After losing at Auburn and Florida earlier in the season, LSU had every reason to think the same thing would happen again at Tennessee on Saturday, especially when the Tigers' four turnovers seemed to point to imminent defeat.

Instead of collapsing under the weight of those turnovers, including three interceptions by quarterback JaMarcus Russell, the 12th-ranked Tigers rose up in the final minutes for a dramatic 28-24 victory over 13th-ranked Tennessee.

LSU (7-2, 3-2 SEC) finally got over the hump with a 4-yard pass from Russell to receiver Early Doucet with nine seconds left.

"If you want to define who we are," LSU coach Les Miles said, "if you want to write who we are, that's who we are -- right there."

LSU led 21-17 in the fourth quarter when receiver Dwayne Bowe lost a fumble at the Tennessee 46-yard line. One play later, Tennessee backup quarterback Jonathan Crompton and receiver Robert Meachem connected for a 54-yard touchdown pass and a 24-21 Tennessee lead.

Russell then moved past his three interceptions by finally producing the kind of decisive drive that never came against Auburn or Florida. Russell completed 5 of 7 passes for 40 yards and ran twice for 14 yards on a 15-play, 80-yard drive that covered 7:14.

"He takes criticism and people don't understand the guy," LSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said. "The guy is as good a kid and as hard a worker and as tough a competitor as there is. He never gets flustered, and the mark of a good quarterback is no matter what's good or bad, he keeps an even keel about what he does and he keeps playing."

Russell and the Tigers actually outgained the Vols 478 yards to 248 in total offense but hurt themselves time and time again with their own turnovers and mistakes.

Tennessee got one touchdown from its defense, committed only one turnover and scored 17 points with an offense led by Crompton, subbing for injured starter Erik Ainge.

"There's no quit in this team and no quit in this coaching staff," LSU defensive end Chase Pittman said. "It's unbelievable, and we just came out and finished. We shut their offense down for the most part, and I'm just really proud of everybody."

   GAME BALL GOES TO: QB JaMarcus Russell -- Russell overcame three touchdowns, including one that Tennessee returned for a touchdown, by completing 24 of 36 passes for 247 yards and three touchdown passes, including the game-winning score with nine seconds left.

   KEEP AN EYE ON: WR Early Doucet -- Doucet led LSU with a game-high eight receptions for 73 yards and the game-winning touchdown.

   QUOTE TO NOTE: "Everybody has an opinion. I'd say for myself, I think I kind of proved myself today, but I just have to keep fighting and get better." -- LSU QB JaMarcus Russell.

   LOOKING GOOD: WR Dwayne Bowe -- Bowe did lose a fumble that led to a Tennessee touchdown, but he also caught six passes for 89 yards and a touchdown.

WR Craig Davis -- Davis added three receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown.

LB Darry Beckwith -- Beckwith picked a good time to make his first career interception, making his play at the Tennessee 40-yard line with 8:52 left in the game.

   STILL NEEDS WORK: LSU secondary -- The Tigers have been tough against the pass all season, but the LSU defensive backs gave up touchdowns of 37 and 54 yards against Tennessee.

OT Peter Dyakowski -- LSU had driven to the Vols' 24 and faced a third-and-3 when Dyakowski jumped offside for a 5-yard penalty. The Tigers ultimately had to settle for a missed 52-yard field goal attempt.

ROSTER REPORT: The Tigers are still looking for one go-to ballcarrier, but in the meantime they finally came through with an effective running game at Tennessee, using six different tailbacks and quarterback JaMarcus Russell to carry 45 times for 231 yards. Justin Vincent started, with Keiland Williams, Alley Broussard, Jacob Hester, Trindon Holliday, Charles Scott and Russell all carrying for positive yards. Russell led the Tigers with 71 rushing yards on seven carries. Williams, a true freshman, led the tailbacks with 53 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.