SAEDNEWS: LSU held Florida to 10 points while overcoming injuries, scuffles, and offensive struggles, with coach Brian Kelly defending a gritty 20-10 victory in a classic SEC showdown.
According to Saed News; BATON ROUGE, La. — No. 3 LSU moved to 3-0 with a 20-10 victory over Florida on Saturday night, a game that started with a pregame scuffle and ended with a fiery postgame press conference from Tigers head coach Brian Kelly.
LSU’s defense was the star of the night, intercepting Florida quarterback DJ Lagway five times and holding their third straight opponent under 10 points. Dashawn Spears, in his first career standout performance, contributed two interceptions, including a 58-yard touchdown return that sealed the game in the third quarter. Florida’s offense never gained rhythm, with LSU’s defensive line dominating the trenches.
LSU’s offense managed 316 total yards, including 96 rushing yards. Caden Durham’s 51-yard run on the final offensive play before entering victory formation highlighted the Tigers’ persistence. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier went 15-for-27 for 220 yards and one touchdown, despite a costly interception in Florida’s red zone. Kelly acknowledged the offensive struggles but praised the team for smart game management.
The Tigers lost star linebackers Whit Weeks to a targeting penalty early and West Weeks to a calf injury later in the game. However, freshman Zach Weeks stepped up, proving the depth of LSU’s roster. Punter Grant Chadwick also played a crucial role, averaging 50.4 yards per punt and consistently pinning Florida deep in their own territory.
After the game, Kelly defended the style of LSU’s win, calling it “one of the SEC classics” and dismissing critics who focused on the offense. Kelly addressed questions with blunt confidence, repeatedly referencing Durham’s final run as evidence that the Tigers “know how to win games.” He emphasized that LSU’s success comes from effort, smart strategy, and building an offense around a dominant defense.
Tensions flared before kickoff, as Florida players circled the field and briefly confronted LSU students near the stadium’s south stand. No penalties were issued, but the presence of police highlighted the intensity of the matchup. LSU’s home-field advantage remained clear, with fans engaged, stadium lights and LED wristbands amplifying the electrifying atmosphere.
With this win, LSU remains undefeated (3-0, 1-0 SEC) and reinforces its status as a top contender in the Southeastern Conference. Florida drops to 1-2, 0-1 in conference play. LSU will look to refine its offensive efficiency while continuing to rely on its dominant defense in upcoming matchups, aiming for a championship-contending season under Kelly’s leadership.
