By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor
The first and last plays that LSU’s defense was on the field at Kentucky Saturday could not have gone much worse.
Kentucky running back CJ Baxter charged up the middle for 77 yards to the LSU 3-yard line on the Wildcats’ first offensive play of the game as linebacker Davhon Keys blitzed, and no one appeared behind him as a safety valve to make the tackle. That set up a 3-yard touchdown run by Baxter for a 7-3 Kentucky lead.
Baxter finished with 123 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns.
And on Kentucky’s last offensive player of the game, quarterback Kenny Minchey probably could have run for another 77 up the middle through a huge hole, but he only needed three yards for the two-point conversion in overtime and the 35-34 walk-off win at Kroger Field in Lexington.
“Both sides are taking accountability,” LSU linebacker TJ Dottery said on Tuesday of the coaches, particularly defensive coordinator Blake Baker, and the players for the Tigers.
“Feeling like we could’ve executed the calls better. And he (Baker) feels like maybe he could’ve called some different calls,” Dottery said. “But for sure, both sides taking accountability. Regardless of whatever he calls, we just need to make sure we execute it for sure.”
LSU coach Lane Kiffin said that one defender did not get the call right on the two-point conversion.
“Someone got the call, and one didn’t get the call,” Kiffin said. “So, there was more to it than just the base call. There was an adjustment that didn’t get done that changes how they rush because of the ability for the quarterback to run vertically.”
Dottery relays Baker’s calls to the rest of the defense as he wears a communication device in his helmet.
“We all know we left a lot on the board,” Dottery said. “Offensively (two turnovers by QB Sam Leavitt), defensively (401 yards, including 67-yard field goal drive over last 1:37 with no timeouts for the game-tying field goal in regulation) and special teams (55-yard punt return for a 14-10 deficit in second quarter). “I think everybody has a bad taste in their mouth. We need to use that as motivation to try and be better this week.”
The No. 22 Tigers (4-2, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) host No. 16 Mississippi State (4-2, 2-1 SEC) at 11 a.m. Saturday on ESPN. LSU’s defense may catch a break in this one as dangerous dual-threat State quarterback Kamario Taylor may miss the game with a painful turf toe injury. But the Tigers will still be ready for him.
“I know Kamario personally,” Dottery said. “And I know he’s going to do everything he can to get out there Saturday. We’re preparing as if he is the starter.”
Taylor’s injury status for the game has been unknown for far this week, but he is expected to be listed on State’s availability report to the SEC office on Wednesday night with a designation of out, doubtful or questionable.
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