Bryan Harsin explains first-half mistakes against LSU, focus in second half

Although Auburn entered the second half against LSU with a 17-14 lead, coach Bryan Harsin detailed their big mistakes late in the first half. Auburn was leading 17-0 in the second quarter and threatening to increase their lead when LSU’s BJ Ojulari forced a sack-fumble from Robby Ashford that was returned for a touchdown.

From there, a broken coverage on a wheel route from running back John Emery Jr. helped set up LSU’s first touchdown of the game to cut the lead to just a field goal before halftime.

Bryan Harsin on first-half struggle against LSU

As the teams came back onto the field for the second half, Harsin spoke with the ESPN broadcast team about how self-inflicted mistakes hurt his team and his message at the half.

“Well, eliminate those,” answered Harsin. “And that’s exactly what happened, but come out in the second half and win the third quarter. Right now that’s the focus. So they get the ball back, gonna play great on defense, slow them down. Get the ball on offense and then continue to do what we’re doing. Just take care of it, play good football [and] be sound. And put ourselves in a position each and every play to win that play.”

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Despite the score being so close, Auburn dominated for most of the first half and posted impressive offensive numbers. The Auburn passing attack did damage as well throughout the first half — gaining 283 yards compared to just 149 by LSU. Their defense started out even hotter, forcing LSU to punt on their first five drives of the game.

Ultimately, the LSU defense held Auburn’s offense to just the 17 points they had at halftime — winning 21-17 and improving to 2-0 in conference play this season.