25. Auburn 31 vs. LSU 7 – Oct. 26, 2002
How I Remember It: I remember sitting in the stands before the game thinking about Auburn and LSU’s SEC records at the time, and saying outloud “We have GOT to win this game, or our season’s over.”
From that point on, I remember a downpour. I remember lots of interceptions thrown by Marcus Randall, and I remember LSU scoring late in the 4th quarter to put a small damper on an otherwise all-out beatdown.
What Really Happened: Auburn scored a touchdown in each quarter, plus a field goal in the 2nd quarter. And as remembered, Marcus Randall threw four interceptions, three in his first five pass attempts.
Jason Campbell made his first start in place of Daniel Cobb, and Ronnie Brown got more carries than usual with Carnell nursing an injury.
Joseph Addai added a late rushing touchdown, but the game was pretty much sealed up by halftime.
Fun Fact: The LSU loss was the second of four straight at Jordan-Hare for Nick Saban (LSU – 2000, 2002, 2004; Alabama – 2007)
Why did I pick this game? Given the downpour, the blowout, and the opponent, this game could not be left off the list. There’s something about rain that seems to ignite the crowd and players at Jordan-Hare, as seen in at least one other game to come later in the countdown. (Can you guess which one?) This was just a great game to attend.
Play of the Game: Travaris Robinson set up Auburn’s first touchdown to begin the blowout with a 64-yard interception return.
Player of the Game: Karlos Dansby had two interceptions, one for 60 yards. He also anchored the defense that held LSU to 242 total yards.
Quote of the Game: “I don’t think we played like the LSU Tigers” – Nick Saban
National stories: ESPN
Notes and Quotes: Auburn Archives | Box Score
The rest of the Top 30:
26. Auburn 27 vs. Florida State 24 – Oct. 1, 1983
27. Ole Miss 24 vs. Auburn 20 – Nov. 8, 2003
28. Auburn 24 vs. Georgia 6 – Nov. 13, 2004
29. Auburn 55 vs. Pacific 0 – Sept. 9, 1989
30. Auburn 37 vs. Syracuse 34 – Sept. 28, 2002
2 comments
Looking back on 2002, it was definitely a lost year. With the exception of the loss to Arkansas, every loss was by 7 points or less.
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