Louisiana State Takes What Georgia Gives It

Louisiana State quarterback Matt Mauck wasn’t even looking for Skyler Green on the Tigers’ biggest play of the season.

But Mauck ended up connecting with Green instead of star receiver Michael Clayton on a 34-yard touchdown pass with 1:22 left that gave No. 11 LSU a 17-10 victory over No. 7 Georgia on Saturday at Baton Rouge, La.

“Skyler was actually supposed to pick for Mike’s guy,” Mauck said. “Skyler ran past him and I saw him out of the corner of my eye. I just threw it up and he made a great play.”

Green decided to do a little ad-libbing as the play unfolded.

“I was set up to run a different route,” Green said. “And I just kind of saw what was happening at the time and I slipped on behind the defender and made the catch.”

LSU’s win ended the Bulldogs’ road winning streak at nine. Georgia, 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the conference, had not lost on an opponent’s field since Richt became coach in 2001.

LSU (4-0, 1-0) appeared to be in control late in the fourth quarter. The Tigers put together a long drive, going to Georgia’s 18-yard line. But Mauck fumbled on a keeper, turning the ball over.

David Greene then found Tyson Browning on a screen pass and Browning, after getting some key blocks, ran 93 yards to tie it at 10-10 with 4:25 left.

Devery Henderson returned the kickoff 48 yards to set up the Tigers. Six plays later, Mauck hit Green with the game-winner.

Corey Webster intercepted Greene’s pass with 32 seconds left to ensure LSU’s victory.

No. 14 Arkansas 31, North Texas 7 -- Cedric Cobbs ran for 104 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Razorbacks (3-0) over the Mean Green (1-3) at Little Rock, Ark.

Cobbs is the first Arkansas back since Jerry Eckwood in 1975 to open the season with three 100-yard games. The fifth-year senior has 364 yards and four touchdowns in 52 carries.

The Razorbacks scored three touchdowns in a 2:40 span late in the second quarter as they avoided a letdown after their emotional 38-28 victory at then-No. 6 Texas.

George Wilson had four receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown, giving the Razorbacks a 100-yard receiver for the fourth consecutive game.

No. 20 Texas Christian 30, Vanderbilt 14 -- Freshman Robert Merrill ran for 119 yards and the go-ahead touchdown to lead the Horned Frogs (3-0) over the Commodores (1-3) at Fort Worth.

Merrill, who didn’t have a carry in the first two games, ran 29 times -- all after starting tailback Lonta Hobbs left the game midway through the first quarter because of an injured right foot.

Northern Illinois 19, No. 21 Alabama 16 -- Josh Haldi threw two second-half touchdown passes and Michael Turner ran for 156 yards to lead the Huskies (3-1) to an upset of the Crimson Tide (2-2) at Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Northern Illinois, which was a 14-point underdog, toppled its second ranked team of the season. The Huskies opened with a 20-13 victory over then-No. 15 Maryland and had been 0-8 against Southeastern Conference teams.

Houston 42, Mississippi State 35 -- Kevin Kolb threw for 321 yards and four touchdowns and the Cougars (3-1) held on at Houston to send the Bulldogs (0-3) to their worst start in 35 years.

South Carolina 42, Alabama Birmingham 10 -- Freshman Demetris Summers ran for 161 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Gamecocks (3-1) over the Blazers (1-3) at Columbia, S.C.