Tigers resurrect their running game vs. Wave

BATON ROUGE -- After weeks of promising, LSU finally delivered.

The Tigers' long-dormant running game came to life on the legs of Charles Scott, who rushed for 112 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns as LSU dominated Tulane 42-0.

The Tigers entered the game averaging 123.6 yards rushing per game -- 10th in the SEC and 89th in the nation -- but more than doubled that total with a season-high 267.

That's a good sign for the No. 9 Tigers, who are headed for a showdown with No. 2 Alabama in Tuscaloosa next week.

Scott, who rushed for 1,174 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, had the first 100-yard game by an LSU back this season. He had scoring runs of 4 and 8 yards

"We just came out and had a point we were going to run the ball," Scott said. "Our offensive line came to play, and there were big holes out there.

"We're not perfect, but we made strides. We're going to have to close the gap because Alabama has a great defense and a lot of great athletes."

Scott got help from Russell Shepard, who had 48 yards on five carries, including a 19-yard scoring run. LSU running back Stevan Ridley had his best game with 73 yards on eight tries, all on a fourth quarter scoring drive.

"We rushed it better," LSU Coach Les Miles said. "Our guys came off the football. Our guys understood the calls and played better. Charles Scott wants to have a great year and looks for the opportunity to make big runs.

"Now, we go into the (Alabama) game with the idea we have some tailbacks."

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