Yesterday, the LSU Tigers dominated the stat sheet against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and won the game 45-14, but yet, it was a clunky game for the Tigers coming off a near flawless game against Clemson to start the season.
LSU committed four turnovers and carried only a 10-7 lead into halftime despite outgaining Louisiana Tech 278-0. However, the Tigers regained control after the break, outscoring the Bulldogs 35-7 in the second half to secure a 45-14 victory and improve to 2-0.
Here is one final look at last night’s game before shifting our attention to Ole Miss this week.
1. LSU’s Defense Continues To Be Elite:
For the second consecutive week, LSU’s defense completely overwhelmed its opponent.
The Tigers held Louisiana Tech to 140 total yards, including minus-three rushing yards, while collecting seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss and three takeaways. Louisiana Tech did not record a first down or gain a single net yard during the first half. The Bulldogs’ only points before halftime came on Jordan McRae’s 100-yard interception return.
Ole Miss transfer Princewill Umanmielen led the charge with three sacks and four tackles for loss. Freshman defensive tackle Deuce Geralds also continued his impressive start with four tackles, one sack and a forced fumble. DJ Pickett added an interception, while TJ Dottery led LSU with nine tackles and had two forced fumbles.
Through two games against Clemson and Louisiana Tech, the Tigers have allowed only 24 combined points, but really only three points from its starting defense. More importantly, Blake Baker’s defense has played fast, physical and disciplined football. It kept LSU comfortably in control while the offense repeatedly gave away scoring opportunities.
“I thought our defensive start was really good. I thought they were lights out. I can’t imagine in what the stats are when the first team defense is our there now through two games-amazing job. To end up negative yards rushing, even with the twos, but the first team was really lights out. It almost felt like they were going to get a turnover on every possession. Really good job by them against an offense that put up 80 points last week.”
LSU Head Coach Lane Kiffin
2. Sam Leavitt Showed Resilience After a Nightmare Start But Must Take Better Care Of The Football:
Sam Leavitt experienced nearly every quarterback’s worst nightmare in the first half.
The LSU signal-caller threw three interceptions, including two in the red zone. His third was the costliest as McRae returned it 100 yards for Louisiana Tech’s first touchdown. Instead of potentially giving LSU a commanding halftime advantage, the mistake cut the lead to three points.
“We didn’t feel out of rhythm. I think the penalties hurt us, you know, we can’t do those things and obviously turn the ball over. We need to be way more efficient in the red zone, but it’s a great opportunity to come back and go to work.”
LSU QB Sam Leavitt
To Leavitt’s credit, he did not allow the mistakes to define his night. He finished 25-of-38 passing for 344 yards and a touchdown while rushing for three scores. His nine-yard touchdown run in the third quarter finally gave LSU some breathing room, and he later connected with Trey’Dez Green for a 10-yard touchdown.
The response was encouraging, but three interceptions against an SEC opponent could easily result in a loss.
3. The Red-Zone Offense Must Improve And It Starts With The Running Game:
LSU moved the football consistently, finishing with 528 total yards and reaching Louisiana Tech’s 20-yard line 10 times. However, the Tigers were far less effective once the field became condensed.
Two red-zone possessions ended with interceptions, while three others resulted in field goals. LSU could overcome those missed opportunities against Louisiana Tech because its defense was dominant, but settling for three points or turning the ball over will be costly against Ole Miss.
“We’ve got to execute better; Sam has to do a better job taking care of the ball. We made a lot of yards, and we were smooth through that at times, but obviously, the red zone is where you’ve got to finish drives.”
LSU HC Lane Kiffin
Leavitt has been particularly effective using his legs near the goal line, scoring five rushing touchdowns through LSU’s first two games. Still, the Tigers need to establish more balance inside the 20 and create easier opportunities through the air. A part of that is to establish the running game. After rushing for 309 yards and averaging 5.3 yards per carry against Clemson, the offensive line struggled to generate push rushing for 147 yards as a team and averaging only 3.3 yards per carry.
Execution in the red zone and being more effective in the conventional running game will certainly be one of Kiffin’s biggest points of emphasis throughout the week.
“The inability to run the ball and direct runs was something that the week before was really good for us. As you saw later on, we had to start going around them with things because everything was up in the middle.”
LSU HC Lane Kiffin
4. Trey’Dez Green Is LSU’s Most Consistent Offensive Threat:
Trey’Dez Green continues to present matchup problems that few defenders can handle.
The 6-foot-7 tight end led LSU with six receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. His size, catch radius and athleticism give Leavitt a dependable target over the middle of the field and in contested situations.
Eugene Wilson III also contributed six catches for 93 yards, while Jackson Harris finished with three receptions for 80 yards. However, Green stood out as LSU’s most consistent weapon. LSU head coach Lane Kiffin understands the significance of the 7 jersey and that players like Green are just different.
“Now that I understand the No. 7 (jersey) and what those guys talk about, it’s when you need a play. There’s going to be games that are rough and you need to find a way. That’s what he did. That’s exactly what they talk about with the number.”
LSU TE Trey’Dez Green
With LSU still searching for more production from its traditional receivers in the red zone, Green could become an even bigger part of the passing attack. His touchdown reception in the fourth quarter showed exactly how difficult he can be to defend near the goal line.
5. LSU Responded But Cannot Start This Way Against Ole Miss:
The Tigers deserve credit for making halftime adjustments and putting Louisiana Tech away. LSU scored 35 points after the break and turned a tense game into the comfortable victory everyone expected.
Still, four turnovers and 10 penalties for 101 yards are major concerns. LSU overcame those mistakes because Louisiana Tech’s offense could not capitalize. Ole Miss will not be nearly as forgiving.
The upcoming trip to Oxford will feature plenty of emotion as Kiffin returns to face his former program. LSU showed against Louisiana Tech that it can respond when adversity hits, but the Tigers cannot afford to spend another half beating themselves.
“Maybe it was perfect for us; maybe we needed something like that because if we play good on offense and the game is 70-7 or something, we don’t have attention. Maybe, it’s what we needed. We’re in a good place winning by 31 points and being really upset, you know we got a good standard going.”
LSU HC Lane Kiffin
LSU remains undefeated and has already displayed championship-level talent on both sides of the football. Saturday’s victory was also a reminder that talent alone will not be enough once SEC play begins. The Tigers must clean up the turnovers, finish drives and play with greater discipline if they want to leave Oxford with their perfect record intact.
