Arthur Porche, Sr.
September 17, 2007
Law enforcement makes arrest in 15-year-old priest murder case
September 19, 2007Despite not having the services of starting quarterback Matt Flynn and standout wide receiver Early Doucet, second-ranked LSU had little trouble with Middle Tennessee State in a 44-0 rout at Tiger Stadium.
The Tiger defense showed up and smothered Middle Tennessee State, allowing the visitors only 90 yards in the game. LSU (3-0) notched 11 stops behind the line of scrimmage (including six sacks) and allowed only nine yards rushing. It was also the second shutout of the season for LSU.
The Tiger offense didn’t seem to miss a beat without Flynn and Doucet as it gained 505 yards. Leading the charge was quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, who was 20-for-25 for 298 yards and three touchdowns. Eight players combined to rush for 198 yards on the ground for the Tigers.
LSU got things started on its first drive, which ended with a 29-yard field goal by Colt David. On the last play of the first quarter, Charles Scott caught a 13-yard pass from Perrilloux for the first touchdown of the game. Demetrius Byrd got into the scoring mix by hauling a 62-yard scoring pass from Perrilloux with 9:47 left in the first half. With just over three minutes left in the second quarter, David hit a 35-yard field goal and added another, a 26-yarder, as the first-half game clock expired. The third field goal allowed LSU to take a 23-0 lead into the half.
In the second half, Brandon LaFell scored on an 18-yard reverse run, Terrance Tolliver hauled in a 15-yard pass from Perrilloux and Richard Murphy recorded an 8-yard run all for touchdowns.
“When you play at LSU and come out on the field with 11 players, it doesn’t mean that the guys at 12, 13 and 14, who are waiting to get out there don’t have talent,” said LSU coach Les Miles. “In any event, we need to get back on our feet, get treatment and get healthy because we are back in the conference next week.”
LSU will now play host to South Carolina (3-0) in a nationally televised contest at 2:30 p.m. in Tiger Stadium. The game will be broadcast on CBS.
The Gamecocks are ranked 12th after a 38-3 win over South Carolina State last week. South Carolina beat UL-Lafayette, 28-14, to start the season and two weeks ago topped Georgia, 16-12.
Meanwhile, LSU has scored at least 44 points in all of its games and boasts one of the stingiest defenses in the country. In their win over the Bulldogs, the Gamecocks allowed 341 yards and managed only a first-quarter touchdown offensively. South Carolina is led by quarterback Blake Mitchell (321 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions), running backs Cory Boyd (255 yards, four touchdowns) and Mike Davis (252 yards) and wide receiver Kenny McKinley (182 yards, two touchdowns).
BASEBALL BEGINS FALL PRACTICE
The LSU baseball squad began its five-week fall practice session Saturday, working out for just over 2.5 hours on a clear, warm afternoon in Alex Box Stadium.
“It was a great start,” second-year LSU coach Paul Mainieri said of the opening practice. “It’s very evident to me that we have a group of players who are committed to performing at the highest level. There was not a player out here today who is not willing to work hard and make the sacrifices necessary to make our team as good as it can possibly be.”
LSU’s 2008 roster features nine position players with starting experience and eight pitchers who recorded innings last season.
The veterans are complemented by a talented class of 19 newcomers, including eight players selected in the 2007 Major League Draft.
The Tigers stressed fundamentals in Saturday’s workout, focusing on running the bases and situational hitting while also engaging in spirited round of batting practice.
The fall practice session continues through October 23, and all workouts in Alex Box Stadium are open to the public. LSU opens the 2008 season on February 22 versus Indiana in Alex Box Stadium.
VOLLEYBALL SHINES
The No. 24 volleyball team rallied back to defeat Arkansas on Sunday in Arkansas. The Lady Tigers (10-1 overall, 2-0 in the SEC) were led by Elena Martinez (33 digs), Kyna Washington (20 kills, 17 digs and four aces), Lauren DeGirolamo (19 kills), Brittnee Cooper (14 kills and eight blocks), Angela Bensend (10 kills and four blocks) and Marina Skender (14 digs and three aces).
On Wednesday, LSU topped Ole Miss behind the efforts of Washington (24 kills).
This week, the Lady Tigers, who have won four straight matches, play at home against South Carolina on Friday at 7 p.m. and Florida on Sunday at 1 p.m.
SOCCER TEAM STILL UNDEFEATED
The Lady Tigers remained undefeated on the season after a double-overtime scoreless tie at Houston on Sunday. On Wednesday, LSU (5-0-1) blanked McNeese State, 5-0, in Baton Rouge.
In the win against the Cowgirls, Rachel Yepez had two goals, while Taryne Boudreau, Vernoica Godbolt and Roslyn Jones each added goals in the victory.
This week, LSU will play at Texas on Tuesday and participate in the College of Charleston (S.C.) Tournament this weekend against the host school and Davidson.
The Lady Tigers have not lost in eight straight contests and have posted four shutouts so far this season.
