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Scott, strong second quarter lift LSU past Georgia Tech

Jan 1, 2009 - 5:35 AM ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Charles Scott recorded three rushing touchdowns as Louisiana State benefited from a strong second quarter and cruised to a 38-3 triumph over 15th-ranked Georgia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Wednesday.

Richard Dickson reeled in a 25-yard touchdown reception and Keiland Williams rushed for an 18-yard score for LSU (8-5), which put up 28 points in the second quarter and used a bevy of special teams plays to seal the win.

The Tigers recovered an onside kick, a fumbled punt return and thwarted Georgia Tech's fake punt attempt in this one.

"We have some pretty nifty special teams guys," LSU coach Les Miles said.

"We felt like we needed to maybe steal some possessions and keep the ball away from their offense."

Scott, who finished the season with 1,109 yards and 15 TDs, had touchdown runs of two, one and four yards in this one as the Tigers claimed their 10th win in their last 12 bowl games.

He finished with 15 carries for 56 yards for LSU, which was the first defending national champion to play in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

Freshman quarterback Jordan Jefferson was efficient in his second start for the Tigers, completing 16-of-24 passes for 150 yards and a score.

For his efforts, Jefferson was voted the offensive MVP of the game.

"I was real comfortable," Jefferson said. "I had faith in my line."

"He wasn't a freshman tonight," Scott said. "He was poised. He was smooth. He grew up a lot tonight. When he called my number, I had no hesitation."

Conversely, Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt struggled in this one, going 8-for-24 for 150 yards and an interception.

Scott Blair's 24-yard field goal in the first quarter accounted for the lone score for the Yellow Jackets (9-4), who were denied their first 10-win season since 1998.

"It was a disappointing ending to the season," Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson said. "We got outplayed, we got outcoached. It was a good beating.

"I'm proud of them for the season. I'm not going to let this put a damper on the season."