By Raymond Partsch III

The Daily Iberian

 

BATON ROUGE — Can Joe Alleva work his magic once more?

Back in August, the LSU Athletic Director successfully had the NCAA reverse its decision to uphold the two-year suspension of cornerback Kristian Fulton due to a drug test violation. Now Alleva is attempting to reverse another decision — the first-half suspension for Preseason All-American linebacker Devin White due to a controversial targeting call late in Saturday’s 19-3 win over Mississippi State.

White was flagged, and then ejected, after pressuring Bulldogs quarterback Nick Fitzgerald in the fourth quarter of the game.

The SEC released a statement on Saturday night about the ruling on White.

“By rule, no player shall target and make forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent. The QB on the play was defenseless at the time of the contact. By rule, all targeting calls are reviewed. The call was reviewed and confirmed.”

There is no official appeals process on the books  to overturn the ruling but reports state that Alleva is trying to work behind the scenes to get the call overturned. 

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron meanwhile seemed to accept White’s suspension for the rivalry game against Alabama on Nov. 3.

“I’ve got to look at it,” Orgeron said after Saturday’s game. “The call was the call. They said they reviewed it and said it was definitely targeting.

“The hit on Devin. I’ve got to look at it. We can’t use our helmets. Targeting is targeting. The rule is, you can’t lead with your head.”

Either sophomore Patrick Queen or freshman Micah Baskerville will likely start in place of White.

 

Top 4 Clash Coming

When the Crimson Tide comes to town on Nov. 3, it will be a clash of Top 4 teams.

With Ohio State’s stunning lopsided loss at unranked Purdue Saturday night, the top five of both major college football polls and the Tigers climbed to No. 4 in both The Associated Press Top 25 Poll and the USA TODAY Amway Coaches Poll. 

LSU (7-1, 4-1 SEC) now sits at No. 4 behind a trio of undefeated teams; Alabama (8-0, 5-0 SEC), No. 2 Clemson (7-0, 4-0 ACC) and No. 3 Notre Dame (7-0). LSU is the highest-ranked one-loss team in that poll as well one spot ahead of No. 5 Michigan (7-1, 5-0 Big 10).

The SEC has six teams ranked in the AP Poll. In addition to Alabama and LSU, there is No. 7 Georgia, No. 9 Florida, No. 12 Kentucky, and No. 16. Teas A&M.

The coaches poll has the same number of SEC teams but slightly different rankings. In addition to Alabama and LSU, there is No. 6 Georgia, No. 11 Florida, No. 14 Kentucky, and No. 17 Texas A&M.

Both LSU and Alabama are on byes this coming week, which will ensure the game will be a Top 4 matchup.

The first College Football Playoff poll of the season meanwhile will be released on Sunday, Oct. 30 — right ahead of the Bama-LSU game.

 

No doubt who is DBU

With Week 8 in the books, LSU leads the NCAA with 14 interceptions with safety Grant Delpit leading the NCAA with five interceptions. 

After Delpit’s team-high five picks, there are only two other Tigers with multiple interceptions in John Battle (three), and Greedy Williams (two). Jacob Phillips, Michael Divinity Jr., Kristian Fulton, and Ed Paris each have one interception.

LSU’s tally is one more than a foursome of teams tied for second in Maryland, North Texas, Fresno State and Illinois with 13 each. Alabama is tied for sixth with 12 on the season.

Delpit also has the most sacks and tackles for a loss in the NCAA for a defensive back.

Tiger Quote

“This was a tough week. After the big win against Georgia, emotional win, we knew that Mississippi State was going to ready to go. 

“It was a big win. The crowd was in it tonight. Really helped us especially in the first quarter. Now we get to get some rest.” — LSU head coach Ed Orgeron after Saturday’s game