthony Hickey (So., 5-11)
G Andre Stringer (Jr., 5-9)
G John Isaac (So., 6-3)
G Malik Morgan (Fr., 6-3)
G Shane Hammink (Fr., 6-6)
F Shavon Coleman (Jr., 6-6)
F Jalen Courtney (Jr., 6-8)
F Eddie Ludwig (Sr., 6-9)
F Calvin Godfrey (Jr., 6-8)
F Johnny O’Bryant III (So., 6-9)
C Andrew Del Piero (Sr., 7-2) — Non-scholarship player 

—

Editor Ben Love is Tiger Rag’s lead reporter on LSU men’s basketball. Reach him at ben@tigerrag.com.

Tiger Rag News Services

LSU sophomore right-hander Kevin Gausman was named SEC Pitcher of the Week Monday by the league office.

Gausman, a product of Centennial, Colo., recorded a brilliant outing against Vanderbilt on Friday, firing a complete-game five-hitter in a 2-1 LSU victory. Gausman limited the Commodores to one run on five hits (all singles) in nine innings with one walk and 11 strikeouts.

He threw 123 pitches and recorded the first complete game by an LSU pitcher since May 13, 2011 when Gausman blanked Tennessee in Alex Box Stadium.

Gausman improved to 8-1 this season and lowered his ERA to 2.95 in 91.2 innings of work. He leads the SEC in strikeouts with 112, and he has limited opponents to a .235 batting average.

Gausman’s SEC honor - his second this season - marks the seventh time this year an LSU player has received the conference’s Player or Pitcher of the Week designation. Other LSU players receiving SEC accolades this season include sophomore second baseman JaCoby Jones, sophomore right-hander Ryan Eades, junior left-hander Brent Bonvillain, junior leftfielder Raph Rhymes and junior rightfielder Mason Katz.

Tiger Rag News Services

The LSU softball team will face off versus Texas State, the Southland Conference champion, as part of four-team regional hosted by No. 8 national seed Texas A&M held from Friday to Sunday at Aggie Softball Complex. Every pitch of the NCAA College Station Regional will be carried live online at ESPN3.com.

LSU (34-22, 15-13 SEC) secured its 14th NCAA Regional appearance highlighted by a pair of trips to the Women’s College World Series during the 2001 and 2004 seasons. The Tigers also garnered two NCAA Super Regional runs in 2006 and 2007.

“It’s definitely a big honor to be chosen among the 64 teams in the NCAA Tournament field,” head coach Beth Torina said. “Our players have earned it with their body of work and what we’ve accomplished already this season. We’re excited to go to Texas A&M, and our players are looking forward to the challenging weekend ahead.”  

LSU picked up an at-large nod after a sixth place finish in the SEC standings. The Tigers are one of nine teams chosen from the SEC which matches a league record set during the 2009 season. The Pac-12 and Big 12 conferences garnered eight selections into the NCAA Field of 64.

The top sixteen teams were each seeded and placed at one of the regional sites. Four teams will participate at each of sixteen regional sites in a double-elimination tournament.

The sixteen teams advancing from regional competition will participate in a two-team, best of three super regional at eight sites the following weekend. The Women’s College World Series, which begins May 31, will include the eight super regional winners.

Ticket information for the NCAA College Station Regional will be announced Monday by Texas A&M.

Every LSU postseason game will have live audio and live stats available inside the Geaux Zone on LSUsports.net. The games also will be carried live on Country Legends 104.9 FM in the Baton Rouge area with Patrick Wright and Matt Dunaway set to call the action.

Fans can follow every pitch of LSU softball this season via live in-game updates on LSU softball’s social media outlets at www.Facebook.com/lsusoftball and @lsu_softball on Twitter.

NCAA College Station Regional - All Games Live on ESPN3.com
Friday, May 18
Game 1: LSU vs. Texas State - 3 p.m.
Game 2: No. 8 Texas A&M vs. Bethune Cookman - 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 19
Game 3: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner - TBA
Game 4: Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser - TBA
Game 5: Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 winner - TBA

Sunday, May 20
Game 6: Game 3 winner vs. Game 5 winner - TBA
Game 7: Rematch if necessary - TBA

2012 NCAA Softball Championships
                                                                       
Berkeley Regional - May 18-20 at Berkeley, California
No. 1 seed California* (50-4) vs. Iona (35-24)
Boston (40-14) vs. Arkansas (27-26)

Seattle Regional - May 18-20 at Seattle, Washington
Texas Tech (40-15) vs. Maryland (34-20)
Harvard (33-13) vs. No. 16 seed Washington* (36-17)

Columbia Regional - May 18-20 at Columbia, Missouri
No. 9 seed Missouri* (43-12) vs. Illinois State (35-21)
Massachusetts (38-11) vs. DePaul (35-20)

College Station Regional - May 18-20 at College Station, Texas
LSU (34-22) vs. Texas State (38-15)
Bethune-Cookman (30-29) vs. No. 8 seed Texas A&M* (39-16)

Gainesville Regional - May 18-20 at Gainesville, Florida
No. 5 seed Florida* (46-11) vs. Florida Gulf Coast (37-22)
UCF (39-17) vs. South Florida (45-11)      

Los Angeles Regional - May 18-20 at Los Angeles, California
Florida State (46-14) vs. San Diego State (30-22)
Hofstra (38-13) vs. No. 12 seed UCLA* (36-18)

Tucson Regional - May 18-20 at Tucson, Arizona
No. 13 seed Arizona* (35-17) vs. North Dakota State (37-20)
Notre Dame (38-14) vs. Hawaii (44-7)
                                                                       
Norman Regional - May 18-20 at Norman, Oklahoma
Oregon State (34-21) vs. Tulsa (41-12)
Lehigh (40-17) vs. No 4 seed Oklahoma* (45-8)

Tempe Regional - May18-20 at Tempe, Arizona
No. 3 seed Arizona St.* (46-7) vs. LIU Brooklyn (25-33)
Long Beach State (28-23) vs. Syracuse (40-14)    
                                                                       
Lafayette Regional - May 18-20 at Lafayette, Louisiana
Stanford (38-17) vs. Baylor (33-20)
Mississippi Valley State (34-17) vs. No. 14 seed Louisiana-Lafayette* (49-4)

Eugene Regional - May 17-19 at Eugene, Oregon
No. 11 seed Oregon* (39-15) vs. Portland State (27-23)
Mississippi State (33-22) vs. BYU (43-13)               

Austin Regional - May 18-20 at Austin, Texas
Auburn (33-21) vs. Houston (34-22)
Northwestern (27-27) vs. No. 6 seed Texas* (42-10)       

Knoxville Regional - May 18-20 at Knoxville, Tennessee
No. 7 seed Tennessee* (46-10) vs. Miami (OH) (40-18)
UAB (37-20) vs. Virginia Tech (40-19)      
                                                                       
Athens Regional - May 18-20 at Athens, Georgia
North Carolina (41-13) vs. Georgia Southern (42-18)
Coastal Carolina (43-18) vs. No. 10 seed Georgia* (41-15)

Louisville Regional - May 18-20 at Louisville, Kentucky
No. 15 seed Louisville* (53-3) vs. Valparaiso (42-17)
Kentucky (29-28) vs. Michigan (39-15)   
                                                                       
Tuscaloosa Regional - May 18-20 at Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Georgia Tech (36-21) vs. South Alabama (39-15)
UT Martin (39-20) vs. No. 2 seed Alabama* (50-7)

* Indicates host institution

Photo courtesy of the NCAA and Colorado University Athletics.

Tiger Rag News Services

ERIE, Colo.  - The LSU Lady Tigers posted their best ever finish in an NCAA Regional golf tournament when they tied for first with UCLA in the final round of the West Regional at the Colorado National Golf Club.
 
For LSU it is their fourth win of the season, marking the second best season for wins in the history of the program. Only the 1986 team, with five wins, had more championships than the 2011-12 team.
 
It also qualifies the seventh-ranked LSU Lady Tigers for their 12th NCAA D1 Women’s Golf Championships in program history and their third in the last four years. Ten of those 12 have come after advancement from regional play and this will mark the 11th time Coach Karen Bahnsen has taken a team to the D1 Championships.
 
Last year LSU finished a program best third in the D1 Championships at Bryan, Texas, and then freshman Austin Ernst won the NCAA individual championship as well.
 
LSU, the second seed in the event, posted consistent rounds of 291, 290 and 292 to finish at 9-over 873, with UCLA finishing with the same total on rounds of 290, 296 and 287.
 
Coach Karen Bahnsen was ecstatic over the team’s finish and saw something in her team that showed her the Tigers were right there again ready to compete for a national championship.
 
“This team worked so hard for this event,” the dean of SEC coaches in her 28th season said. “They are just very confident in what they can do. It was just a case of letting them go play. They played with such confidence. You could see it as the tournament went on. This team is on a mission. They want it and we are where we want to be. I’m so proud of them. They fought all the way.”
 
Plus they had to fight some of the coldest conditions that LSU has had to play in since the NCAA in Albuquerque in 2008 as round one in this regional was played in the mid-80s with rounds two and three played in temperatures in the mid-40s.
 
LSU’s defending NCAA champion, Austin Ernst, third in last year’s regional, moved up to second in this year’s event with a 54-hole total of 6-under 210 (71-69-70). Catherine O’Donnell of North Carolina matched Ernst with a 2-under 70 and was able to win the individual title with a 7-under 209 (70-69-70).
 
LSU All-SEC Freshman team member Madelene Sagstrom completed her rally from 54th place after the first round to finish in a tie for eighth place after a 1-under 71 in the final round. Sagstrom had rounds of 76-70-71 to finish at 1-over 217.
 
On the final day, LSU also counted a 3-over 75 from senior Tessa Teachman and a 4-over 76 from Lindsay Gahm.
 
Also advancing in the team competition from the West Regional were Pepperdine at 11-over 875, two behind LSU and UCLA, with Colorado in fourth at 13-over 877. Both Pepperdine and Colorado moved into the top eight after the final round, each shooting 9-under rounds of 279. Baylor was fifth with Stanford at 15-over 879 and North Carolina fell to seventh at 16-over 880.
 
The final qualifying spot wasn’t decided until late in the afternoon as Oklahoma from the early part of the afternoon wave advanced from 14th place to the eighth and final qualifying spot with a round of 1-over par 289 to finish at 26-over 890, two shots clear of Texas Tech and California, both at 29-over par 893.
 
In all, seven SEC teams advanced to the 24-team D1 Championships with South Carolina, Alabama and Florida getting in from the NCAA East Regional and host Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Arkansas in the Central Regional will join LSU from the West Regional.

NCAA WOMEN’S WEST REGIONAL

At Erie, Colo.
Top Final Team Results (Top 8 to National Championships) (Par 288-864)
1. LSU 291-290-292 - 873 +9; 1. UCLA 290-296-287 - 873 +9; 3. Pepperdine 297-299-279 - 875 +11; 4. Colorado 297-301-279 - 877 +13; 5. Baylor 300-293-286 - 879 +15; 5. Stanford 287-293-299 - 879 +15; 7. North Carolina 288-298-294 - 880 +16; 8. Oklahoma 305-296-289 - 890 +26; 9. Texas Tech 300-294-299 - 893 +29; 9. California 296-301-296 - 893 +29; 11. UNLV 302-301-293 - 896 +32; 12. UC Davis 305-295-297 - 897 +33; 13. Tulsa 297-303-299 - 899 +35; 14. Illinois 296-302-302 - 900 +36; 14. TCU 302-304-294 — 900 +36; 14. Iowa State 302-302-296 - 900 +36; 17. San Jose State 302-298-303 - 903 +39; 18. .New Mexico 303-307-303 - 913 +49; 19. Denver 304-311-300 - 915 +51; 20. Kennesaw State 309-311-304 - 924 +60; 21. Missouri State 314-307-307 - 928 +64; 22. Oregon State 313-318-305 - 936 +72; 23. Northern Colorado 311-324-304 - 939 +75; 24. Jackson State 348-355-327 - 1030 +166.

Top 5 Individuals (Par 72-216)
1. Catherine O’Donnell, North Carolina, 70-69-70 - 209 -7; 2. Austin Ernst, LSU, 71-69-70 - 210 -6; 3. Hayley Davis, Baylor, 69-74-69 - 212 -4; 4. Sally Watson, Stanford, 71-71-71 - 213 -3; 5. Chirapat Jao-Javanill, Oklahoma, 72-73-70 - 215 -1.

LSU Scores
2. Austin Ernst 71-69-70 - 210 -6
T8. Madelene Sagstrom 76-70-71 - 217 +1
T45. Tessa Teachman 76-74-75 - 225 +8
T49. Jacqueline Hedwall 71-77-78 - 226 +9
T61. Lindsay Gahm 73-79-76 - 228 +11

Women’s track claims fifth title in six years at Bernie Moore

LSU junior Kimberlyn Duncan seems to make history each time she steps onto the track, and Sunday’s finale at the 2012 SEC Outdoor Track & Field Championships was no exception as she swept 100-meter and 200-meter titles in record-breaking fashion to guide the Lady Tigers to their fifth SEC Outdoor crown in six seasons at Bernie Moore Stadium.

Duncan finished as LSU’s top point scorer with 22.5 points for the weekend as she also ran the anchor leg on the winning 4×100-meter relay for the Lady Tigers to kick off Sunday’s finals on the track.

Duncan led an onslaught by the Lady Tigers in Sunday’s finale as they claimed six SEC event titles in the final day of competition that also featured junior Charlene Lipsey winning the 800-meter title, sophomore Jasmin Stowers defending her crown in the 100-meter hurdles and the Lady Tigers running a 2012 season best in wrapping up the championship with a win in the 4×400-meter relay.

The Lady Tigers piled up 114 points while scoring in 10 of the 12 events in the meet finale to defend their home turf with 161.5 points in four days of competition in Baton Rouge. Their 161.5 points is the most by the Lady Tigers at the SEC Outdoor Championships since the 1993 season.

The Florida Gators finished in second place in the final women’s team standings with 138 points followed by Arkansas (111.5) in third place, Georgia (108) in fourth place and Tennessee (97) in fifth place.

LSU captured its third-straight women’s team title at the SEC Outdoor Championships, and its fifth in six seasons with victories in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012. The victory marks the first time since 1991 that the Lady Tigers have won at least three-straight SEC Outdoor team titles with their 13th SEC Outdoor crown in program history and 25th conference title between the indoor and outdoor seasons.

LSU Track & Field captured its 50th SEC crown all-time, as both the men and women have now claimed a total of 25 SEC team titles between the indoor and outdoor seasons.

And senior Barrett Nugent made history of his own as he became the first LSU Tiger to win three-straight SEC Outdoor titles in the 110-meter hurdles with a victory in his final SEC Championship as he paced the Tigers to a second-place finish in the final men’s team standings with 118 points for the weekend.

The Arkansas Razorbacks defended their SEC Outdoor championship with an astounding 196 points over the weekend. With their 90 points on Sunday, the Tigers outlasted Georgia (109) for second place overall, while Florida (93) followed in fourth place and Mississippi State (61) trailed in fifth place in the final standings.

“I could not be more proud with the way our athletes represented themselves and this program at the SEC Championships here this weekend,” said LSU head coach Dennis Shaver. “We’re really proud of our kids and the job that they did, and we look forward to moving on from here. It is really special for our ladies to win, but it is really special for them to win it here at Bernie Moore Stadium.”

Duncan certainly stole the show and wowed a packed house at the Bernie Moore Track Stadium in setting the SEC meet record in the 100-meter dash before defending her SEC Outdoor crown in the 200 meters to cement her reputation as the NCAA’s most dominant dual sprinter for the 2012 season.

But she helped open the scoring for the Lady Tigers in the first final on the track by anchoring LSU to the defense of its conference championship in the 4×100-meter relay.

Duncan joined sophomore Takeia Pinckney, senior Semoy Hackett and senior Rebecca Alexander to take the title in 43.27 seconds and defend the crown they won in Athens, Ga., a season ago. They finished well ahead of Auburn (43.67) for their 18th SEC title in the sprint relay in program history.

With LSU sitting in third place with 84.5 points heading into the 100-meter final, Duncan and Hackett put the Lady Tigers in the lead for good with a sweep of first and second places in the event.

Duncan raced into history with a dominating performance in winning the SEC 100-meter crown as she set an SEC Championships meet record and Bernie Moore Track Stadium record of 10.96 (+1.9) to become a 10th different Lady Tiger to be crowned the conference champion in the event while winning LSU’s 16th league title in the sprint all-time. She is now the fourth Lady Tiger in five seasons to take the SEC 100-meter title.

With Sunday’s performance, Duncan shattered the previous SEC meet record of 11.03 set by Olympic silver medalist Kerron Stewart of Auburn in 2003, and her own previous Bernie Moore Stadium record of 11.05 set just three weeks ago at the LSU Alumni Gold meet held on April 21.

What’s even more impressive with her effort is that Duncan became the NCAA’s No. 3-ranked 100-meter sprinter in history with her wind-legal run of 10.96 on Sunday afternoon.

Hackett, the 2011 SEC 100-meter champion, set a personal record of her own with a time of 11.10 to take second place with the NCAA’s No. 5-ranked time this spring. She also cracked LSU’s all-time Top 10 list with the No. 9-ranked performance in program history with her second All-SEC honor of the day.

The Lady Tigers emerged from the 100-meter final with a 7.5-point lead over Florida by a score of 104.5-97 and never looked back in claiming their fifth SEC Outdoor crown in six seasons.

The Lady Tiger tandem then scored the team’s final points before the running of the 4×400-meter relay as they again swept the gold and silver medals in the 200-meter dash for the second year in a row.

Duncan claimed her 17th-straight 200-meter title against collegiate competition with the third-fastest effort under all conditions in NCAA history as she crossed the finish line with a wind-aided time of 22.12 in her title defense. Hackett also raced to a new 2012 seasonal best with the No. 2-ranked time in the NCAA this spring at 22.74w as she trails only Duncan on the national all-conditions list.

“My approach for my races today was just to stay confident and comfortable with what I was doing here,” Duncan said. “We train hard all year for this, so I knew I was ready to go today. The (100) record is great, but going out in all of our events and trying to score as many points as possible was our main goal. I think we did that today. I’m proud of our team for what we accomplished today.”

Also defending her SEC title in Sunday’s finale was sophomore Jasmin Stowers, who made history a year ago as the first Lady Tiger freshman to claim the conference crown in the 100-meter hurdles.

Despite getting off to a slow start, Stowers overtook the field midway through the race, and sprinted across the finish line in 12.96 (+1.8) to finish nearly three-tenths of a second ahead of the 13.25 run by Arkansas standout Ivanique Kemp and defend her SEC championship. Stowers is now the first Lady Tigers’ hurdler since Lolo Jones (2002-04) to win back-to-back conference titles in the sprint hurdles.

The Lady Tigers racked up 14 points in the event as junior Shanekia Hall followed in fifth place with an effort of 13.46 in her first SEC Championships final in the event.

“It feels great,” Stowers said of defending her SEC hurdles title. “This is my fourth SEC meet, and I have won all four. I’m very excited. It’s great to win it again, especially winning at a home meet. When I came out, I knew I had a bad start. I knew I had to push through and pass people and get to the line. Most of the time, I get a good start. I didn’t have my best start today, but I thought I finished strong.”

Lipsey added 14 points of her own to LSU’s winning score as she set a pair of personal bests in taking the 800-meter title and finishing in fifth place in the 1,500-meter final on Sunday afternoon.

After running the second-fastest 1,500 meters in school history with her time of 4 minutes, 18.16 seconds, Lipsey completed the season sweep of SEC titles in the 800-meter run when she raced to a winning PR of 2:02.60 for the fourth-fastest performance all-time by a Lady Tiger.

Just when it seemed Tennessee’s Chanelle Price was pulling away down the homestretch in the race to the finish line, Lipsey found another gear with 50 meters to go as she surged past Price and crossed the finish line in 2:02.60 to finish more than a half second ahead of her rival in second place at 2:03.15.

With the win, Lipsey became LSU’s first SEC Outdoor champion in the women’s 800-meter run since the great LaTavia Thomas in 2008, and the sixth different Lady Tiger to win the event in team history.

“It means a lot because I scored a lot of points. Points really do matter,” Lipsey said. “I was just a little bit nervous because I doubled up, so I was worried that I wouldn’t have enough left to win it. But with this crowd cheering me on, it gave me the extra energy to pass in the end. I probably could have done better in the 1,500, but I did get a PR. It took a lot out of my legs for the 800, but it was worth it for the points.”

Two Lady Tigers also cracked the Top 10 of the NCAA rankings with seasonal-best performances in their All-SEC finishes on Sunday as senior Rebecca Alexander set a personal best of 51.83 in taking second place in the 400 meters and senior Cassandra Tate ran 56.82 for second place in the 400 hurdles.

Alexander actually came off the final turn in sixth place in the 400-meter final, but found a burst down the stretch and nearly caught Arkansas’ Regina George at the finish line for the win.

Both competitors actually ran the same time of 51.83 in the final, but George was given the crown with an effort of 51.821 to Alexander’s time of 51.826. Alexander, who claimed the SEC Indoor crown in the 400 meters earlier this season, emerged as the NCAA’s No. 5-ranked performer in the event in 2012.

Tate followed with an All-SEC runner-up finish of her own in the final of the 400-meter hurdles as she set a seasonal best of 56.82 to finish second to Tennessee’s defending champion Ellen Wortham (55.55) for a third career all-conference performance in the event. With her seasonal-best effort, Tate turned in a run of 56.82 that ranks No. 9 on the national list in the wake of the conference championship.

The Lady Tigers then wrapped up the scoring and the event by running a seasonal-best time of 3:29.25 for the win in the 4×400-meter relay as junior Latoya McDermott, Alexander, Tate and senior Jonique Day finished well ahead of Arkansas (3:31.16) for their ninth SEC Outdoor title in the mile relay.

Senior Samia Stokes added a bronze-medal winning third-place finish in the discus final after throwing an impressive PR of 181-0 in the second round to move to No. 12 in the NCAA rankings for 2012.

“First of all, it’s amazing that it takes that many points to win,” Shaver said of LSU’s victory. “I really did think that Florida fought hard all the way to the end. We’re really proud of our kids with what they did for this meet. They really need to take care of business today, and fortunately they were able to do that across the board. I’m very proud of them for what they accomplished here at home.”

Nugent led the charge for the Tigers on the final day of the SEC Outdoor Track & Field Championship on Sunday as they totaled 90 points on the day for second place with 118 points overall.

After claiming back-to-back SEC Outdoor titles in the 110-meter hurdles as a sophomore in 2010 and as a junior in 2011, Nugent lined up in Sunday’s final with an opportunity to become LSU’s first three-time champion in the sprint hurdles in the 80th edition of the men’s SEC Outdoor Championships.

Nugent led from the start as he separated himself from the rest of the field over the fifth and sixth hurdles, while cruising to an easy victory in 13.40 (+2.7) and bringing the home crowd to its feet in celebration of his historic achievement. Florida’s Eddie Lovett finished runner-up to Nugent with a time of 13.65w.

The reigning NCAA champion is the first LSU Tiger in history to win three-straight SEC titles in the 110-meter hurdles, and the first athlete to do so since South Carolina’s Terrence Trammell in 1998-2000.

“It’s great winning a race at home,” Nugent said of his victory at Bernie Moore Stadium. “There’s a really special value in the fact that this year’s meet is at home. I have a lot of people from Vermillion Parish here, my family and a lot of people from back home. Especially with it being Mother’s Day, it’s great that I have my mom and everybody in my family here to watch me run.”

Freshman Aaron Ernest proved to be the Tigers’ top point scorer in his first SEC Outdoor Championships as he claimed a pair of All-SEC second-place finishes in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes.

Ernest first stepped onto the track for the 100-meter final after running the third-fastest time for the prelim at 10.19w on Saturday afternoon. He backed up that performance with a personal-best effort on Sunday as he closed strong to cross the finish line in 10.23 (+1.6) for second place in the conference final.

The men’s 100-meter final actually produced a trio of seasonal-best wind-legal times by the Tigers, as the duo of senior Keyth Talley (10.33) and sophomore Rynell Parson (10.36) added nine points with fifth and sixth places in the race. Auburn’s Keenan Brock took the title with a winning time of 10.17.

Ernest then returned to the track for the 200-meter final as he lined up among the favorites to take the title after earning All-SEC honors during the indoor season with his runner-up finish at the SEC Indoor meet.

He ran strong down the straightaway to cross the finish line with a career-best wind-aided run of 20.39 for second place behind the winning time of 20.32w by Ole Miss standout Isiah Young. Ernest has proven his worth as one of the SEC’s elite young sprinters while claiming three All-SEC accolades in his first season with the program. He totaled 16 points in his first appearance at the SEC Outdoor Championships.

Also earning All-SEC honors for the Tigers with a personal-best performance on Sunday was senior triple jumper Kyron Blaise, who earned all-conference honors for the second time in 2012.

Blaise jumped a wind-legal PR of 54-1 ¼ in the fifth round of jumps to solidify his position in the second spot as he finished runner-up to Florida’s SEC champion Omar Craddock (54-8 ¾). That jump moved the senior from Toco, Trinidad, into the No. 4 position on LSU’s all-time performance list in the event.

Two other Tigers also cracked LSU’s all-time Top 10 list with personal bests in the SEC finale as the duo of senior Aaron Moore (229-6) and freshman Jeremy Tuttle (227-6) opened the scoring for the Tigers this afternoon with a pair of top finishes in the men’s javelin final.

Moore unleashed his series-best of 229-6 on his sixth and final throw of the meet to raise his personal best with the No. 7-ranked performance in school history while claiming the SEC Outdoor bronze medal in the javelin. Tuttle wasted no time as he eclipsed his previous PR of 216-0 by more than 11 feet en route to his fifth-place finish while posting the No. 9-ranked mark on LSU’s all-time performance list.

The Tigers then wrapped up the meet on the track by taking home an All-SEC second-place finish overall in the 4×400-meter relay as the team of Quincy Downing, Robert Simmons, Ade Alleyne-Forte and Riker Hylton ran their second-fastest time of the year at 3:03.80 to finish second to Florida (3:03.44).

With their performance, the Tigers earned their 18th second-place finish all-time at the SEC Outdoor meet with their fourth runner-up finish in the team standings in the last six years.

“I knew this morning when I kind of looked at everything, it really looked like Georgia was going to be in a good position for second place in the men’s team race,” Shaver said. “I knew there was a chance that we might not be able to catch them with the bullets they had to fire today. But our guys really stepped it up in each of the event areas today to go out there and finish strong. They earned their finish today.”

The Tigers and Lady Tigers will now turn their attention to the NCAA Championships, as they make their trip to Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., on May 24-26 for the NCAA East Preliminary Rounds being held at the University of North Florida with the first and second rounds of the national meet.

The semifinal and final rounds with the 2012 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, are slated to run June 6-9 at Drake Stadium at Drake University.

By RICHARD FISCHER and HUNT PALMER

The Tigers got only one hit from the fourth inning and beyond in Friday’s ballgame.

It didn’t matter, because Kevin Gausman threw a complete game gem for a 2-1 LSU victory.

Sunday, LSU got only one hit from the fifth inning and beyond. But this time, the Tigers couldn’t overcome their deficiency and fell short by one run to lose the rubber match to Vanderbilt in 10 innings, 5-4.

The Bayou Bengals scored only nine runs and connected for just 21 hits in three games versus the Commodores this weekend.

“It’s not a lot to be proud of. That’s for sure,” said LSU head coach Paul Mainieri. “We didn’t swing the bat well all weekend. Part of that is because Vanderbilt has some excelled arms as they always do, and part of that is we just didn’t swing the bats well.”

LSU actually jumped on Vanderbilt starting pitcher Tyler Beede early, scoring two runs in the third on a Mason Katz RBI single and a Tyler Moore sac fly. Then, LSU added another in the fourth on an Austin Nola RBI single.

Beede was lifted after allowing five hits and three earned runs in 3.2 innings.

After LSU chased the 21st overall selection and the only first round pick not to sign professionally in the 2011 MLB Draft, Vandy’s relievers were lights out.

Lefty Kevin Ziomek allowed an unearned run and one hit in 3.2 innings of work, and Will Clinard finished off the game with 2.2 flawless innings. Clinard was awarded the win and now has a 6-2 record this season.

“[Ziomek] was working in and out, had a good slider, so he was keeping us off balanced,” said Katz. “And [Clinard] threw those hard cutters. It was a tough pitch to hit. Those guys did a nice job.”

The unearned run Ziomek allowed actually broke a 3-3 deadlock in the eighth inning on a Nola sac fly. That was the only time up that the senior shortstop and LSU’s leadoff hitter today didn’t reach, going two-for-two with two walks, two RBIs and a run scored.

“I was seeing the ball well today,” Nola said. “I felt comfortable up there. I was trying to have good at-bats for my teammates.”

Like LSU, Vandy had their way with the opponent’s starting pitcher. Ryan Eades, who has been much maligned recently for his struggles, gave up three earned runs and seven hits in 4.2 innings of work.

“I thought it was a step in the right direction. It was better than he’s been in the last couple of outings, but he’s just still making bad pitches at bad times,” Mainieri said.

Eades walked three and had just one strikeout as he is still struggling with his command.

“He can’t put the ball where he wants to with two strikes,” the skipper explained. “He keeps hanging curveballs with two strikes on batters, and it’s hard to strike batters out when he throws curveballs waist high right down the middle when you need to throw that ball in the dirt and make a better pitch. He’s going to continue to not strike batters out and give up hits until he takes his game to the next level.”

Nick Rumbelow came on for Eades in the fifth and stranded a pair of inherited runners.

Then, Rumbelow loaded the bases in the sixth, before Chris Cotton came on to get lefty Conrad Gregor out and escape the jam.

Cotton pitched 2.1 tremendous innings for LSU, surrendering nothing.

He bridged the gap to closer Nick Goody and was in position to pick up the win following LSU’s go-ahead run in the eighth, but Goody surrendered a bomb to Mike Yastrzemski on a 3-2 fastball to lead off the ninth inning and tie the game at four.

“You can’t try to bite too much off 3-2 with no outs. [A walk] would open the inning,” said catcher Jordy Snikeris. “I think he threw a perfect pitch. It was down at the knees. Yastrzemski just got a hold of it, something you just have to tip your hat to.”

With Goody still in the game, Vandy then took a 5-4 lead in the top of the tenth on a Tony Kemp RBI single, his only hit of the day.

LSU went down 1-2-3 in both the ninth and tenth frames for a frustrating loss. LSU is now 14-5 in one-run games this season and 11-4 in one-run SEC games.

“This was a tough one. It was a game that we could have, should have won and we just couldn’t pull it out,” Mainieri said.

Vanderbilt has now beaten LSU in five consecutive series. The squads did not play in the regular season in 2008 and 2009, so Mainieri has never beaten Vanderbilt in a regular-season series at LSU.

Snikeris received the start behind the plate for the second game in a row due to starter Ty Ross suffering from appendicitis prior to yesterday’s game. Ross’ absence has been quite apparent in the running game. Vanderbilt has been successful on nine of 10 steal attempts in the past two contests.

“Jordy’s got his limitations, but he’s going to try as hard as he can every day,” Mainieri said. “I love the kid. I think he’s a great competitor, but he doesn’t obviously throw as well as Tyler Ross, and we’ll have to figure out a way to hold it down.”

With Kentucky’s sweep of Alabama this weekend, the ‘Cats are in sole possession of first place in the SEC at 18-9 in league play. Because South Carolina’s rubber match versus Georgia was cancelled due to rain today, the Gamecocks are a half game back at 17-9. LSU will enter the final weekend a full game behind Kentucky and a half game behind South Carolina at 17-10. LSU has already clinched the outright West title and a bye in the SEC Tournament.

The Tigers will next take the first Tuesday for their final regular-season non-conference game versus Nicholls at 6:30 p.m.

LINESCORE:
VU: 5 runs, 12 hits, 1 error
LSU: 4 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors

AUDIO CLIPS:
Click the following links for LSU head coach Paul Mainieri. PART 1, PART 2
CLICK HERE for LSU shortstop Austin Nola.
CLICK HERE for LSU right fielder Mason Katz.
CLICK HERE for LSU starting pitcher Ryan Eades.

Below is Richard Fischer’s chorological blog of today’s game as well as Hunt Palmer’s scene setter.

It’s a great day at the Box, and we should have an equally enjoyable ballgame today. First of all, Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there.

We’ve got a rubber game here between the Tigers and ‘Dores. This series has not been unlike last weekend’s through two games. LSU won a tight one on Friday night and didn’t play its best baseball in Game 2. Aaron Nola did a great job, but he was not aided by his teammates on either side of the ball. LSU has not played great defense of late, and the Tigers have swung the bat worse the last two games. Paul Mainieri has done a little flip flop at the top of his order. Arby Fields will hit second behind Austin Nola.

Really, the story of the day will be Ryan Eades. His struggles are well documented, so we won’t dive into that. He’s just got to be better than he has been. He went through an extended bullpen this week. We’ll see if he’s ironed it out. Expect Vanderbilt to put the heat on from the beginning. Jordy Snikeris showed last night that he will struggle to throw anyone out. Vanderbilt will be off to the races when they get on base.

The Commordores will hand the ball to freshman Tyler Beede. He was the 21st overall pick in the draft last year out of high school. He was the only 1st rounder that didn’t sign. His numbers aren’t great this year, but he’s got excellent stuff. LSU has to be better at the dish than it has been this weekend.

Kentucky has a share of 1st in the league headed for the last weekend. LSU and South Carolina will have a chance to tie the Wildcats today. Kentucky heads to Starkville next weekend, and the Tigers head to Columbia.

FSN/SportsSouth has the game today. Dave Neal and Larry Conley have the call.

Starting Lineups:

Vanderbilt (25-25, 12-14)
1. Tony Kemp 2B .267
2. Mike Yastrzemski RF .283
3. Anthony Gomez SS .360
4. Conrad Gregor 1B .312
5. Spencer Navin C .299
6. Connor Castellano DH .250
7. Connor Harrell CF .252
8. Vinco Conde 3B .214
9. Jack Lupo LF .262

SP- Tyler Beede RHP (1-4, 4.14ERA, 58.2IP, 64H, 34R, 27ER, 20BB, 54K, OPP BA- .290)

LSU (39-12, 17-9)
1. Austin Nola SS .287
2. Arby Fields CF .245
3. Mason Katz RF .330
4. Raph Rhymes .486
5. Tyler Moore 1B .280
6. Jordy Snikeris C .321
7. Grant Dozar DH .272
8. Tyler Hanover 3B .290
9. JaCoby Jones 2B .263

SP- Ryan Eades RHP (5-2, 3.62ERA, 69.2IP, 73H, 32R, 28ER, 18BB, 48K, OPP BA- .277)

Top of the First:
Eades’ first pitch is a strike at 1:06… Kemp lifts the second pitch to Fields in center for out No. 1… Yastrzemski nubs a looper to shallow left, and Nola gets on his horse to make the catch. Two outs… Gomez rolls out to Nola. Great start for Eades… No runs. No hits. No errors. None left on base… LSU 0, Vandy 0

Bottom of the First:
Nola works the count full then singles to center - like any prototypical leadoff hitter should… Fields lines out to center. One away… Nola tries to take second on a wild pitch, and he’s called out. Sure looked safe both in real time and on the replays (as tweeted by Ty Ross), but there’s two outs… Katz walks… Rhymes gives it a ride to left-center, but it’s caught near the warning track… No runs. One hit. No errors. One left on base (1st base)… LSU 0, Vandy 0

Top of the Second:
Gregor lobs a single to left just in front of the diving Rhymes. Gregor legs it out to second on Rhymes’ ungraceful dive… Eades brushes Navin on the elbow… Castellano pops up a bunt atempt, and Snikeris jumps up and catches it. One away… Harrell rolls it down the third base line, and Hanover elects to let it roll in case it went foul because he wouldn’t have gotten an out anyway. It didn’t and the bases are loaded…  Conde lines to center to sac fly Vandy’s first run home. The other two runners stay. Two gone… Lupo singles up the middle, and Vandy pushes across one more. Harrell to second… Back to the top of the order, and Kemp walks to load them back up… Yastrzemski two-hops Jones, and he goes the short way to retire the side… Two runs. Three hits. No errors. Three left on base (bases loaded)… Vandy 2, LSU 0

Bottom of the Second:
Moore fans. Great stuff from Beede. One out… Snikeris singles to center… Dozar goes down like Moore. No match for Beede. Two away… Hanover makes soft contact and rolls out to second… No runs. One hit. No errors. One left on base (1st base)… Vandy 2, LSU 0

Top of the Third:
Gomez rolls sharply to Nola. He makes a backhanded stop and delivers wide to first, but Moore applies the tag for the first out… Gregor flies out to Rhymes. Two quickly down… Navin two-out singles to left… Castellano flies out to center… No runs. One hit. No errors. One left on base (1st base)… Vandy 2, LSU 0

Bottom of the Third:
Jones flies the first pitch he sees out to right… Nola walks… Fields walks, and Beede is losing his command a bit in the third… Katz singles up the middle to score Nola. Fields to second… Rhymes grounds sharply down the third base line, where Conde makes a tremendous diving stop. His throw to first is low, and Gregor can’t handle it. That woulda been an MLB play, so it’s correctly ruled a base hit. Bases loaded… Moore gets Fields home on a sac fly to left. Both runners smartly move up on the throw to the plate… Snikeris swings out of his shoes on a breaking ball that doesn’t even get to the plate… Two runs. Two hits. No errors. Two left on base (3rd base, 2nd base)… LSU 2, Vandy 2

Bottom of the Third:
Jones flies the first pitch he sees out to right… Nola walks… Fields walks, and Beede is losing his command a bit in the third… Katz singles up the middle to score Nola. Fields to second… Rhymes grounds sharply down the third base line, where Conde makes a tremendous diving stop. His throw to first is low, and Gregor can’t handle it. That woulda been an MLB play, so it’s correctly ruled a base hit. Bases loaded… Moore gets Fields home on a sac fly to left. Both runners smartly move up on the throw to the plate… Snikeris swings out of his shoes on a breaking ball that doesn’t even get to the plate… Two runs. Two hits. No errors. Two left on base (3rd base, 2nd base)… LSU 2, Vandy 2

Top of the Fourth:
Harrell one-hops Hanover. One pitch. One out… Conde whiffs on a nice Eades changeup. Two gone… Lupo finds space between Hanover and Nola for a base knock… Lupo swipes second. Snikeris’ throw bounces before it gets to second… Kemp flies the next pitch out to Nola in deep short, so no harm done… No runs. One hit. No errors. One left on base (2nd base)… LSU 2, Vandy 2

Bottom of the Fourth:
Dozar walks on four pitches… Hanover does a nice just to get a pitch by his eyes down for a sac bunt. Dozar to second with one out… Jones lines out to a diving Lupo in left. Nice play. Two down… Nola singles to get Dozar home. Nola is 2-for-2 with a walk from the leadoff spot today… Fields walks. Nola to second. Beede is done. Lefty Kevin Ziomek in on the mound… Katz walks to load the bases… Rhymes lines out softly to center… One run. One hit. No errors. Three left on base (bases loaded)… LSU 3, Vandy 2

Top of the Fifth:
Yastrzemski turns around an Eades delivery for a double to the wall down the right field line… Gomez singles up the middle, and it just took three pitches in the fifth for Vandy to tie it… Gregor bounces it hard to Jones, and he starts a 4-6-3 double play. Two outs… Navin walks… Castellano walks, and Eades has lost it. Mainieri makes the switch to Nick Rumbelow… He delivers a wild pitch Harrell, and both runners move up… Harrell then walks on a 3-2 count, and the bases are loaded with free passes… Chris Cotton is up and throwing now… Conde pops up to Snikeris behind the plate on a 3-1 count. Rumbelow had to lay one in there, and Conde missed it… One run. Two hits. No errors. Three left on base (bases loaded)… LSU 3, Vandy 3

Bottom of the Fifth:
Moore is rung up looking. One down… Snikeris grounds to third, where Conde misplayes it, but he still has time to recover and throw to first for the out thanks in large part to Snikeris’ lack of speed. Two quickly out… Dozar flies out to center, and LSU goes down in roughly a minute in the fifth… No runs. No hits. No errors. None left on base… LSU 3, Vandy 3

Top of the Sixth:
Lupo gets in infield single up the middle. Nice effort by Jones to cut it off, but he had to chance to get the out… Kemp strikes out looking. One out… Lupo takes second by a mile in front of Snikeris’ throw. This is gonna be a problem… Yastrzemski flies out to Fields. Two away… Gomez is intentionally walked, setting up lefty on lefty with Chris Cotton entering the game to face Gregor… Both runners steal. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a runner take third that easily… Doesn’t matter as Cotton wins the lefty on lefty battle as he usually always does, getting Gregor to fly out to Fields… No runs. One hit. No errors. Two left on base (3rd base, 2nd base)… LSU 3, Vandy 3

Bottom of the Sixth:
Hanover flies out to the warning track in left. That woulda been a homer yesterday or Friday with the wind blowing out that way but not today… Jones chases high heat. Two outs… Nola walks. He’s reached every time up today… Fields walks as well… Katz flies out to deep right-center. Ziomek hasn’t allowed a hit in his 2.1 innings of work, but he’s walked three… No runs. No hits. No errors. Two left on base (2nd base, 1st base)… LSU 3, Vandy 3

Top of the Seventh:
Navin lines out right at Nola. One away… Right-handed hitting John Norwood pinch hits for Castellano and reaches out over the plate to one-hop Nola. Throw in time for out No. 2… Harrell golfs it to Fields to retire the side. Cotton is strong in the middle innings… No runs. No hits. No errors. None left on base… LSU 3, Vandy 3

Bottom of the Seventh:
Rhymes flies out to right in foul territory… Moore strikes out swinging. That’s the hat trick for Moore today. Two gone… Snikeris fans. Boy, these lefty relievers are moving the game along much quicker… No runs. No hits. No errors. None left on base… LSU 3, Vandy 3

Top of the Eighth:
Conde hits a can of corn to Katz. One gone… Lupo pops out to Nola. Two away… Kemp flies high to a retreating Nola, and Cotton has retired all seven batters he’s faced… No runs. No hits. No errors. None left on base… LSU 3, Vandy 3

Bottom of the Eighth:
Alex Edward pinch hits for Dozar was LSU tries to get something going versus Ziomek, and he singles up middle. That’s the first hit LSU has on him in 3.1 innings… Jared Foster pinch runs for Edward… Hanover tries to sac bunt Foster to second but it doesn’t get far enough away from the plate, and Navin gets the lead runner. One out… Will Clinard in to pitch for Vandy… He gets Jones to ground to third, but Conde misplays it. E-5. Probably wouldn’t have been a double play with Jones’ speed, but they certainly would have gotten the lead runner… The runners move up on a wild pitch that barely gets away from Navin. Hanover is safe at third by inches… Infield in, and Nola lifts a sac fly to score Hanover. The first time Nola doesn’t reach tonight may be his best at-bat. Jones tagged for third on the play… Fields bounces out to third, but the Tigers have captured the lead. Nick Goody in to try to get the save… One run. One hit. One error. One left on base (third base)… LSU 4, Vandy 3

Top of the Ninth:
Yastrzemski crushes his fifth HR of the season to right, and Goody doesn’t get the one-run save like he has done so often this season… Gomez pops out in the infield. One out… LSU puts on the shift for Gregor, and he rolls out right to Jones. You don’t see that in the college game very much, but it works for out No. 2… Navin grounds out to Nola, and Goody settles down to make quick work of the ‘Dores… One run. One hit. No errors. None left on base… LSU 4, Vandy 4

Bottom of the Ninth:
Katz flies out to deep right-center. He had Tiger faithful on their feet for a second, but it’s a loud out No. 1… Rhymes bounces out to short. Two away… Moore flies out to left, and we play on at the Box… No runs. No hits. No errors. None left on base… LSU 4, Vandy 4

Top of the Tenth:
Norwood doesn’t pull the trigger on an 0-2 Goody fastball. No idea what he was waiting for there. One out… Harrell triples the other way to the right-center wall… Infield in. Left-handed hitting Andrew Harris pinch hits for Conde, and he bunts without the runner breaking for home. It’s such a well-placed bunt, that LSU doesn’t have a play at first. He’s safe with a base hit… Vandy tries the squeeze bunt (with the runner moving this time), and Lupo slams it right to the charging Moore. He gets it to Snikeris for the out at the plate. Two down. Runners at first and second… Kemp singles up the middle, and Vandy goes on top… Last inning’s hero Yastrzemski flies out to right-center to retire the side…  One run. Three hits. No errors. Two left on base (2nd base, 1st base)… Vandy 5, LSU 4

Bottom of the Tenth:
Joel McKeithan the new third baseman for Vandy… Snikeris rolls out to second… Foster finds McKeithan for out No. 2. That’s why he’s in there… Last chance for LSU, and Hanover flies out to right… No runs. No hits. No errors. None left on base… Gametime: 3:21

FINAL: Vandy 5, LSU 4