Football, Football & More Football
I have been pretty busy the past two weekends, sorry I’ve fell behind in blogging so today I figured I would catch up by sharing my favorite shots from the past two weekends, as a prepare for a weekend that will include four games in three days over two states.
So let’s not waste any time, first up was West Virgina versus LSU at Tiger Stadium, as the cardiac Tigers kept fans guessing until the end if LSU would pull out a victory.
LSU’s Patrick Peterson will start things off, and provided most of the highlights from the game against West Virgina.
Sep 25, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers returner Patrick Peterson (7) runs back a punt during the first quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Sep 25, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers players Patrick Peterson (7)and Brandon Taylor (15) celebrate after a blocked field goal during the first half against the West Virgina Mountaineers at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Sep 25, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) and defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) force a fumble as they wrap up West Virginia Mountaineers running back Ryan Clarke (32) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
The photo below of Patrick Peterson returning a punt for a touchdown doesn’t look all that exciting as he left West Virgina eating his dust on his way to a touchdown score, but in this case it is what I missed on this play. I was shooting with a 400mm f/2.8 and kept Peterson in my sights just a little too long, because as he ran into the endzone he struck the iconic Heisman pose and I couldn’t pull up my other camera in time to capture the shot, I guess you can’t be expected to get everything, but I was kicking myself for not putting down the 400mm earlier in the play so I could shoot the celebration in the endzone, a lesson learned you can say, here is Peterson on the return.
Sep 25, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers returner Patrick Peterson (7)returns a punt for a touchdown during the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
The shot below is nothing more than a broken up pass, but a reception would have had the Tigers defending the endzone, so this play turned out to be pretty big.
Sep 25, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Morris Claiborne (17) breaks up a pass intended for West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Tavon Austin (1) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated West Virginia 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Sep 25, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) tackles West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith (12) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated West Virginia 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
In the photo below a big play goes the way of the Tigers when West Virgina is called for pass interference putting LSU in scoring position.
Sep 25, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers cornerback Brandon Hogan (22) is called for pass inference against LSU Tigers wide receiver Russell Shepard (10) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated West Virginia 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Running Back Stevan Ridley would provide most of the Tigers offensive spark.
Sep 25, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Stevan Ridley (34) runs as West Virginia Mountaineers defensive back Sidney Glover (4) pursues the play during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated West Virginia 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Following the game I drove back home to Hammond to get a few hours sleep before heading to the Superdome for a NFC South match up between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints.
The game would provide for a lot of good action by the Saints, but most of that became mute with the game ending with a Falcons game winning field goal.
Things looked good early as the Saints drove down and quarterback Drew Brees connected with Jeremy Shockey for a early touchdown.
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey (88) catches a touchdown pass in front of Atlanta Falcons safety William Moore (25) during the first quarter at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Lance Moore made a huge 72-yard punt return to set up the score by Shockey.
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide returner Lance Moore (16) run past Atlanta Falcons running back Ovie Mughelli (34) on a 72-yard punt return during the first quarter at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Lance Moore (16) celebrates with quarterback Drew Brees (9) following a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
A miscue by Brees who threw an interception as he fell forward killed a Saints drive.
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws as he falls resulting in a Atlanta Falcons interception during the first half at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud (28) intercepts a pass against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
The Falcons took the turnover and got going on the back of running back Michael Turner.
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) runs away from a diving New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma (51) during the first half at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (27) hits Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) during the first half at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) runs past New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma (51) for a touchdown during the first half at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
An interception on a flee flicker trick play didn’t fool the Falcons as another Saints drive was stopped cold with the turnover.
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes (20) intercepts a pass over New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devery Henderson (19) during the first half at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) is pressured by New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma (51) as he throws during the first half at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) catches a touchdown over New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (33) and cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (27) during the second half at the Louisiana Superdome. Atlanta defeated New Orleans 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) looks to pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at the Louisiana Superdome. Atlanta defeated New Orleans 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints place kicker Garrett Hartley (5) lines up for an attempt during the overtime quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at the Louisiana Superdome. Atlanta defeated New Orleans 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Hartley would miss the kick and it was thought it might have cost him his job, but the Saints kept Hartley on and brought in veteran John Carney to temporarily take over kicking duties and work with Hartley.
The missed field instead of giving New Orleans a win gave the Falcons back the ball and they put themselves in position for a game winning field goal. The Falcons attempt appeared to be blocked but wait…..the Saints called for a timeout before the ball was snapped, the Falcons would get another chance.
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defenders Chris Reis (39) and Anthony Hargrove (69) break through the line to block a field goal attempt by Atlanta Falcons place kicker Matt Bryant (3) as back judge Scott Helverson (right) blows the whistle for a Saints time out negating the field goal during the overtime quarter at the Louisiana Superdome. Atlanta defeated New Orleans 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons place kicker Matt Bryant (3) connects on a game winning field in overtime against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. Atlanta defeated New Orleans 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
This time the kick sailed over the outstretched hands of the Saints defenders and soared through the uprights leading to a Falcons celebration.
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons players celebrate following a game winning field goal against the New Orleans Saints during the overtime quarter at the Louisiana Superdome. Atlanta defeated New Orleans 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
September 26, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton walks off the field following a loss in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons at the Louisiana Superdome. Atlanta defeated New Orleans 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
The Following Weekend
I was back in Baton Rouge for Tennessee against LSU, where I would witness one of the craziest ending to a football game I have ever seen.
The game started with a 80+ yard run for a touchdown by quarterback Jordan Jefferson, and it was thought that LSU would break out of their offensive slump against the Vols, but the Tigers wouldn’t see the endzone again until the final play of the game.
Oct 2, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jordan Jefferson (9) runs for a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Following the initial LSU touchdown the game would become a defensive slug fest and I captured several really nice defensive plays throughout the game.
Oct 2, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) forces a fumble by Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Matt Simms (2) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Tennessee 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Oct 2, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Lavar Edwards (89) and Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Matt Simms (2) chase after a loose ball during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Oct 2, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Brandon Taylor (15) tackles Tennessee Volunteers running back Tauren Poole (28) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Below is my favorite sequence from the game, as Tennessee quarterback Matt Simms had his helmet ripped off as he was sacked.
Oct 2, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA;LSU Tigers linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (11) sacks Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Matt Simms (2) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Tennessee would take a late lead with a Simms touchdown run.
Oct 2, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Matt Simms (2) celebrates following a touchdown during the second half against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Tennessee 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
LSU after stopping Tennessee on a fourth down play would take over the football with one last attempt to win the game and they would need every second and then some.
Oct 2, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defenders stop Tennessee Volunteers running back Tauren Poole (28) on a fourth down play during the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Tennessee 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Oct 2, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Rueben Randle (2) catches a pass over Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Marsalis Teague (10) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Tennessee 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Quarterback Jarrett Lee stepped in for Jordan Jefferson and helped put the Tigers in position for a touchdown after converting on a forth and long play hitting Terrance Toliver across the middle for a first down.
Oct 2, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jarrett Lee (12) passes as Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Chris Walker (84) pressures on the play during the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Tennessee 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Oct 2, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defenders tackle LSU Tigers wide receiver Terrence Toliver (80) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Tennessee 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
But as time ticked down LSU inside the five yardline changed personnel groupings and it appeared they would not get a snap off for the final play, but center T-Bob Hebert alertly snapped the ball to an quarterback Jordan Jefferson who was not ready for the play, the game appeared to be over, except for a flag against Tennessee for too many players on the field that gave the Tigers a second chance with a un-timed final play from the goal line.
Oct 2, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Players for the LSU Tigers and the Tennessee Volunteers scramble for a loose ball as the referee drops a flag negating the play, LSU would score and win the game on the next play during the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Tennessee 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Oct 2, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers players celebrate following a game winning touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Tennessee 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Oct 2, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers players celebrates following a victory over the Tennessee Volunteers at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Tennessee 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
Oct 2, 2010; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles and LSU Tigers defensive tackle J.C. Copeland (44) celebrate following a victory over the Tennessee Volunteers at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Tennessee 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle
The next day, I was back covering the New Orleans Saints as they met the Carolina Panthers for a NFC South showdown, but I’ll share those photos in another update. Hope you enjoyed the photos. Until next time.
