Now This Really Is A Disaster.

Stunning LSU loss deals Louisiana latest blow
Tue Sep 27, 2005 6:29 AM ET
By Daisuke Wakabayashi

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (Reuters) - Louisiana State University's dream start turned into a nightmare finish, spoiling the Hollywood ending scripted for the most beloved football team in the hurricane-ravaged state.

In a game postponed two days by Hurricane Rita, the LSU Tigers squandered a 21-point, first-half lead in a 30-27 overtime loss to the University of Tennessee Volunteers in their home opener on Monday.

The loss against a Southeastern Conference rival puts a damper on the national championship aspirations of LSU, ranked No. 4 nationally before the game, and provided another disappointment to a state desperate for some good news.

"Our team will certainly regret the fact that we couldn't do it," said LSU Coach Les Miles. "This team will have an opportunity through a season to make a contribution (to lift people's spirits)."

The game was the buzz of talk radio all day and an evening curfew, in place for many of the flooded parishes in southern Louisiana, did not apply to Tiger fans with game day tickets.

Hurricane Katrina forced the postponement of the season opener against the University of North Texas, while LSU moved its second home game against Arizona State University to the opponent's home stadium in Tempe, Arizona.

"Katrina is gone and Rita is away. Dear God, let me see my Tigers play," read a sign held by one student in the crowd.

Forgive the self indulgence, but as a lifelong Tigers Fan, this is really bad news. Geaux Tigers! Come on you guys, pull it together and don't let this get to you.

Full Story: Tigers Lose

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