LSU led 17-14 with just 1:34 to play in the game, but Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron threw a short pass to tailback T.J. Yeldon, who shredded LSU’s defense for a 28-yard touchdown and the lead with 51 seconds to play.
The score capped a 72-yard drive by Alabama (9-0, 6-0 Southeastern Conference) in just five plays and 43 seconds to end the nation’s longest home winning streak at 22 games. Alabama coach Nick Saban also handed Miles just his second Saturday night loss through 38 games and eight years at LSU.
The No. 5 Tigers (7-2, 3-2 SEC) struggled mightily on offense in the first half, but they took over the game in the second half. They even put together a 90-yard drive in seven plays to take a 17-14 lead with 12:58 to play in the game on a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Zach Mettenberger to wide receiver Jarvis Landry.
Mettenberger played the game of his life, completing 24 of 35 passes for a career-high 298 yards. LSU had a chance to add to its lead midway in the fourth quarter as it drove to the Alabama 24. But on fourth down, the Mad Hatter gambled and failed. Choosing against a 41-yard field goal well within Drew Alleman’s range, Miles went for it on fourth and one as he did five times with success against Florida in 2007. Tailback Spencer Ware came in as the Wildcat quarterback, but he was stuffed at the line.
“I wish I had a couple of my calls back so you know,” said Miles, who tried a fake field goal in the second quarter, but it was stuffed.
Miles also called an onside kick after pulling within four at 14-10 in the third quarter, but LSU touched the ball before it went 10 yards, and Alabama was awarded possession.
“We had a chance to really take the momentum there,” Miles said. “I’d like all the ones back that don’t work.”
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