AP PhotoBaton Rouge, La. - Just when it looked like LSU might have a challenging game before it began SEC play, the Tigers put the pedal to the metal.
The Tigers got off to a quick start with a touchdown pass from Zach Mettenberger to Kadron Boone, followed by an interception by sophomore Ronald Martin which led to an Alfred Blue rushing touchdown. That's where the bumps in the road started.
It looked like the Tigers would make it 21-0 when Mettenberger threw an interception on the goal line that the Vandals' Gary Walker returned 94 yards, setting up a touchdown pass on the next play.
Martin responded with an interception again, this time returning it 45 yards for a touchdown. The Vandals would not go away, scoring another touchdown to bring themselves within a touchdown with six minutes left in the first half.
That would be the last the Vandals would see of the scoreboard, as LSU scored 35 unanswered points. Running back Kenny Hilliard continued his ground dominance with a touchdown rumble of 71 yards and another score from a yard out. Freshman Jeremy Hill had a nice debut, scoring two touchdowns and getting ten carries for 61 yards. Defensive end Lavar Edwards added a touchdown when he picked a pass at the line and returned it 23 yards to pay dirt.
All in all, it was a solid team victory and Les Miles was happy with the progress his team showed "I think our football team was imperfect today. I think everybody can see that we can be a dominant football team. All three phases were dominant in this game."
