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LSU hopes to rebound from rough loss

Oct 18, 2008 - 10:12 AM (14) LSU (4-1) at South Carolina (5-2), 8:00 pm EDT

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (Ticker) -- Louisiana State was embarrassed in "The Swamp," where it was devoured by a ravenous group of Gators.

The 14th-ranked Tigers look to rebound from their worst loss during Les Miles' four-year tenure as coach on Saturday when they visit South Carolina in a Southeastern Conference contest.

LSU (4-1, 2-1 SEC West) suffered a 51-21 defeat at Florida, losing in regulation for the first time since falling at Florida, 23-10, in 2006. The Tigers absorbed two overtime defeats a year ago en route to the national championship.

Last week marked LSU's most lopsided defeat since a 31-0 home loss to Alabama in 2002. The Tigers surrendered their most points since a 56-13 drubbing to Florida in 1996.

The Gators may have had extra incentive after LSU defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois spoke of wanting to take out Gators quarterback Tim Tebow - comments that appeared in the Orlando Sentinel.

Jean-Francois ended up not even making the trip to Gainesville due to a nagging groin injury, but the Tigers hope to have him back for South Carolina.

The defeat to Florida likely ended LSU's hopes of defending its national title. The pollsters treated the Tigers harshly, dropping them 11 spots.

As bad as the loss was, however, it did not end LSU's SEC hopes. The Tigers can still win the SEC West by running the table, as they face Alabama, the league's only unbeaten team, at home on November 2.

South Carolina (5-2, 2-2 SEC East) has rebounded from a 1-2 start with four straight wins, including a 24-17 victory at Kentucky last week. Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier improved to 16-0 lifetime against Kentucky.

However, South Carolina could have issues with its kicking game and more uncertainty at quarterback.

Ryan Succop missed four field goals against Kentucky and quarterback Chris Smelley was benched in the second half after completing only 9-of-23 passes for 105 yards and two interceptions.

Stephen Garcia took over and completed 10-of-14 passes for 169 yards, rallying the Gamecocks from a 17-14 deficit in the fourth quarter.