2003: #3 LSU vs. #15 Ole Miss
In 2003, LSU was riding high with only one loss to Florida that year. Ranked third in the country, they traveled to the Oxford to face the Eli Manning led Ole Miss Rebels. The Rebels had not represented the SEC West in the championship game since the divisions were created in 1992. However, at 6-0 in conference play at this point, they were oh so close.
In a great defensive battle, Ole Miss began the scoring with a pick-six on the first LSU offensive play. LSU would take over the lead late into the first half wit ha touchdown pass by Matt Mauck and would add onto that lead on the first play of the fourth quarter with a 53 yard bomb to Devery Henderson.
Eli leading the charge
Down 17-7, Eli Manning drove the Rebels down the field on the ensuing drive to get within three with a touchdown pass of his own. After a quick three-and-out, Ole Miss would get close again; alas, a 36 yard field goal was missed wide right.
With 1:55 remaining and their season in the balance, Eli Manning dropped back to pass on fourth down and was stepped on by his own lineman, forcing him to take a sack.
LSU would win 17-14. Later that year, the LSU football team would go on to finish number one in the polls and win the BCS National Championship.