The LSU Tigers entered their home opener in what was essentially a get-right game against the Southern Jaguars, and that’s exactly how it went.
Nothing seemingly could go wrong for the Tigers as they scored the game’s first 58 points. We saw players who struggled in last week’s loss to Florida State return to form, and particularly as it pertained to a restructured offensive line.
While this game never really felt in doubt at any point, the Tigers got much-needed reps (and positive ones) before the start of SEC play next week against Mississippi State.
As always, here’s a look at the good, the bad and the ugly in the Tigers’ 65-17 win over Southern.
THE GOOD: LSU defense
After struggling to make plays last week the LSU defense got after Southern’s QB early and often, nabbing a pick-6 in the 1st quarter while also forcing three fumbles and blocking a punt. Micah Baskerville was the star on defense, intercepting a Benny McCray pass for a 29-yard touchdown return. He also added a punt block to his highlight reel, a play that resulted in a safety as LSU failed to corral it inbounds.
We saw an emphasis from the Tigers on attacking the ball, and they used that effort to make plays in the first half. Southern did outscore the Tigers in the second half, but one starter was still impacting the game for LSU. Ali Gaye returned from his first-half suspension and forced a fumble on Southern’s third offensive play of the second half.
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MORE GOOD: The playmakers
Coach Brian Kelly said the team made a concerted effort to get star WR Kayshon Boutte involved early, and the results were clear. After catching just two passes in the opener, Boutte touched the ball early and often, which included a 41-yard run on an end around. Boutte finished the game with five catches for 42 yards, big numbers on limited reps.
Another offensive weapon that really needed a bounce-back performance was Malik Nabers. Last week his two muffed punts greatly hurt the Tigers’ momentum. He didn’t handle punt return duties in this one, but he did respond well with 81 yards receiving and a touchdown.
I expect to see Nabers’ connection with QB Jayden Daniels continue to grow next week, with Boutte continuing to draw extra attention on the opposite side. Last year’s leading receiver Jack Bech also made his first big play of the season on a 17-yard touchdown grab from Daniels in the first quarter. He struggled with injuries throughout the offseason but he looks back to health and ready to make an impact. The showdown with Mississippi State will give us a better idea of how much everyone will be involved in the passing game going forward.
THE BAD: Garrett Nussmeier
If there was any quarterback controversy boiling beneath the surface, that was put to rest Saturday night. Nussmeier did not show the same level of poise we’ve seen from Daniels the past two weeks. Southern’s biggest play of the night came on a 94-yard pick-6 of Nussmeier for its first points of the night.
The backup QB finished the game 13 of 23 for 183 yards and two interceptions. Daniels went 10 for 11 for 137 yards and three touchdowns through the air, while also adding a score on the ground. He left early in the second quarter after pinning the Tigers to a 44-0 lead. Nussmeier’s time to lead the offense could come at some point, but that job is firmly Daniels’ heading into SEC play.
THE UGLY: The first half
LSU fans saw score after score in the first half, but for large pro-Southern contingent in attendance, it had to be painful to watch. LSU went into the half leading 51-0. It’s possible a large number might have gotten up and left in the second quarter if the high point of the Human Jukebox and Golden Band From Tigerland’s joint performance wasn’t left to enjoy during the intermission.
I understand why LSU scheduled Southern, and that this game meant a lot more to both universities than the numbers on the scoreboard, but, man. This was as brutal a game as you’ll ever see, and the Tigers’ 37 points in the first quarter marked a new program record. Trying to get motivated coming out after halftime with a 51-point cushion had to have been a tough task for LSU. That’s likely a big part of why Southern actually outscored LSU 17-14 in the final two quarters.
Next up for LSU is a visit from Mike Leach’s Mississippi State team. The last time they stepped in Tiger Stadium then-Bulldogs QB K.J. Costello threw for a record 623 yards in a 44-34 LSU loss. It was undoubtedly one of LSU’s more embarrassing losses of the Coach O era, particularly considering it was the first home game after the Tigers’ unbeaten 2019 title run.
We’ve seen two very different LSU teams each of the first two weeks. Next Saturday will give us a much better idea of which is the real one.