LSU's offense was on fire Saturday night in Death Valley, and it came just in time with SEC play looming.
Tigers coach Ed Orgeron said as much after the game. He was particularly pleased with the ascendant performances from several of the young wide receivers he raved about during camp.
"You got to see what we’ve been seeing in practice with Deion Smith and those young receivers and [Corey Kiner] ... Some really good plays," Orgeron said.
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The up-tempo attacked LSU's coach teased this week went into effect with positive results, too. Max Johnson was on-point for an LSU-record-tying 5 touchdown passes to go with well over 300 yards through the air. It's an attack scheme the Tigers will build out going ahead in the season. Orgeron said he would be surprised to see the offense run 100 plays a game once it's fully implemented.
"Our guys have to stay fresh. We have to work our offensive line a little bit, and I thought they did a good job," he said. "That’s toughest on them because we can rotate receivers and rotate backs. We have to get used to going up-tempo and do it a lot more.”
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'FIX THAT, AND FIX IT FAST'
While the LSU defense had its second strong showing in as many weeks, they did have a handful of breakdowns that resulted in big plays. The biggest gaffe was a blown coverage on a 78-yard Central Michigan touchdown in the first half.
"We were very disappointed we gave up those big plays, and we had a missed assignment," Orgeron said. "We have to fix that, and fix it fast. But for the most part, we played a very good game."
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Another breakdown allowed a Chippewas tight end to break loose for an easy score in the fourth quarter. But beyond those difficult moments, the Tigers defense clamped down well and stifled the life out of Central Michigan's offense. LSU's 15 sacks -- 5 of which came this week -- were the most of any FBS school as of Saturday evening.
"Obviously their coach has some good schemes and they gave us some different formations and some difficult things, and for the most part, we played them well," Orgeron said. "I thought our guys played well in space and tackled in space."
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ANDRE ANTHONY'S STATUS
Injury struck midway through yet another impressive game for defensive end Andre Anthony. The New Orleans native already had a scoop for a touchdown before going down with a scary-looking injury in the first half.
He stayed down on the field for some time as trainers appeared to work on his lower leg, but he was eventually able to leave the field under his own power.
Orgeron said there was no update as of Saturday evening on his injury. He'd learn more Sunday, but he didn't project confidence in what the news might be.
"I don’t know if it will turn out very good, to be honest with you," the coach said. "I have to wait and see."
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See Ed Orgeron's full post-game comments in the video at the top of the story.