LSU victory overshadowed by late game decision

LSU upset Ole Miss on Saturday, but most of the focus was on the decision-making of Rebels’ quarterback Bo Wallace.

Down 10-7 with nine seconds left, Ole Miss faced third down at the LSU 30 yard line. Instead of a short throw to the sideline to set up a field goal, Wallace chose to throw deep towards the end zone. Ronald Martin intercepted the ball at the goal line, sealing the victory for LSU.

Head coach Hugh Freeze explained in his post-game interview that he had called for a short pass. Wallace didn’t have much to say after the game.

“I’m not going to talk about it,” Wallace said. “One-on-one, threw it up — done.”

What people don’t realize is a shot to the end zone was probably the only chance Ole Miss had, especially when you consider their kicking game.

Even if Wallace completes a quick pass for a few extra yards, the field goal attempt would have still been from more than 40 yards out. Certainly not automatic from a kicking game that has struggled all year.

Andrew Fletcher started the year as the place kicker, but lost the job after the Alabama game. Fletcher was 3-for-6 on field goals, and missed both of his opportunities from 40 or more yards.

Freshman Gary Wunderlich took over, going 3-for-4 so far. Wunderlich’s only miss was from more than 50 yards away, but still. Would you trust a freshman with the game on the line?

And, a field goal would only have tied the game anyways. It’s not like the Ole Miss offense had done anything all day, there’s no reason to think they would have won in overtime.

Let’s give LSU the credit they deserve. They knocked off a playoff contender fair and square.