Embarrassing first half

Regardless of what happens in the second half - including a 40-point swing by LSU - the Tigers played an embarrassingly bad first half against 40-point underdog Tulane Saturday and led only 10-9 at the break.

The second-ranked (and falling) Tigers wore new uniforms that made them look more like I-AA Northwestern State and play more like one of Curley Hallman's teams. Apparently, Tulane, which barely beat I-AA Southeastern Louisiana last week, though LSU was I-AA Northwestern State.

The Green Wave flooded LSU's once-powerful offensive line and sacked Tigers quarterback Matt Flynn a season-high four times. There would have been a fifth sack, but LSU was called for holding with Flynn in the end zone, which gave the Wave a safety and cut LSU's lead to 7-2 with 5:56 to play in the second period.

The Tigers' running game, which ran up 312 yards last week, couldn't budge the mighty Wave and was held to a pitiful 11 yards on 12 carries.

After Flynn found Brandon LaFell for a 43-yard completion that set up a 3-yard touchdown run by Jacob Hester, LSU's offense turned into the Big Sleazy. It was like it was playing against LSU's No. 1 ranked defense.

But even LSU's defense - ranked No. 1 in the nation in four categories - gave up a 58-yard touchdown drive in 11 plays to Tulane, which came into the game ranked 96th in the nation in total offense. Tailback Matt Forte led the Wave with 37 yards on 11 carries. LSU's "top" rusher was Hester with 12 yards on four carries.

Flynn had solid footing this time after the rain in Tiger Stadium last week, but he did not look much better. Constantly pressured, he was 8 of 18 for 138 yards and nearly threw an interception before Cold David's 36-yard field goal put the Tigers up late in the second quarter.

Flynn also badly overthrew wide open tight end Richard Dickson over the middle earlier in the second period. Dickson would have likely scored.

LSU wide receiver Brandon LaFell also dropped two passes put right on the money by Flynn to foil LSU's drive right before the half. Flynn appeared tentative and nervous throughout the first half.

No. 2 in the country with a lot of No. 1 votes? Unless LSU lights up the scoreboard in the second half, it will fall. But it better make sure it wins first. And here's another question: Why didn't Ryan Perrilloux play until the second half?