http://bleacherreport.com/articles/900392-looking-at-the-auburn-lsu-rivalry-1994-defense-auburn-defenseLooking at the Auburn-LSU Rivalry: 1994 Defense, Auburn, Defense
By Michael Abbott (Contributor) on October 18, 2011 531 reads 0
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The Auburn-LSU game is always huge and the 1994 game was no exception. LSU traveled to Auburn, AL. to face the No. 11 Auburn Tigers. Not only was Auburn highly ranked, but was riding a 14-game winning streak in Terry Bowden's second year at Auburn's coach.
After a scoreless first quarter, Auburn took a 3-0 lead early in the second quarter. However, that wouldn't last long. On the next possession, LSU threw a 76-yard touchdown pass to take the lead and quiet the rowdy Auburn faithful.
The next LSU possession was an omen of what was to come. LSU running back Jermaine Sharp fumbled in the end zone and was recovered by Auburn for a touchdown. The PAT was no good, leaving the score 9-7. But before the half ended, LSU added a field goal to take the lead 10-9.
The third quarter started with an Auburn punt. The next three possessions were turnovers—first a pick by Auburn which led to a fumble which led to an LSU fumble.
With these two teams, no one should be surprised.
But finally, LSU struck first with a field goal. Auburn's offense wasn't playing well at on this day and, by the end of the third quarter, LSU had a 20-9 lead after a touchdown before the quarter ended.
Early in the fourth quarter, LSU added another field goal to extend the lead to 23-9. The way the Auburn offense was struggling, most fans who are honest will tell you they thought the day was done. LSU had come in to Auburn, knocked off the 11th-ranked Tigers and ended coach Bowden's win streak.
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Defense Auburn Defense.
Strange things happen in the series, strange things. On LSU's next possession, Ken Alvis picked off LSU quarterback Jamie Howard and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown.
Defense Auburn Defense.
On the next LSU possession, after the interception, LSU put the ball in the air again only to see it picked off by Fred Taylor and returned 32 yards for a touchdown. The score was tied at this point 23-23.
But LSU wasn't going away, driving the ball down the field to give the purple tigers a 26-23 lead with just over five minutes to play. No way Auburn's defense could do it again. Two picks for a touchdown in a game is lucky, three would be amazing.
Defense Auburn Defense.
After yet another punt by Auburn, LSU took the field again. Howard dropped back to pass and the unthinkable happened. Brian Robinson picked the pass off and ran it in for the score. Auburn led 30-26.
The fisty Bayou Bengals wouldn't give up. On their next possession, they drove to the Auburn 25-yard line. But Auburn got another interception by Robinson and returned it 36 yards before he fumbled back to LSU with another chance to reclaim the lead. It seemed the great effort by he the Auburn defense was about to be for nothing.
But this day belonged to the Auburn defense. Chris Shelling picked of yet another Howard pass to finally put a end to the game and give Auburn a 15-game win streak. It was the fifth pick of the day.
The offense had a total of 165 yards and no touchdowns. It goes down as one of the most unlikely victories, scoring 30 points without the help of the offense.
The game was believed to have cost LSU coach Curly Hallman his job and quarterback Jamie Howard received death threats after the game.
They love their football in Baton Rouge, as do the Auburn fans, which makes this rivalry one of the most fun and entertaining games in college football.
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