LSU Learns It Has a Long Way to Go

Another big game turned into another cakewalk for No. 1 Florida.

Behind an offense that scored 28 points in a half-quarter and a defense that shut down Kevin Faulk, the Gators built a five-touchdown lead at halftime and strolled to a 56-13 victory over No. 12 LSU on Saturday.

It was reminiscent of their pivotal victory three weeks ago over then-No. 2 Tennessee, when the Gators took a 35-0 lead and spent the rest of the game running out the clock.

“They’ve won three [SEC] championships in a row. They have experience in big games and this is how they handle it,” LSU Coach Gerry DiNardo said.

Florida improved to 6-0 and 4-0 in the Southeastern Conference.

The Tigers (4-1, 2-1) are accustomed to running the ball. They were ranked eighth in the nation rushing at 279.5 yards, led by Faulk’s 128 yards, coming into the game.

But the front seven of Florida dominated from the start. Faulk gained only 26 yards, and the Tigers rushed for only 28, their worst showing since gaining 22 yards against Alabama in 1992.

“It was pretty frustrating,” said Faulk, who set the school record with 246 yards against Houston this year.

Florida turned to its trio of running backs when the game got out of hand and wound up with 308 yards rushing. Elijah Williams had 109 yards and Fred Taylor finished with 107 yards.

Danny Wuerffel threw for 277 yards and three touchdowns.

Ike Hilliard and Reidel Anthony each had more than 100 yards receiving, the first time in school history Florida has had two running backs and two receivers gain at least 100 yards.