The LSU Tigers went into Columbia, Missouri Saturday and left with more questions than answers. The Tigers lost to Missouri 45-41 and start the season 1-2 for the first time since 1994. LSU’s offense did everything they could to keep them in the game, but a goal line stand by Missouri’s defense gave the SEC East Tigers the win.
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The LSU defense thought they fixed some issues against Vanderbilt last week, but those holes quickly sunk the ship again. Defensive coordinator Bo Pelini’s defense gave up 586 yards of total offense from a freshman QB making his first ever career start.
GOOD:
Even though the Tigers came away with the loss, there were some highlights for LSU. Miles Brennan and Terrace Marshall Jr. continue their offensive highlights connecting on three of Brennan’s four touchdown passes. Marshall, who was coming off a big game against Vanderbilt, put up even bigger numbers this week finishing the game with 235 yards on 11 receptions. If he continues this trend, LSU could see back to back Biletnikoff Award winners.
Another highlight was the play of LSU’s special teams. Zach Von Rosenberg’s punts kept Missouri in their own territory all day. He averaged 45 yards a punt including two that were muffed by the Missouri returner. LSU also stopped a fake punt earlier in the 1st half, which resulted in points for the LSU Tigers. Overall, the LSU special teams unit played a phenomenal game.
BAD:
The LSU passing game showed up, but LSU’s running backs looked M-I-A from the start. The Tigers had zero rushing yards after the 1st quarter of play and one total yard rushing heading into halftime. Ty-Davis Price led the Tigers in rushing with 38 total yards, but most of that was from his opening run of 24 yards to start the second half.
John Emery had a breakout game against Vanderbilt, but only saw two rushes against Missouri. It looked like LSU decided to make the game a shootout and strayed away from their run game very early. With two talented running backs in the backfield, its unacceptable that LSU walked out of the stadium with less than 50 yards total rushing.
With little rushing game, the Tigers were forced to throw on 3rd down throughout the game. They finished 0 for 10 on 3rd downs. Outside of the yards allowed defensively, this stat is one of the main reasons the Tigers failed to put away Missouri. Last week, I mentioned the 3rd down offense being an issues and it really showed its head today.
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UGLY:
This one is simple. The LSU defense was horrendous. Twice now, LSU has faced a first time starting QB and the Tigers defense was lit up for over 500+ yards of offense. I’m not sure LSU will have much time to fix their issues, as they’ll face an explosive Florida offense next week that’s averaging nearly 40 points a game.
Derek Stingley Jr. got injured in the 1st half and didn’t look nearly the same in the 2nd half vs Missouri. The Tigers have a lot of new faces playing for Bo Pelini and it’s going to take experience and better communication to clean up those issues.
Coach O will have lots of questions to answer on “Tell The Truth Monday.” Plenty will be directed towards his new defensive coordinator, Bo Pelini, who signed a 2.3 million dollar contract to take over the defense.