No. 4 LSU took the first game of its mega-matchup with No. 3 Kentucky on Friday, but the Tigers failed to capitalize for the second straight time Sunday, dropping a 7-6 decision and losing the series.
Overview: This has to feel like a game that got away for the Tigers (32-9, 12-6). LSU came up just one run short and made a slew of mental mistakes on the base paths, not to mention some severe bad luck. Whether it was Austin Nola getting thrown out at the plate t0 end the second inning, or Tyler Hanover being caught stealing second with no outs in the sixth, the Tigers accidentally threw away several base runners.
LSU also grounded into a frustrating three double plays. Nola hit the first of the trio with no outs and two runners on base with the Tigers trailing, 3-1, in the fourth inning. Casey Yocum killed off a potential rally in the seventh inning, when he hit the second with one runner on first and LSU trailing, 7-5. Jordy Snikeris completed the trifecta in the next frame when he ended a rally attempt by hitting into a 4-6-3 play.
Overview: This has to feel like a game that got away for the Tigers (32-9, 12-6). LSU came up just one run short and made a slew of mental mistakes on the base paths, not to mention some severe bad luck. Whether it was Austin Nola getting thrown out at the plate t0 end the second inning, or Tyler Hanover being caught stealing second with no outs in the sixth, the Tigers accidentally threw away several base runners.
LSU also grounded into a frustrating three double plays. Nola hit the first of the trio with no outs and two runners on base with the Tigers trailing, 3-1, in the fourth inning. Casey Yocum killed off a potential rally in the seventh inning, when he hit the second with one runner on first and LSU trailing, 7-5. Jordy Snikeris completed the trifecta in the next frame when he ended a rally attempt by hitting into a 4-6-3 play.
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Jerad Grundy and Alex Phillips combined to scatter eight LSU hits and shut out the Tigers after the first inning of an 8-1 Kentucky win Saturday at Cliff Hagan Stadium in Lexington, Ky.
No. 3 Kentucky (34-6, 12-5) was powered by a pair of home runs, by Austin Cousino and Luke Maile, to spearhead an 11-hit attack as the Wildcats evened the series and the top of the SEC standings with No. 4 LSU (32-8, 12-5), which won 5-4 on Friday. Sunday's rubber match will determine who gets the best of the three-game series and emerges as the SEC leader.
Here were some keys:
No. 3 Kentucky (34-6, 12-5) was powered by a pair of home runs, by Austin Cousino and Luke Maile, to spearhead an 11-hit attack as the Wildcats evened the series and the top of the SEC standings with No. 4 LSU (32-8, 12-5), which won 5-4 on Friday. Sunday's rubber match will determine who gets the best of the three-game series and emerges as the SEC leader.
Here were some keys:
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Austin Nola's two-run, two-out double in the fifth inning gave No. 4 LSU the winning runs as the Tigers won their eighth straight game, beating No. 3 Kentucky, 5-4 Friday at Kentucky.
With the win, LSU (32-7) takes sole possession of first place in the SEC at 12-4. LSU continues to lead the Western Division while Kentucky (33-6, 11-5) leads the East. Many also look at the series as a 1 vs. 2 matchup because LSU and Kentucky are ranked 1 and 2, respectively, in the Collegiate Baseball poll.
Close the Door: LSU ace Kevin Gausman (7-1) didn't have his sharpest outing, getting touched for 10 hits and four earned runs in seven innings, while striking out 11.
With the win, LSU (32-7) takes sole possession of first place in the SEC at 12-4. LSU continues to lead the Western Division while Kentucky (33-6, 11-5) leads the East. Many also look at the series as a 1 vs. 2 matchup because LSU and Kentucky are ranked 1 and 2, respectively, in the Collegiate Baseball poll.
Close the Door: LSU ace Kevin Gausman (7-1) didn't have his sharpest outing, getting touched for 10 hits and four earned runs in seven innings, while striking out 11.
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The regular season won't get much better than this weekend's clash between No. 3 Kentucky and No. 4 LSU.
Predictably enough, Lexington, Ky., ranks second as the No. 2 series of the weekend in the newest edition of the weekend preview -- behind only No. 2 Florida State vs. No. 12 Miami.
The Tigers (31-7, 11-4) can claim the top spot in the SEC with another series win this weekend. LSU's recent tear has raised eyebrows around the country, with the Tigers winning four of their five SEC series while downing the likes of No. 1 Florida and No. 15 Arkansas.
Predictably enough, Lexington, Ky., ranks second as the No. 2 series of the weekend in the newest edition of the weekend preview -- behind only No. 2 Florida State vs. No. 12 Miami.
The Tigers (31-7, 11-4) can claim the top spot in the SEC with another series win this weekend. LSU's recent tear has raised eyebrows around the country, with the Tigers winning four of their five SEC series while downing the likes of No. 1 Florida and No. 15 Arkansas.
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ESPN 150's DeSean Smith has LSU in front 
April, 19, 2012
4/19/12
1:57
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By
Jamie Newberg | ESPN.com
ESPN 150 tight end DeSean Smith (Lake Charles, La./Barbe) plans to make his decision in January, during the U.S. Army All-American Game.
"I know I want to visit LSU and Alabama. I know I want to visit one of the three Florida schools [Florida State, Florida or Miami]," Smith said. "I would love to get out to Cal and see some places out West. And I will probably visit Notre Dame. All of those schools have offered. I have 18 total right now.”
Smith, now 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, said Texas A&M was the first school to offer him last summer.
"I know I want to visit LSU and Alabama. I know I want to visit one of the three Florida schools [Florida State, Florida or Miami]," Smith said. "I would love to get out to Cal and see some places out West. And I will probably visit Notre Dame. All of those schools have offered. I have 18 total right now.”
Smith, now 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, said Texas A&M was the first school to offer him last summer.
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ESPN 150 inclusion has Taylor 'shocked'
April, 19, 2012
4/19/12
12:39
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By
David Helman | ESPN.com
Since only five Louisiana prospects made the cut for the initial ESPN 150, it was a given they'd be familiar names.
The home state's lineup of Kendell Beckwith, Tim Williams, Standish Dobard and DeSean Smith have long been considered some of Louisiana's top talent, and all four have been on LSU's radar for some time. One name that wasn't as familiar to most was Christopher Taylor (Zachary, La./Zachary), an offensive guard and the state's final 150 prospect.
Taylor, who tips the scales at 6-foot-2 and 315 pounds, is a bit of a unique find for the ESPN 150. He's talented enough to rank No. 6 in the country among offensive guards, but while most of his list mates are decorated with dozens of prestigious offers, Taylor has yet to receive an offer from a BCS program.
The home state's lineup of Kendell Beckwith, Tim Williams, Standish Dobard and DeSean Smith have long been considered some of Louisiana's top talent, and all four have been on LSU's radar for some time. One name that wasn't as familiar to most was Christopher Taylor (Zachary, La./Zachary), an offensive guard and the state's final 150 prospect.
Taylor, who tips the scales at 6-foot-2 and 315 pounds, is a bit of a unique find for the ESPN 150. He's talented enough to rank No. 6 in the country among offensive guards, but while most of his list mates are decorated with dozens of prestigious offers, Taylor has yet to receive an offer from a BCS program.
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Torrodney Prevot is finally working with his own football team.
That probably doesn't seem like a novel concept for the Alief Taylor High School defensive end from Houston. But considering Prevot's whirlwind spring schedule, it's nice to get back to some normalcy. Whether it was a trip to the Nike Football Training Camp in Dallas at the end of March, or his visit to LSU's spring game two weeks ago, Prevot, a four-star prospect, has maintained a busy schedule so far this spring.
With those types of trips winding down for the time being, Prevot said it's been good to get back to work on his own team.
That probably doesn't seem like a novel concept for the Alief Taylor High School defensive end from Houston. But considering Prevot's whirlwind spring schedule, it's nice to get back to some normalcy. Whether it was a trip to the Nike Football Training Camp in Dallas at the end of March, or his visit to LSU's spring game two weeks ago, Prevot, a four-star prospect, has maintained a busy schedule so far this spring.
With those types of trips winding down for the time being, Prevot said it's been good to get back to work on his own team.
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One-stop shopping for ESPN 150 release
April, 17, 2012
4/17/12
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By Bryan Mullen | ESPN.com
The highly anticipated ESPN 150 was released Tuesday. Here's your one-stop shopping:
Who made it and who didn't? Here's the ESPN 150 list.
Take a deeper look at some of the top players: Inside the ESPN 150
.
Robert Nkemdiche is the No. 1 prospect in the ESPN 150. How will he handle the pressure?
Tom Luginbill breaks down the list: Analysis
There were some tough choices to make. Who barely missed out?
ESPN's Mitch Sherman has some questions for Nkemdiche. Check out the interview.
RecruitingNation 411: Top classes, best recruits.
Give a listen to the podcast about how the ESPN 150 came together.
Who made it and who didn't? Here's the ESPN 150 list.
Take a deeper look at some of the top players: Inside the ESPN 150
.
Robert Nkemdiche is the No. 1 prospect in the ESPN 150. How will he handle the pressure?
Tom Luginbill breaks down the list: Analysis
There were some tough choices to make. Who barely missed out?
ESPN's Mitch Sherman has some questions for Nkemdiche. Check out the interview.
RecruitingNation 411: Top classes, best recruits.
Give a listen to the podcast about how the ESPN 150 came together.
ESPN 150 released, LSU targets abound
April, 17, 2012
4/17/12
12:19
PM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
BATON ROUGE -- Given the way LSU has recruited in recent years, the release of Tuesday's initial ESPN 150 gives cause for a double-take.
Throughout the lengthy list of the nation's top football talent for 2013, there isn't a single mention of LSU's current nine-man crop. None of the Tigers commits to this point made the initial list.
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5-star OT Laremy Tunsil talks top schools
April, 17, 2012
4/17/12
12:05
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By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
The news of Tuesday’s release of the ESPN 150 brought excitement to offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (Lake City, Fla./Columbia), who is ranked the No. 3 overall prospect in the country, one of just seven five-star prospects, the top recruit in Florida, and top offensive linemen in the 2013 class. But, for the 6-foot-6, 290-pound tackle with offers from around the country, the satisfaction was short-lived.
“It feels great to be ranked so high, but the stars do not matter,” Tunsil said. “What is important to me is the hard work and dedication you put into the game you love.”
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As the remaining LSU players trickled into the room for the news conference introducing Johnny Jones as their new head coach, point guard Anthony Hickey was conspicuously absent.
But he arrived just before the news conference started and took a seat at a table with teammates. It's a seat that, much to the relief of Jones and LSU basketball fans, he's willing to keep.
"I'm in here for the long run," he said. "I wasn't really thinking about leaving. It was just rumors, you know, when the coach is leaving."
Those rumors centered around Hickey's desire to be closer to family in his home state of Kentucky. Instead, he referred to the LSU team as "my family here."
With Hickey on board, all seven scholarship players returning from the 18-15 team said they would return to play for Jones. That includes starters Hickey, forward Johnny O'Bryant and wings Andre Stringer and Ralston Turner.
Hickey's return is crucial, given LSU's lack of depth at point guard.
The 5-foot-11 former Kentucky Mr. Basketball made the SEC's All-Freshman team after averaging 8.9 points and a team-high 3.8 assists in 2012. He started 31 of LSU's 33 games and showed defensive prowess, ripping off an SEC-best 2.1 steals a game.
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Derick E. Hingle/US PresswireAnthony Hickey (left) said he is excited about the hiring of coach Johnny Jones.
Derick E. Hingle/US PresswireAnthony Hickey (left) said he is excited about the hiring of coach Johnny Jones."I'm in here for the long run," he said. "I wasn't really thinking about leaving. It was just rumors, you know, when the coach is leaving."
Those rumors centered around Hickey's desire to be closer to family in his home state of Kentucky. Instead, he referred to the LSU team as "my family here."
With Hickey on board, all seven scholarship players returning from the 18-15 team said they would return to play for Jones. That includes starters Hickey, forward Johnny O'Bryant and wings Andre Stringer and Ralston Turner.
Hickey's return is crucial, given LSU's lack of depth at point guard.
The 5-foot-11 former Kentucky Mr. Basketball made the SEC's All-Freshman team after averaging 8.9 points and a team-high 3.8 assists in 2012. He started 31 of LSU's 33 games and showed defensive prowess, ripping off an SEC-best 2.1 steals a game.
Recruiting begins right away for Jones
April, 16, 2012
4/16/12
5:53
PM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
Courtesy Andrew ShurtleffRicardo Gathers considered LSU but signed with Baylor instead.BATON ROUGE, La. -- Johnny Jones is officially the head man at LSU.
Now, he'd better get to work.
It's no secret that the timing of Trent Johnson's departure put LSU behind the eight ball in the recruiting world. The Tigers didn't have a coach when basketball's national signing day arrived last Wednesday, and he's got a limited window of time to make up for that fact.
Asked about it at his introductory press conference Monday, Jones said he had already gotten started on the recruiting trail. But the real heavy lifting is still to come.
"We've just got to make sure we roll up our sleeves and not look for any situation where we're looking for excuses," Jones said. "We've got to go out there and try to identify some people who haven't been signed yet."
When LSU hired Johnny Jones as its new basketball coach Friday, it brought reaction from around the program and college basketball online and in social media. Here's a sampling of the reaction:
Johnny O'Bryant, LSU forward (Twitter): Imma finish what I started, not leaving ... Don't believe the rumors...
There has been speculation that O'Bryant, the former McDonald's All American, might leave LSU after his freshman season to test the NBA waters. This tweet was sent out Saturday morning.
Mark Gottfried, North Carolina State (Twitter): So happy for my former asst Johnny Jones who is new coach @LSUbasketball. Phenomenal coach and friend. Could not have made a better hire.
Jones was an assistant coach under Gottfried at Alabama in 2000-01.
Dick Vitale, ESPN color analyst (Twitter): Gr8 hire by LSU in Johnny Jones-will recruit big time players.Personality +
Dicky V. can Twitter shorthand better than most high school girls.
Scott Cross, Head coach at Texas-Arlington (Twitter): So happy for Johnny Jones!!!
UTA, a Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex rival of Jones' North Texas program, won the Southland Conference regular season title in 2012 and Cross' name has come up in some searches at larger programs.
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Paul Abell/US PRESSWIREMark Gottfried was one of many who used social media to praise LSU's hiring of Johnny Jones.
Paul Abell/US PRESSWIREMark Gottfried was one of many who used social media to praise LSU's hiring of Johnny Jones.There has been speculation that O'Bryant, the former McDonald's All American, might leave LSU after his freshman season to test the NBA waters. This tweet was sent out Saturday morning.
Mark Gottfried, North Carolina State (Twitter): So happy for my former asst Johnny Jones who is new coach @LSUbasketball. Phenomenal coach and friend. Could not have made a better hire.
Jones was an assistant coach under Gottfried at Alabama in 2000-01.
Dick Vitale, ESPN color analyst (Twitter): Gr8 hire by LSU in Johnny Jones-will recruit big time players.Personality +
Dicky V. can Twitter shorthand better than most high school girls.
Scott Cross, Head coach at Texas-Arlington (Twitter): So happy for Johnny Jones!!!
UTA, a Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex rival of Jones' North Texas program, won the Southland Conference regular season title in 2012 and Cross' name has come up in some searches at larger programs.
BATON ROUGE -- LSU finished off a weekend sweep of Alabama on Sunday afternoon with a 5-1 win.
The Tigers (30-7, 11-4) have now won 13 of their last 14 games and hold a three-game lead in the SEC West. Three straight losses drop Alabama (13-23, 4-11) deeper into the conference cellar.
Overview: As was the case all weekend, Alabama had some success early, but couldn't sustain it against the LSU pitching staff. LSU starter Aaron Nola (5-1) surrendered a solo home run to Alabama shortstop Jared Reaves in the game's third at-bat. But Nola recovered to allow just two more hits over five innings of work. He struck out five to go along with his three total hits and one run.
The Tigers (30-7, 11-4) have now won 13 of their last 14 games and hold a three-game lead in the SEC West. Three straight losses drop Alabama (13-23, 4-11) deeper into the conference cellar.
Overview: As was the case all weekend, Alabama had some success early, but couldn't sustain it against the LSU pitching staff. LSU starter Aaron Nola (5-1) surrendered a solo home run to Alabama shortstop Jared Reaves in the game's third at-bat. But Nola recovered to allow just two more hits over five innings of work. He struck out five to go along with his three total hits and one run.
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BATON ROUGE -- LSU secured another SEC series win Saturday night with a 7-1 victory against Alabama.
Here's some quick reaction from the game, which went from a two-run thriller to a blowout during the course of a crucial eighth inning.
Overview: LSU starter Ryan Eades (5-1) turned in a sterling performance in subduing the Crimson Tide lineup. Eades didn't overpower Alabama's offense, but he completely befuddled the Tide (13-22, 4-10) while limiting their hitters to just two hits. He notched just five strikeouts, but he managed to retire the side in order in five of the eight innings he appeared in. He finished the night with 7.1 innings pitched, one run and just two hits allowed along with his five strikeouts.
Here's some quick reaction from the game, which went from a two-run thriller to a blowout during the course of a crucial eighth inning.
Overview: LSU starter Ryan Eades (5-1) turned in a sterling performance in subduing the Crimson Tide lineup. Eades didn't overpower Alabama's offense, but he completely befuddled the Tide (13-22, 4-10) while limiting their hitters to just two hits. He notched just five strikeouts, but he managed to retire the side in order in five of the eight innings he appeared in. He finished the night with 7.1 innings pitched, one run and just two hits allowed along with his five strikeouts.
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ABOUT GEAUX TIGER NATION
Gary Laney
Gary Laney joined ESPN.com in 2012 after spending a year and a half as online sports editor of the Baton Rouge (La.) Advocate. Before that, he covered LSU sports for the Advocate. He has also been the sports editor at the Beaumont (Texas) Enterprise and covered McNeese State athletics for the Lake Charles (La.) American Press. Laney currently lives in Baton Rouge. Email him at glaneyespn@gmail.com