LSU Defense, Trey’Dez Green Lead Tigers to 20–10 Homecoming Win Over South Carolina

🛡️ LSU Football Flexes Defensive Might, Powers Past South Carolina 20–10 in Homecoming Victory

BATON ROUGE, La. | In a classic Tiger Stadium defensive showcase, No. 12 LSU (5–1, 2–1 SEC) leaned on a stifling defensive effort and the breakout performance of sophomore tight end Trey’Dez Green to secure a 20–10 Homecoming victory over South Carolina (3–3, 1–2 SEC) on Saturday night.

Green, a 6’7” former two-sport standout, turned in a career performance with 119 yards on eight catches and a touchdown, becoming the first LSU tight end to eclipse 100 yards receiving in a game since Chris Hill in 1994. His first-half touchdown reception — a six-yard fade to the corner of the end zone — helped LSU reclaim the lead and set the tone for the night.

The win marked another signature defensive outing for head coach Brian Kelly’s squad, which has now held three opponents to 10 points or fewer this season — a defensive resurgence that’s redefining LSU’s SEC identity.

⚔️ Tigers’ Defense Locks Down in Baton Rouge

Defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s unit was relentless from start to finish. Safety A.J. Haucly led the charge with 11 tackles, while Tamarcus Cooley added five stops, an interception, and a key pass breakup that stymied a second-quarter Gamecocks drive. LSU forced two turnovers and limited South Carolina to just 10 points and 249 total yards, including a meager 20 percent third-down conversion rate.

The Tigers’ defensive line also made its presence felt, consistently collapsing the pocket on quarterback LaNorris Sellers and forcing hurried throws. LSU’s red-zone defense proved decisive again, stopping two Gamecock scoring threats inside the 20-yard line.

“We played with toughness and discipline,” said Kelly postgame. “Our defense continues to prove it can close games, and our young guys — especially Trey’Dez Green — stepped up when it mattered most.”

🐯 Offensive Highlights and Key Plays

Ramos. Good.

Damian's 22-yard FG gives the Tigers a 20-10 lead

📺 SEC Network pic.twitter.com/hbEexcsi3z

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) October 12, 2025

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier led a steady LSU attack, throwing for 235 yards and two touchdowns despite two interceptions. His 43-yard strike to Kyle Parker in the third quarter gave LSU the lead for good, capping a quick four-play, 75-yard drive that reignited the home crowd.

Running back Ju’Juan Johnson contributed 56 rushing yards, including a key fourth-quarter run that helped set up kicker Damian Ramos’ 22-yard field goal to put the game away.

LSU’s offense showcased balance — 371 total yards, 20 first downs, and 33 minutes of possession — while controlling tempo against one of the SEC’s more aggressive defensive fronts.

🏆 Program Milestones & What’s Next

Saturday’s win improved LSU’s Homecoming record to 83–26–3 all-time and extended the Tigers’ streak of home victories over South Carolina to five straight. The game also reinforced LSU’s national defensive reputation, as the Tigers have now cracked the top 10 nationally in points allowed per game.

Next up, LSU heads to Nashville for an SEC showdown against Vanderbilt on Oct. 18. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on ABC, as the Tigers look to build on their 5–1 start and continue their march toward a potential SEC West title bid.

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-- By Andre Leday

Michele Robinson contributed to this report.

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