LSU lost its 2020 opener to the Mississippi State Bulldogs, 44-34, Saturday in Tiger Stadium.
The Bulldogs passed for over 600 yards in the game while LSU battled inconsistency at times during the matchup.
Here's five takeaways from the LSU loss:
The secondary missed Stingley: LSU was without its top defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. after the cornerback was taken to the hospital Friday night. Without Stingley, Mississippi State’s K.J. Costello was able to pass for over 600 yards.
Costello completed 36-of his 60 pass attempts for 623 yards and five touchdowns and two interceptions.
Ali Gaye was outstanding: Orgeron mentioned during the week that defensive end Ali Gaye had impressed in camp and if Saturday was any indication of how he played during the preseason, he must have given the LSU offense fits.
Gaye finished with three pass break ups and sack in his LSU debut and provided a lot of pressure from the end.
Jabril Cox too: The two-time FCS All-American who tallied 258 tackles, 32 for a loss, 14 sacks and six interceptions at North Dakota State the past three years scored LSU's first points of the season when he returned a Costello interception for a touchdown. Cox finished with six tackles, a sack and the pick six.
Brennan has lots of weapons: LSU's starting quarterback Myles Brennan completed passes to nine different receivers Saturday night with junior Terrace Marshall Jr. and sophomore Jaray Jenkins combining for 13 grabs. Three true freshmen caught a pass with Koy Moore, Kayshon Boutte and Arik Gilbert each collecting a reception.
The Tigers can run: LSU used three backs for the majority of Saturday night’s game, Chris Curry, Tyrion Davis and John Emery Jr. and the trio rushed for 117 yards on 27 combined carries.
