It was 14-3 at halftime last Saturday in a match between two sets of Tigers: those from LSU and those from Auburn. Number 5 ranked LSU was down at halftime (literally and mentally) after their offense was consistently stymied by the number 20 Auburn defense. But head coach Les Miles wouldn’t let that fact deter his team from victory.

After a motivated speech in the locker room that stressed the fact “We’ve been here before,” a new LSU team emerged. Neither the score nor the oppressive shouts of an Auburn crowd could hold the physical nature of the LSU team or the cunning mind of the LSU coach.

After the Auburn special teams returned the second half kickoff to the LSU 19, it seemed like things were turning worse for LSU. Not so. The LSU lineman drove the Auburn squad back out of field goal range. The next drive, replacement quarterback Jarrett Lee drove down Auburn territory, completing the drive with a 39-yard touchdown pass.

Then the tricks began. The following kickoff, Miles ordered the onside kick which was successfully recovered. Though they were unable to progress the ball, the LSU defense intercepted a 4th and 1 pass on the next Auburn drive. From there, trick number two guided the LSU Tigers to another touchdown as running back Keiland Williams threw a 22-yard pass to Demetrius Byrd for a touchdown.

Between crafty plays and dominating LSU offensive and defensive lines, Miles and his Tigers went on to beat Auburn 26-21 and once more prove why they won the National Championship last year.