LSU earned a 41-7 victory at Vanderbilt Saturday nights. The Tigers were searching for the win after dropping their season opener against Mississippi State and did so in a big way.
Here are five takeaways from the victory.
Myles Brennan looked more comfortable
While the LSU quarterback posted similar stats from the season opener, Brennan looked more comfortable Saturday night and made some quality throws as he tossed four touchdown passes.
John Emery Jr. shines
Heading into the game LSU coach Ed Orgeron said the Tigers needed to run the ball more effectively and Saturday night LSU went to the ground game early and found success putting the ball in John Emery Jr.’s hands. The sophomore running back rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries and added another 21 yards on three receptions.
True freshmen played well
Several true freshman played in the season opener and several of those prospects once again made plays. Tight end Arik Gilbert caught a team high four passes for 43 yards while receiver Kayshon Boutte caught four passes for 46 yards.
On defense freshman Eli Ricks nabbed his second interception of the season and defensive lineman Jaquelin Roy was credited with two quarterback hurries as he joined the defensive line rotation.
Defensive line was stout
LSU’s received outstanding play from it’s defensive front. Defensive end Andre Anthony logged a one of the Tigers three sacks as well as a pass break up. Ali Gaye was consistently disruptive and had a tackle for a loss and two hurries. Defensive tackle Apu Ika and defensive end Travel Moore added a sack as well.
Better play from the secondary
After giving up and SEC record 623 yards in Week 1, the LSU secondary played much better in Nashville allowing only 113 passing yards to Venderbilt’s Ken Seals. Both Todd Harris and Ricks had interceptions, Jacoby Stevens led the team in tackles and Cordale Flott had two tackles for a loss.
The return of All-American cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. also didn’t hurt as his presence seemed to limit the Commodores options. He also averaged 31 yard per punt return.
