As expected, the LSU Tigers took care of business on Saturday night defeating in-state opponent McNeese State 34-7. The defense responded to their critics dominating the Cowboys offense, allowing just 142 yards, much of which came on McNeese’s lone touchdown late in the game.
It was also a record-breaking night for one Tiger as kicker Cade York connected on two long field goals, breaking the record inside Tiger Stadium for the longest in a game.
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While it was good on one end, the Tigers continued to struggle offensively particular in the running game. LSU wasn’t able to find a lead rusher in the absence of John Emery Jr. Those persistent struggles again led to a poor 3rd-down conversions rate.
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LSU get another non-conference opponent next week with Central Michigan before starting SEC play in two weeks. Before we look too far ahead, I’ll give you the good, bad and ugly from Saturday night’s win in Tiger Stadium.
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THE GOOD: That defense was scary
The Tigers brought an edge with them into their home opener. Of course it was McNeese and not an SEC powerhouse, but LSU managed to sack Cody Orgeron eight times, and it felt like more than that. Freshman Maason Smith looked like the real deal picking three sacks of his own. Defensive end Andre Anthony added 2.5 more.
The defensive line was able to get pressure all night which helped allowed the secondary to clamp down. Cody Orgeron was limited to just 91 yards and completed just 50% of his passes. If LSU’s pass rush can consistently wreck games, they have a chance to be a force when SEC play kicks off in a few weeks.
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The other highlight of the night was kicker Cade York. Not only did he break the Tiger Stadium record on his first attempt (55 yards), he broke it again later in the game from 56 yards.
One of the first things Coach O promised as the head coach of LSU was they would have one of the best kickers in the country and I think they have just that. York should be on his way as a finalist of the Lou Groza award if he continues this consistency.
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THE BAD: Where’s the efficiency?
This game wasn’t pretty, and that was mostly due to the lack of 3rd down conversions. Both teams struggled to move the football, particularly in the opening half. LSU finished the game 4-of-16 on 3rd downs while the Cowboys were about the same at 3-of-16.
LSU got in the end zone on its opening drive but had to convert on 4th down twice to get there. That was also the longest drive of the night, eating up just over five minutes of clock. The offense still doesn’t have much identity outside of Kayshon Boutte. Tight end Jack Bech was the leading receiver finishing with 57 yards. Maybe that changes when John Emery Jr. gets on the field, but LSU has just one week left to figure out what it is before the start of SEC play in Starkville.
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THE UGLY: That OL could be a problem
The biggest issues continuing to haunt the Tigers are the offensive line protection and run blocking. McNeese was able to sack LSU’s QBs five times, a concerningly high number considering the matchup. The running game was still non-existent for most of the night. Each of the three LSU backs, Corey Kiner, Ty Davis-Price and Armoni Goodwin, were able to break off runs of 20-plus yards but there was no consistency outside of those chunk plays.
The Tigers were still able to move the ball with the arm of QB Max Johnson, but without a running game his life in the pocket will continue to be difficult.
Overall, the game itself was expected for an FCS opponent coming into Tiger Stadium. Fans hoping for a blowout — or anyone who bet the Tigers’ on the 40-point spread — would’ve been disappointed to see the slow-paced tug-o-war to start the game. Central Michigan comes in next week after going toe-to-toe with the Missouri Tigers a week ago. We’ll see if Coach O can fix the struggles on the offensive side of the ball, if not, LSU could be in a closer than expected ballgame next week.