In true LSU-Auburn fashion, the Tigers versus Tigers settled the game in the final minutes. This time, LSU got an interception, pulled off a second half shutout and picked up Coach Brian Kelly’s first SEC road win. The final score LSU 21 - Auburn 17.
LSU started off slow, digging a 17-0 hole in the 1st half. But, like we’ve seen all season, the Tigers made key adjustments at halftime and closed the gap. It wasn’t LSU’s best game and even Coach Kelly said so in his post-game comments, but a win is a win. And, hopefully, LSU can build on the momentum next week when they battle Tennessee in Tiger Stadium.
There’s plenty to breakdown in this matchup as the LSU defense displayed a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde erratic style of play. Quarterback Jayden Daniels used his legs to keep the Tigers in the game, until an injury took him out late in the game. And we finally saw glimpses of some LSU playmakers we’ve been waiting on all season. We’ll drill down on all of this and more in this week’s good, bad and ugly.
GOOD:
LSU Running Attack:
The Tigers used their legs all night rushing for a total of 185 yards. The majority of the key plays came from QB Jayden Daniels, when he rushed for yardage after plays broke down. Running backs Josh Williams and John Emery Jr also delivered some key rushing moments. Williams got the start for LSU and was the back who finished the game, when the Tigers needed to run out the clock. He led the team in rushing with 68 yards on 17 carries.
Another back who finally showed off his hype was running John Emery Jr.. Emery’s 20 yard TD run in the 3rd quarter was the winning score and really gave LSU momentum. The only knock on Emery was his fumble late in the 4th quarter, which gave Auburn one final chance at winning the game.
Defensive Playmakers:
The LSU Tigers almost went turnover free, if not for a late Emory fumble. It was the defense that held Auburn in check in the 2nd half. Two players made game changing interceptions in the 4th quarter which solidified the win.
Freshman Harold Perkins is everything and more so far on the LSU defense. His interception from WR Koy Moore saved at least three points, as Auburn faced 2nd and goal at the time.
Moore, the former LSU Tiger and Rummel-star, did some pretty strong bragging before the game, saying he was the best LSU wide receiver during his time at LSU.
Well, he was picked off in the clinching interception late in the game. Defensive back Greg Brooks ripped the ball from Moore’s hands in a Tyrann Mathieu-like play.
BAD:
LSU Wide Receivers:
There wasn’t much excitement in the passing game; LSU was only able to muster up 85 yards against Auburn. Much of that was due to the number of dropped passes. The Tigers weren’t in sync early in the game. That was a big factor in the 17-0 hole they dug.
LSU’s most talented WR Kayshon Boutte was held to just 4 yards receiving on one catch. Malik Nabors finished with just 26 yards receiving. It was running back John Emery who led LSU in receiving yards with his one catch for 39 yards.
Overall, I just think it was a bad night for the receiving corp. I do believe Daniels will have better games down the line depending on the status of his knee injury.
Penalties:
Penalties and dropped passes pretty much summed up the first half for LSU. At one point late in the 2nd quarter, LSU mounted up 70 yards of penalties and less than 100 yards of total offense. That formula isn’t going to win you many ball games.
Of note, Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford had an interception wiped off the board. He was intercepted by Jarrick Bernard-Converse, but a holding call on Sage Ryan saved the drive for Auburn. Ironically, Moore was intercepted later in the drive which resulted in zero points.
UGLY:
LSU Pass Defense:
Auburn QB Robby Ashford looked perfect early on in the game; he completed most of his passes to wide open receivers. LSU just couldn’t find the coverage to stop Auburn on 3rd down and big plays.
Ashford went into halftime 12 for 20 for 247 yards. Most of that yardage came from Auburn’s 99 yard drive in the quarter. LSU defensive back Major Burns was out, and we saw Joe Foucha make his LSU debut.
The Tigers will now travel back to Baton Rouge to face one of their toughest challenges yet, an undefeated Tennessee. The Volunteers will be licking their chops after seeing what Auburn did to LSU’s secondary.