And The Valley Shook - All PostsLSU Tigers Blog of the Week for 52,136 Weeks in a Row and Countinghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46725/andthevalleyshook_fave.png2024-03-27T14:49:24-05:00http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/rss/current/2024-03-27T14:49:24-05:002024-03-27T14:49:24-05:00Gio Paez Transferring to LSU
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<figcaption>Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>LSU finally adds a defensive linemen out of the portal</p> <p id="Evthi1">LSU’s lack of depth along the defensive line is single biggest red flag as spring practices are underway and the Tigers took their first step toward fixing the problem.</p>
<p id="ghdyiJ">Wisconsin graduate transfer Gio Paez announced he would spend his final season of eligibility in Baton Rouge. Paez is from Los Angeles but graduated high school in North Carolina; he was a three-star recruit. </p>
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<p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Let’s Geaux ✍ <a href="https://t.co/IruoKs84UC">pic.twitter.com/IruoKs84UC</a></p>— Gio Paez (@Gio_paez7117) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gio_paez7117/status/1772727391292416285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2024</a>
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<p id="iWZU6N"> Paez has appeared in 34 career games with the Badgers with 11 starts. This past season was a career-year for Paez. Paez started six games and had a career-best 23 tackles. For his career he has 36 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.</p>
<p id="Nz1gTi">While Paez played defensive end at Wisconsin, LSU sees him as an interior player as evidenced by his 6’3”, 310 pound frame.</p>
<p id="DgPp7M">Adding Paez may not send shockwaves across the college football realm, but it’s a move LSU had to make. Jordan Jefferson exhausted all of his eligibility at the conclusion of the season, and the coaching staff was unable to retain both Mekhi Wingo and Maason Smith. Add in the fact that three defensive tackles transferred out of the program, and you end up with Brian Kelly and his staff having to move reserve offensive linemen to the defensive side of the ball just to have enough bodies.</p>
<p id="dP9aYj">LSU now has seven scholarship defensive tackles and they’re going to have to add at least one more via the portal. Keep an eye on former Indiana defensive tackle Philip Blidi, whom LSU offered last Thursday. Blidi told 247 Sports that LSU “checks those boxes” and he’s supposed to be taking an official visit to campus. </p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2024/3/27/24113914/gio-paez-transferring-to-lsuZach Junda2024-03-27T07:00:00-05:002024-03-27T07:00:00-05:00LSU Pro Day Kicks Off on Wednesday
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<figcaption>Derek Stingley, Jr. participating in the shuttle drill at LSU’s Pro Day on April 6, 2022. Stingley was drafted by the Houston Texans as the third overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. | SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>13 members of LSU’s 2023 team will participate at LSU’s Pro Day at the Charles McClendon Practice Facility on Wednesday.</p> <p id="vB4Hpz">LSU will host Pro Day at the Charles McClendon Practice Facility where many LSU football players will showcase their talent to NFL personnel and scouts on Wednesday.</p>
<p id="vrGkh9">LSU’s Pro Day begins at 10 a.m. and 13 members of LSU’s 2023 team will participate. The headliners of LSU’s Pro Day are three expected first-round draft picks Heisman Trophy quarterback Jayden Daniels, unanimous All-America wide receiver Malik Nabers and NCAA TD reception leader Brian Thomas. </p>
<p id="bQMcPC">Six NFL head coaches along with 100 assistant coaches, scouts and other personnel will be attending LSU’s Pro Day. </p>
<p id="31RYYo">The event will be the largest in school history from a coverage standpoint as over 125 media members have been credentialed. The list includes not only local reporters who cover LSU but also ones who cover the Patriots, Commanders, Colts, Saints and Bears. National outlets such as ESPN and CBS Sports will also be on hand.</p>
<p id="Ajyvdh">LSU’s Pro Day begins at 10 a.m. and 13 members of LSU’s 2023 team will participate. The headliners of LSU’s Pro Day are three expected first-round draft picks Heisman Trophy quarterback Jayden Daniels, unanimous All-America wide receiver Malik Nabers and NCAA TD reception leader Brian Thomas.</p>
<p id="MddCDa">The players start the day with measurements followed by a series of tests – vertical jump, broad jump, bench press, 40-yard dash, pro shuttle, and the L-drill. The day is capped by position workouts. </p>
<p id="91iutZ">Portions of the event will be televised on NFL Network, ESPN and SEC Network. Louis Riddick (ESPN), Jordan Rodgers (SEC Network) and Cameron Wolfe (NFL Network) will be on-site providing updates for the various networks throughout the day.</p>
<p id="i8VPB3"><strong>2024 LSU Pro Day – List of Participants</strong></p>
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<li id="4OWzjQ">Jay Bramblett (P)</li>
<li id="193KbY">Noah Cain (RB)</li>
<li id="GLyWXj">Greg Clayton (WR)</li>
<li id="fwMFvS">Jayden Daniels (QB)</li>
<li id="A4ANvK">John Emery (RB) – injured</li>
<li id="08qpQe">Jordan Jefferson (DL)</li>
<li id="VwlPDY">Malik Nabers (WR)</li>
<li id="H3M1LE">Ovie Ogoufo (DL)</li>
<li id="SHpMhg">Andre Sams (DB)</li>
<li id="nos80A">Maason Smith (DL)</li>
<li id="16f8b0">Omar Speights (LB)</li>
<li id="UtOd7R">Brian Thomas (WR)</li>
<li id="KVawa0">Charles Turner (OL)</li>
<li id="buwVYc">Mekhi Wingo (DL)</li>
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<p id="edjER0"><strong>2024 LSU Pro Day - Schedule of Events for Wednesday, March 27 </strong></p>
<p id="uogn7U">10 a.m. </p>
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<li id="tCOD0t">Player Measurements</li>
<li id="5k7myQ">Vertical Jump</li>
<li id="OWBVMe">Broad Jump</li>
<li id="b5hc0c">40-yard dash</li>
<li id="Q1nZ6z">Pro Shuttle</li>
<li id="dnEwMp">L Drill</li>
<li id="VZDMfi">Bench Press</li>
<li id="fX0A4X">Position Workouts</li>
</ul>
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https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2024/3/27/24113266/lsu-pro-day-kicks-off-on-wednesdaygrantchachere2024-03-27T00:40:24-05:002024-03-27T00:40:24-05:00Spring Practice Report #2: Defensive backfield impresses and Emery Jones returns
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<figcaption>LSU CB Javien Toviano (25) | Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>LSU defensive backs show out, Emery Jones returns and more!</p> <p id="lwJt20">It has been an eventful last two practices for LSU football as some of the top recruits came to pay a visit and some players stepped up in a big way.</p>
<p id="SMBoDw">LSU let the media watch the practice in its entirety for the first time this spring on March 23 and there were no disappointments throughout the whole practice. They also allowed the media to watch the first 20 minutes of practice.</p>
<p id="BUcTY4">The defense looked impressive from the beginning to the end as it seemed like a cohesive unit that knew exactly what was going on. The defense also showed flashes of what LSU’s defense used to be like: physical, intense and lots of trash talk.</p>
<p id="1XMW48">Here are some observations from the last two practices.</p>
<p id="LCFFoR"><strong>Offense</strong></p>
<p id="QApOvb">Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was the quarterback of the first team. Although he had a lot of good moments, he threw three interceptions. However, those had a lot to do with the strong wind and the fact that the defense started to pick up on the offensive side of the ball as we got into the fourth week of spring camp. It also should be noted that the coaching staff and his teammates have seen Nussmeier take a huge step forward in his approach and demeanor.</p>
<p id="2U2qtT">Rickie Collins and Vanderbilt transfer AJ Swann continue to battle it out for the backup spot behind Nussmeier. It is expected that Swann will beat out Collins for the backup role due to his experience as a starting quarterback at Vanderbilt.</p>
<p id="U8AUo4">Kyren Lacy, Chris Hilton and Aaron Anderson were the first-team receivers on Saturday and Tuesday. Redshirt freshman Kyle Parker is battling Anderson for the WR3 and is currently the No.4 on the depth chart. Parker has been very impressive so far this spring. </p>
<p id="qrD5Zo">Along with Parker, Liberty transfer CJ Daniels and Mississippi State transfer Zavion Thomas make up the second-team group of receivers.</p>
<p id="Ic8rHz">Lacy made the play of the day when he jumped over safety Jardin Gilbert on a deep ball to an out-of-world snag. Not only did he make the catch, he bounced off of Gilbert and ran into the end zone for the score. </p>
<p id="Js7oNo">Starting right tackle Emery Jones returned on Tuesday and he was a full-go. In Jones’ absence, Tyree Adams and Bo Bordelon were getting first-team reps on the offensive line Saturday. Because of the reps he took in Jones’ absence, offensive line coach Brad Davis liked Adams as the backup tackle. Will Campbell, Garrett Dellinger, Miles Frazier, and DJ Chester at center continue to make up the starting five.</p>
<p id="Pb59vd"><strong>Defense</strong></p>
<p id="YzJTKG">On the defensive line, Jacobian Guillory, Jalen Lee and Savion Jones have been getting most of the starting reps on the inside as expected because of the lack of depth on the interior. On the edge, Bradyn Swinson and Da’Shawn Womack have been getting a good amount of reps at the JACK position. </p>
<p id="R9EcHz">Preston Hickey, Shone Washington, Dashawn Womack and true freshman De’Myrion Jonson are a part of the second-team defensive line.</p>
<p id="EtdmoD">At linebacker, All-American Harold Perkins and Greg Penn have been the two starters. The Weeks brothers, West and Whit, have been getting a good share of the reps as well.</p>
<p id="LVXhKW">The secondary looked very impressive on Saturday as they were in complete lockdown mode. They looked fast, played with physicality and there were all kinds of trash talk.</p>
<p id="Adezz4">The best performance from Saturday’s open practice was veteran safety Sage Ryan. Ryan was a ball magnet during practice as he intercepted Garrett Nussmeier three times including a pick-six. Ryan is one of the veterans with experience returning to the secondary and he showed his anticipation plenty of times during the practice. So far through four practices, the media has seen him get starting reps at both safety and nickel. LSU head coach Brian Kelly is a key piece to this defense because of his experience and versatility. </p>
<p id="8hSnrd">“Sage has got speed, athleticism, and obviously, that is a position that we needed some depth and he provided us that experience we were lacking at that position,” Kelly said.</p>
<p id="59t7Gm">Another big-time winner was true freshman Dashawn McBryde. The Denham Springs native went up against multiple receivers. Due to his wingspan and unique size, opposing wide receivers and tight ends had a tough time trying to get any leverage over McBryde. </p>
<p id="Aicjwf">From the last two practices, Ashton Stamps and Javien Toviano have been getting first-team reps at cornerback while Ohio State transfer Jyaire Brown, freshman PJ Woodland, Jeremiah Hughes, and JK Johnson have been getting a lot of repetitions with cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond. </p>
<p id="niyElJ">Starting cornerback Zy Alexander was present at the last two practices but he was doing rehab off to the side. However, Alexander is ahead of schedule and should be back for summer workouts.</p>
<p id="DkP7HE">While Texas A&M Jardin Gilbert has been getting most of the first team reps at safety, Ryan and Major Burns have been rotating at the STAR position. Burns, who has been mostly played further away from the line of scrimmage as a free safety, will be more of a rover going into this season.</p>
<p id="rtdTcd">“The star gives us a lot more versatility within your defensive structure,” Kelly said. It is a guy that can cover, a guy that can blitz, a guy that can play zone coverage, a really good tackler that is athletic in space, but also somebody that is rugged enough to handle himself at the line of scrimmage against a tight end. We felt that Major really fit that mold in terms of the star. He is closer to the football and he has those skills that we are looking for.”</p>
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<strong>Here are some highlights from the Open Practice from March 23! Go subscribe to my YouTube channel, </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@RougarouSportsMedia/featured"><strong>Rougarou Sports Media</strong></a><strong>, if you like this video and if you want to see more content regarding LSU sports and recruiting content!</strong>
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https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2024/3/27/24109741/spring-practice-report-2-defensive-backfield-impresses-and-emery-jones-returnsgrantchachere2024-03-25T12:08:56-05:002024-03-25T12:08:56-05:00LSU Manhandles Middle Tennessee, Advances to Sweet 16
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<figcaption>SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>LSU has advanced to the Sweet 16 for the second year in a row due to a dominant second-half performance.</p> <p id="Rv5qC8">Tennessee seemed like a typical blowout between a three-seed and an eleven-seed but it was more of a tale of two halves than anything.</p>
<p id="m8oY9e">After Middle Tennessee had a 36-32 lead at the half and it looked like an upset was brewing in the Pete Maravich Center, LSU outscored the Blue Raiders 51-20 in the second half to catapult the Tigers to the Sweet Sixteen. This is the first time that LSU was able to advance to the Sweet 16 in consecutive seasons since 2013-14.</p>
<p id="36A47G">A large reason why LSU was able to win this game was because it was able to get Middle Tennessee in foul trouble early. Because so many Blue Raiders were in foul trouble, it caused one of the nation’s best defenses to play conservatively.</p>
<p id="mWYvnU">“That was our advantage, knowing that they were in foul trouble going into the second half,” Reese said. </p>
<p id="gXZqS1">LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson led the Tigers with 21 points, four rebounds and two assists. Johnson shot the ball well from the field, making six of her 10 shot attempts.</p>
<p id="gs8Ou9">Mikaylah Williams was a threat on the perimeter, finishing with 16 points, shooting 6-for-11 from the field and 2-for-5 from three. She added six rebounds, too.</p>
<p id="iTaiFn">Despite having a slow start, All-American forward and SEC Player of the Year Angel Reese had a strong second half to finish with a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds. </p>
<p id="zlP7O3">LSU forward Aneesah Morrow also had a double-double, scoring 19 points and collecting 13 boards.</p>
<p id="MewzU6">This game showed that LSU can win games despite having to go away from its up-tempo, high-intensity offensive style because of its great defense.</p>
<p id="vz6CjZ">“Doing whatever it takes to win,” Reese said. “I think we did a good job playing team basketball and team defense.”</p>
<p id="lqRGIr">Along with its solid defense, LSU did a great job of limiting its turnovers, as it ended with just seven as a team, which is a far cry from the 24 turnovers it committed against Rice in the first round of the tournament on Friday.</p>
<p id="DgRlVv">LSU will now advance onto the Sweet 16 to face the winner of either No. 2 seed UCLA or No. 7 Creighton at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. The Bruins and the Blue Jays will face off against one another on Monday at 7:30 p.m. C.T. on ESPN2.</p>
<p id="PsLaWf">LSU will tip off in the Sweet 16 on March 30 at a time to be determined. They will play the winner of UCLA (2) vs. Creighton (7). </p>
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https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2024/3/25/24110812/lsu-manhandles-middle-tennessee-advances-to-sweet-16grantchachere2024-03-25T10:03:49-05:002024-03-25T10:03:49-05:00Tough Times at The Box: Florida blows out LSU to win series
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<figcaption>University of Florida Athletics</figcaption>
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<p>LSU loses its second series in a row. The last time LSU lost its first two series of conference play was 2021.</p> <p id="EXK6Wk">After Florida won an 11-inning thriller over LSU on Saturday night, everyone thought that game three would be another barnburner.</p>
<p id="LLKg8c">However, the Gators decided to blast six homers in a 12-2 drubbing of LSU in one of the most shocking defeats of the season for LSU.</p>
<p id="NnORz3">Florida improved to 14-9 overall, 4-2 in the SEC, while the Tigers dropped to 19-6 overall, 2-4 in conference play.</p>
<p id="iDlPwd">“We have a lot of work to do in order to improve our play, but I have tremendous faith in our players,” said LSU coach Jay Johnson. “We’ll get back on the field on Tuesday and begin that process.”</p>
<p id="1IzDQU">Florida left-hander Jac Caglianone (3-0) earned the win for the Gators, pitching 7.0 innings and only allowing one earned run on three hits with five walks and five strikeouts.</p>
<p id="jK6VrF">LSU starting pitcher Thatcher Hurd (1-3) was charged with the loss after allowing five runs on six hits in 4.2 innings with two walks and five strikeouts.</p>
<p id="bYG1So">The Tigers grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning when second baseman Josh Pearson doubled and scored when Florida left fielder Tyler Shelnut misplayed designated hitter Ethan Frey’s single.</p>
<p id="L05jlz">The Gators, however, responded with six runs in the top of the fifth when shortstop Colby Shelton hit a two-run homer, first baseman Luke Heyman lined a two-run double and second baseman Cade Kurland launched a two-run dinger.</p>
<p id="DZaW75">LSU first baseman blasted a solo shot in the bottom of the fifth – his 10th homer of the season – to narrow the gap to 6-2.</p>
<p id="kkVB2F">Shelton’s second two-run homer of the game in the sixth expanded Florida’s lead to 8-2.</p>
<p id="CIhWIJ">Florida would score four runs off of homers from right fielder Ty Evans, Caglianone and Shelnut to account for the final margin.</p>
<p id="e4Fv86">“Those four innings are the most disappointed I’ve been in a long time,” Johnson said. </p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2024/3/25/24111080/tough-times-at-the-box-florida-blows-out-lsu-to-win-seriesgrantchachere2024-03-24T12:28:40-05:002024-03-24T12:28:40-05:00LSU loses to Florida in extra innings
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<figcaption>Florida first baseman Jac Caglianone celebrates after he blasted a two-run home run in the 11th inning that would end up being the game-winner for Florida. | University of Florida Athletics</figcaption>
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<p>After having a 4-2 lead going into the eighth inning, LSU squandered it and lost 6-4 to the Gators in 11 innings.</p> <p id="oa3afV">Florida first baseman Jac Caglianone is without a doubt the best player in college baseball and he showed the LSU faithful why when he launched the game-winning two-run home run in the top of the 11th to give the Gators a 6-4 victory over the Tigers.</p>
<p id="2NeA9y">LSU’s pitching staff, who was phenomenal as it had only given up five hits the entire game going into the eighth inning, gave up six hits in the last four innings of play including Caglianone’s game-winning home run.</p>
<p id="sfZARh">“I think we want to improve as we go along and win as many games as we can,” LSU head coach Jay Johnson said after the loss. “That’s a tough one to lose. There’s no way around that. However, tomorrow is the opportunity to see the amount of improvement between last week to this week.” </p>
<p id="0Pc0lh">Florida reliever Ryan Slater (2-0) earned the win, pitching two scoreless innings with one hit, no walks and two strikeouts.</p>
<p id="JDRYYL">LSU reliever Nate Ackenhausen (2-2) was charged with the loss after allowing three runs on five hits in 3.2 innings with three walks and six strikeouts.</p>
<p id="ppNPBu">Despite his team losing, LSU starting pitcher Gage Jump had another fantastic outing as he hurled for 5.2 innings while allowing two runs (all earned) on two hits with four walks and eight strikeouts.</p>
<p id="WdH3m2">LSU took a 1-0 lead in the third when centerfielder Jake Brown singled, moved to third on a single by left fielder Mac Bingham and scored on a throwing error.</p>
<p id="AeFXb3">The Gators responded with two runs in the top of the fourth that was highlighted by Florida third baseman Dale Thomas’ RBI single.</p>
<p id="OeyiLn">The Tigers tied the game when designated hitter Hayden Travinski launched a solo dinger, his sixth home run of the year.</p>
<p id="FQmiEB">LSU took a 4-2 lead when Bingham and first baseman Jared Jones launched two solo homers.</p>
<p id="NUNihJ"> Florida right fielder Ty Evans doubled to lead off the eighth and later scored on a wild pitch to narrow the gap to 4-3, and he lined an RBI single in the ninth to knot the game at 4-4.</p>
<p id="VjWk23">Evans’ one-out single in the 11th preceded the Caglianone homer that gave the Gators a 6-4 cushion.</p>
<p id="DuZUL2">The Gators’ win over the Tigers means that the series will be decided by a rubber match on Sunday and it will take place at 2 p.m. CT, at Alex Box Stadium. The game will be televised on SEC Network.</p>
<p id="Jylstk">“You have to be in the right mindset,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be a tough game, and a tough challenge.”</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2024/3/24/24110123/lsu-loses-to-florida-in-extra-inningsgrantchachere2024-03-23T15:42:50-05:002024-03-23T15:42:50-05:00LSU defeats Florida 6-1 to take game one of the series
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<figcaption>LSU pitcher Luke Holman hurled a career-high strikeout toytal of 13 in LSU’s 6-1 win over Florida</figcaption>
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<p>LSU pitcher Luke Holman propels LSU to pick up a huge victory in front of 10,000 people at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge</p> <p id="BTk5TB">After an embarrassing series loss to Mississippi State, LSU responded in a big way due to Luke Holman’s big-time performance.<br>Firing for six innings, Holman (5-1) had a career-high 13 strikeouts, surpassing his former career best of 12 strikeouts recorded against Texas on March 1. He limited Florida to just one run on one hit with three walks.</p>
<p id="89vfIM">LSU improved to 19-4 overall, 2-2 in the SEC, while Florida dropped to 12-9 overall, 2-2 in conference play.</p>
<p id="APzlQU">Left-hander Griffin Herring earned his second save of the season for the Tigers. Herring allowed just three hits with no walks and three strikeouts in three scoreless innings.</p>
<p id="yGGxTs">“Great performance by Griffin,” LSU head coach Jay Johnson said. “I have so much faith in him. I just know he would be able to handle himself in that environment. There were a couple times where the count got to 3-2 and he made the pitch. That type of composure is what I was counting on tonight.”</p>
<p id="hlehQf">LSU designated hitter Ethan Frey went 2-for-4 with an RBI. The redshirt freshman has started to turn the corner as of late.</p>
<p id="liSHjO">“I want him to play,” Johnson said. “He was on the verge of playing a lot until [his injury]. I really believe in him. I’m excited to continue to get him out there.”</p>
<p id="4tXEd7">Florida starting pitcher Cade Fisher (2-2) was charged with the loss. Fisher allowed five runs on five hits in 5.0 innings with two walks and five strikeouts.</p>
<p id="CbRAkl">The Tigers grabbed a 2-0 lead in the first against Fisher when both right fielder Josh Pearson and Frey delivered two-out RBI singles.</p>
<p id="gvnRQn">Rightfielder Ty Evans homered for Florida in the fourth to narrow the gap to 2-1, but LSU struck for three runs in the sixth as shortstop Michael Braswell III drew a bases-loaded walk, centerfielder Paxton Kling lifted a sacrifice fly and left fielder Mac Bingham smacked an RBI single.</p>
<p id="NQXPAW">Bingham’s RBI double in the eighth extended the Tigers’ lead to 6-1.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2024/3/23/24109359/lsu-defeats-florida-6-1-to-take-game-one-of-the-seriesgrantchachere2024-03-23T13:15:27-05:002024-03-23T13:15:27-05:00LSU at 2024 SEC Gymnastics Championship Preview
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<p>A tight one comes to the Blender</p> <p id="S0TZ1T">LSU brought the regular season to a close eight days ago with a 198.250-196.075 win over North Carolina in the PMAC. Tonight, the #3 Tigers are just down the interstate on a podium to take on #7 Alabama, #6 Kentucky and #4 Florida at the 2024 SEC Gymnastics Championship at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. LSU earned the top seed and chose the Olympic order. The evening session begins at 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on SEC Network with John Roethlisberger and Sam Peszek on the call and Taylor Davis reporting from the floor. Individual apparatus streams are available on SECN+, but they shouldn’t be necessary this year with the new “double dual” format that ESPN used at the Collegiate Quad back in January. If you only want to focus on LSU, though, use them.</p>
<p id="I0cwIf"><strong>2024 Evening Session Teams’ SEC Results since 2018 (2020 championship canceled):</strong></p>
<p id="FwBEUa">LSU won the SEC Championship in 2018 and 2019 as part of their threepeat, finished 2<sup>nd</sup> in 2021, finished 5<sup>th</sup> in 2022 and finished 3<sup>rd</sup> in 2023. Florida finished 2<sup>nd</sup> to LSU in 2018 and 2019, finished 3<sup>rd</sup> in 2021 and won the 2022 and 2023 titles. Kentucky finished 4<sup>th</sup> in 2018, 7<sup>th</sup> in 2019, 4<sup>th</sup> in 2021, 6<sup>th</sup> in 2022 and 4<sup>th</sup> in 2023, tying their best finish at SECs in program history. Alabama finished 3<sup>rd</sup> in 2018 and 2019, won the 2021 championship and finished 2<sup>nd</sup> in 2022 and 2023.</p>
<p id="h9DPeO"><strong>Brief Look at Afternoon Session</strong></p>
<p id="eaGG0i">There are four other teams competing in the SEC Championship, and while it’s highly unlikely any of them win the team title, it’s quite possible at least one gymnast from this session earns a share of an SEC title. This won’t be an in-depth preview so much as a quick glance at how these teams have been doing and who has a good shot at winning an SEC title. Arkansas, Missouri, Auburn and Georgia will compete in the afternoon session on SEC Network starting at 2:30 p.m.</p>
<p id="qPpkgs">#8 (#18 nationally) Georgia begins on floor. They’ve looked better in their last few meets compared to earlier in the season. They’re looking to score well enough to earn the last seeded spot in the NCAA tournament. More than that, they’re looking to avoid a third straight 8<sup>th</sup>-place finish. Lily Smith should be in contention for SEC Freshman of the Year, though Florida’s Anya Pilgrim might have that award locked up already. Smith is one of the strongest contenders for the bars title at the SEC Championship with a 9.950 bars NQS and a season low of 9.850 on the event. Among SEC teams, they rank last on vault [49.165], 7<sup>th</sup> on bars [49.335], 7<sup>th</sup> on beam [49.320] and last on floor [49.395].</p>
<p id="Y6FuC4">#7 (#14 nationally) Auburn begins on beam. I talked about them two weeks ago, so the only update is that they set a new season high road score Saturday with a 197.575. They’re pretty set as a seeded team, so this meet is about having good momentum going into the tournament. Cassie Stevens is one of the four 2023 SEC vault champions, and she should be a solid contender for that title again. Among SEC teams, they rank 7<sup>th</sup> on vault [49.240], last on bars [49.270], 4<sup>th</sup> on beam [49.420] and 7<sup>th</sup> on floor [49.470].</p>
<p id="CalREA">#6 (#13 nationally) Missouri begins on bars. Mizzou has done decently since beating LSU back in January. Their scores have been pretty good, and they’ve had program record rotations on every event except beam. They also finished their team slam with 10s on bars and floor. They’re looking for another solid meet before the tournament since their seed is pretty solid. The Tigers have solid championship contenders on all four events. Jocelyn Moore, another 2023 SEC vault champion, is still a great vaulter and is coming off a 10.0 on floor in the regular season finale. Mara Titarsolej got the program’s first 10.0 on bars back in February. Sienna Schreiber got the program’s third ever 10.0 on beam on her second senior night, and has only gone below 9.900 on the event twice. Among SEC teams, they rank 6<sup>th</sup> on vault [49.340], 5<sup>th</sup> on bars [49.405], last on beam [49.265] and 3<sup>rd</sup> on floor [49.575].</p>
<p id="nfnxef">#5 (#12 nationally) Arkansas begins on vault. The Razorbacks have had the best regular season in program history with new records left and right. Their regular season finale saw them post the first 198 in program history. Arkansas is hosting one of the four regionals this year, so they don’t need to worry about too much. It’s about winning the session, pushing for the postseason, and maybe upsetting one of the evening session teams if possible. The most likely contender for an SEC title will come from their floor team. Frankie Price is the best floor performer on the team with an NQS of 9.950 and just one sub-9.9 score all season. Among SEC teams, they rank 5<sup>th</sup> on vault [49.355], 6<sup>th</sup> on bars [49.355], 6<sup>th</sup> on beam [49.330] and tied for 4<sup>th</sup> on floor [49.565].</p>
<p id="YKh97n"><strong>#4 (#7 nationally) Alabama (start on floor):</strong></p>
<p id="PI6wLm">Alabama was a team many expected to have a strong regular season, and that didn’t go as planned. Even before they lost Makarri Doggette, Alabama was struggling with consistency. However, in their two meets since losing 198.325-197.325 to LSU, the Crimson Tide have scored 198.000 at home and 198.025 at Oklahoma. If there is anything Alabama does well, it’s show up at SECs. In 2019, the Tide finished 3<sup>rd</sup> despite starting in the afternoon session. They are always a threat to take the title.</p>
<p id="MBpwkh">If Alabama is going to win, they need Luisa Blanco to have a meet reminiscent of her 2021 SEC Championship performance, normal results on floor, bars and beam, and one of their best vault rotations of the season. On the individual side, Blanco is in solid contention for the all-around title and should contend for the bars and beam titles. Gabby Gladieux won a share of the 2023 SEC vault title despite doing a Yurchenko Full, but her highest-scoring event is floor.</p>
<p id="9F4kyL">Among SEC teams, Alabama ranks 4<sup>th</sup> on vault [49.380], 2<sup>nd</sup> on bars [49.555], 5<sup>th</sup> on beam [49.410] and 6<sup>th</sup> on floor [49.530].</p>
<p id="MW4fEd">Alabama’s main goals beyond winning the title are to keep ahead of Denver and to try and jump Kentucky for the #6 overall seed in the tournament.</p>
<p id="J7fafT"><strong>#3 (#6 nationally) Kentucky (start on bars):</strong></p>
<p id="0F2UmZ">As if last year wasn’t good enough, this year has been even better for the Wildcats. Since losing to LSU 198.125-197.600 on January 19<sup>th</sup>, Kentucky has broken their program record twice, joined the 198 club, finished their team slam and hit program highs on vault and floor. There is one hitch: SECs have been the bane of Kentucky’s existence. They’ve struggled to compete at a high level at SECs and have never finished inside the top 3. This feels like the year that changes, though. Their last three meet scores were 198.100 on senior night, 197.800 at UNC and 197.925 at the Kidney Care Women’s Gymnastics Championship in Nashville.</p>
<p id="LkNS7R">There are two gymnasts on this roster that are favorites to take home SEC titles. Mackenzie Wilson has scored more 10s on her front handspring front pike half vault than Haleigh Bryant has this year, and her first 10 made her the second Kentucky gymnast to ever score a 10. However, she’s gone below 9.9 four times this season including the UNC meet. The other strong contender is fifth-year senior Raena Worley. On 2/16/2020, Raena Worley fell on her vault at LSU. She hadn’t fallen before and she hasn’t fallen since. She’s sitting on a mind-numbing streak of 208 consecutive hit routines and has hit 232/233 routines in her career (h/t Drew Porche). She is one of the favorites on bars, the event on which she completed Kentucky’s team slam, and floor, the other event on which she has a 10.0. Worley and Haleigh’s AA battle could be the stuff of legends.</p>
<p id="jtL03m">Among SEC teams, Kentucky ranks 3<sup>rd</sup> on vault [49.450], 3<sup>rd</sup> on bars [49.430], 3<sup>rd</sup> on beam [49.425] and 2<sup>nd</sup> on floor [49.615].</p>
<p id="8jHD34">Kentucky’s main goal is to beat Florida. It’s happened once in their entire program’s history. If they do that, it’s a big win, and it probably means they finish in the top 3 if not as champions. Also, they would like to get ahead of Utah if possible so they can avoid the bloodbath that will be the Fayetteville Regional.</p>
<p id="vtldVR"><strong>#2 (#4 nationally) Florida (start on beam):</strong></p>
<p id="XXBdMP">Florida made an interesting decision. The 2 seed at SECs usually chooses to start on bars, but Florida decided to start on beam. This isn’t the only interesting decision they’ve made recently. Since beating LSU 198.150-197.950 on February 23, the Gators have gone 198.225 at Kentucky, 197.700 at the Masters Classic at Nebraska and 197.900 on senior night. Those last two meets didn’t have Leanne Wong in the all-around, a decision made to give her rest for this meet. It doesn’t matter what it is, though, it’s still the same dangerous Florida team as always.</p>
<p id="Xez51i">Trinity Thomas is gone, but the Gators have other threats at SEC titles. The aforementioned Leanne Wong is the third member of the epic battle for the AA title and is a contender on everything, especially bars and beam. Anya Pilgrim is the strongest contender for SEC Freshman of the Year, and she could threaten on all four events.</p>
<p id="JqCNmG">Among SEC teams, Florida ranks 2<sup>nd</sup> on vault [49.485], 4<sup>th</sup> on bars [49.415], 1<sup>st</sup> on beam [49.530] and tied for 4<sup>th</sup> on floor [49.565].</p>
<p id="AKOyWD">Florida’s main goal is to win their third straight title. It doesn’t matter how things work out nationally since they should have the #4 overall seed locked down, and they’re one of the four regional hosts this year.</p>
<p id="zOR61h"><strong>#1 (#3 nationally) LSU (start on vault):</strong></p>
<p id="3StjD0">Among SEC teams, LSU ranks 1<sup>st</sup> on vault [49.490], 1<sup>st</sup> on bars [49.560], 2<sup>nd</sup> on beam [49.505] and 1<sup>st</sup> on floor [49.695]. A 49.650 or higher would give LSU the NCAA floor NQS record, tying or beating 2019 UCLA’s 49.720.</p>
<p id="shXZdM">If you’ve followed the team all year, you know Haleigh Bryant is a contender for everything and you know Aleah Finnegan and Konnor McClain are strong contenders for individual titles, too. There’s so much that I could talk about with individual titles and the like, but it all comes down to the team title. LSU can’t move out of the top 3 in the nation.</p>
<p id="j6yAHx">The biggest thing that is worth keeping an eye on is whether Alexis Jeffrey competes. From what I’ve seen and read, it doesn’t appear she participated in podium training yesterday. That would mean shifts to the lineups on both bars and beam. Otherwise, expect LSU to throw out their best on every event. I’m getting ready to head on down to the Blender for the first session and words are escaping me because of the pure hype. It’s the SEC Championship at home in front of a very partisan LSU faithful for a team looking to snatch up its first title since it last graced this venue. They need to do their normal and stay calm. This is their night, so let’s hope they snatch it.</p>
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