BATON ROUGE - The LSU Tigers struck first against the South Carolina Gamecocks, thanks to a big play by the defense.

On the Gamecocks' first snap from scrimmage, LSU defensive end Patrick Payton recovered a fumble, setting up the Tigers deep in South Carolina territory. However, the offense was limited to a field goal, giving LSU an early 3-0 lead.

On the ensuing drive, LSU marched all the way to the South Carolina 1-yard line, but running back Ju’Juan Johnson fumbled on a rush attempt. The Gamecocks recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchback.

The Gamecocks wasted no time capitalizing, as running back Matt Fuller broke free for a 72-yard touchdown run, giving South Carolina a 7–3 lead with under a minute to play in the first quarter.

The Tigers' matchup with the Gamecocks airs

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