LSU's offense was supposed to be dynamic, but through two games the flashes were few and far between.
That changed on a steamy Saturday night in Death Valley, as the Tigers' offense struck early, often and spectacularly in a 49-21 domination of Central Michigan.
It was the final tuneup before Southeastern Conference play begins next week. Did the Tigers show enough against the Chippewas to walk into Starkville confident they'll be contenders as the competition takes a step up? Here are my top 3 takeaways from the action.
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WR PIPELINE ALIVE AND WELL
LSU went into this season knowing what it had in star sophomore Kayshon Boutte, and all he's done to confirm that is haul in an NCAA-best six touchdowns through three games. But who else would step up as a threat for quarterback Max Johnson?
Based on the returns in Week 3, Deion Smith might be that guy. The freshman kicked off his night with a stunning jump ball touchdown over a Chippewas defender in perfect position, and he flashed downfield for a 40-yard touchdown later in the game. The freshman finished with 5 catches for 135 yards along with the two scores.
He's a dynamic athlete that could take advantage of the space opened up as teams key on Boutte, particularly if his ability to high-point jump balls is as good as it appeared early in this one.
But don't sleep on another freshman in Jack Bech, either. He was converted to tight end for his debut season in Baton Rouge, but don't be fooled: The kid has the ball skills of a premier pass-catcher, and he could have a serious impact on the Tigers offense as the season rolls on. While he didn't quite "Moss" anyone on Saturday, he did haul in a one-handed touchdown grab that would probably get even Odell Beckham Jr. out of his seat. Bech finished with 5 catches for 81 yards.
Devonta Smith and Brian Thomas Jr. each added 40-yard receptions of their own. The weapons are there. It's just a matter of taking advantage. LSU did that against the Chippewas.
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THE DEFENSE HITS HARD, BUT SO DO THE BREAKDOWNS
As it did against McNeese, the Tigers defense held up well a majority of the night against an overmatched opponent.
Star cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. made his presence felt right away, laying a huge hit that forced the fumble on their first defensive series. The ball was scooped up by defensive end Andre Anthony and returned for a touchdown that set the tone early. Defensive back Major Burns pulled down an interception of his own on the ensuing possession.
Anthony suffered a scary injury, but walked off under his own power. He's shined the past few games. Losing him would be a blow.
But there also were two clear defensive breakdowns in the first half that some of the persisting coverage issues and leaving receivers running alone down the sidelines. The first breakdown didn't hurt as BJ Ojulari got home just in time to force and errant throw from Jacob Sirmon.
The same wasn't true the second time, with Central Michigan receiver JaCorey Sullivan breaking free for a 78-yard touchdown run later in the first half.
The Tigers appear to have issue transitioning wide assignments in zone coverage, with safeties unable to get over the top once the receiver clears the underneath zone.
In the fourth quarter the defense lost track of tight end Joel Wilson for an easy pitch-and-catch score.
To be fair, the Tigers' defense had a solid night -- and heaping too much weight on a handful of subpar plays seems a bit harsh for a group that allowed all of 7 points. The Tigers defense also leads the entire FBS in sacks, adding another five on Saturday for 13 total on the season. But, again, the competition gets steep real fast. If Central Michigan is able to make those miscues hurt, what might Alabama or Florida do?
The good news? The group has shown significant improvement each week so far this season. But there's still a way to go. Can they get there fast enough?
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MAX JOHNSON IS THE GUY
Let's have a serious conversation about exactly what Max Johnson has done as LSU's starting quarterback in his first two seasons in Baton Rouge.
He's started five games, winning four of them. He's thrown for at least three touchdowns in all five games against. He's never thrown multiple interceptions in a game.
It was easy for expectations to run wild after the incredible stretch to close last season with thrilling wins over Florida and Ole Miss, but the kneejerk reaction after the UCLA loss was the exact opposite.
On Saturday he went a ho-hum 26-for-35 passing for 372 yards, 5 TDs and an interception before giving way to Garrett Nussmeier midway through the third quarter.
So what is Max Johnson? A young quarterback on pace to do things, statistically, that only one LSU quarterback has done before him. Seriously. It took Joe Burrow until his super-senior season to reach his final form and set the college football world on fire.
In his sophomore season Burrow was still competing for a job on Ohio State's roster. In his first season as the Tigers' starting quarterback, Burrow completed 58% of his passes for 2,894 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Through THREE games of Johnson's sophomore season he's rolled up 863 yards and an astounding 11 touchdowns. Until 2019, no LSU passer had thrown more than 28 touchdowns in a single season. Johnson is on pace to do that in nine games.
Is the lefty a perfect quarterback? Of course not. He's a gunslinger and has clearly been rattled at points early in the season. He's still prone to some head-scratcher moments and poor decisions. He wasn't on the same page with Koy Moore on a pick-6 in the third quarter.
But he's looking more and more comfortable each week as he acclimates to a new offense. Will this be the year Johnson reaches HIS final form? Who's to say. But the kid has has shown he's got what it takes to win big games. He showed that last year, and he continued to show it on Saturday.
Next up: The SEC.
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Follow Jeff Nowak on Twitter @Jeff_Nowak or contact him by email at jeffrey.nowak@audacy.com