Gators use whole bag of tricks
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Lamical Perine scored twice on short runs, including one after a trick play in the fourth quarter, and No. 22 Florida beat No. 5 LSU 27-19 Saturday in another nail-biter in the series.
Brad Stewart’s 25-yard interception return for a touchdown — the first pick Joe Burrow has thrown this season — sealed the victory for the Gators (5-1, 3-1 SEC).
Florida scored all its points after 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow became the sixth player to be inducted into the school’s ring of honor.
“I didn’t want him to let him down,” said Florida coach Dan Mullen, Tebow’s offensive coordinator for two national championships. “I know it’s a night he’ll never forget . ... Winning that game was kind of like a little cherry on top.”
With Tebow watching much of the game from the sideline, Florida looked a little like a championship contender.
Perine grinded out tough yards, Florida’s defense was as good as it’s been all season and the difference was another perfect play call by Mullen.
A week after beating Mississippi State with a double pass, Feleipe Franks handed off to seldom-used tight end Lucas Krull, slipped around the right end mostly unnoticed and caught a 15-yard pass from Krull that set up Perine’s second score.
The drive was huge for Florida, which had dropped six of eight in the series.
“That last drive they had was a devastating drive,” LSU coach Ed Orgeron said. “We just couldn't make a play.”