It was another great performance by LSU’s defense as the Tigers intercepted Florida quarterback DJ Lagway five times in a 20-10 win over the Gators to improve to 3-0.
While it’s fun to watch LSU’s defense dominate again, it’s hard to ignore the struggles on offense.
One offensive touchdown, just 10 first downs, 4-for-14 on third downs, and only 51 yards rushing until Caden Durham finally broke free for a 51-yard run with 1.49 left, but LSU coach Brian Kelly was not in the mood in the postgame to talk about the Tigers' problems on offense.
“Stop, really, is that the first question? We won the game 20-to-10. Try another question. What do you want me to tell you? I just laid it out for you, we played the game to win the game,” Kelly said.
“What do you want from me? Do you want me to win 70-0 against Florida to keep you happy?” Kelly said.
WBRZ-TV Sports Director Michael Cauble kept with his line of questioning and asked, “I think people want to know why you can’t run the ball?”
“We can run the ball. Did you see the last play of the game, that’s all you need; you just need one (referring to Durham’s 51-yard run). These are ridiculous questions, and I’m getting tired of it. That football team just worked its tail off to get an SEC win, and you want to know what’s wrong?” Kelly said.
‘You know what…you are spoiled, this team is 17-and-1 at night, give them some respect. How about that? Give them respect instead of micro analyzing every little thing. This is ridiculous for a group of seasoned reporters,” Kelly said.
Kelly was as animated as he’s ever been at LSU about the line of questioning regarding his struggling offense. BK knows the coaching staff and players will need to come up with answers on unlocking this offense, but Saturday was really about the defense.
The five interceptions were a thing of beauty as the Tigers made it a long night for Lagway.
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“Most of those picks were out of rhythm throws, and that was the game plan, get him out of rhythm,” Kelly said.
Sophomore safety Dashawn Spears from Denham Springs High School had two interceptions.
Spears only appeared in a total of 13 snaps in the first two games, but he was ready on Saturday night when his number was called. He had the play of the game, a 58-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter.
“I knew it was coming; I was creeping toward it, I knew the slant was coming from the boundary and I just made the play,” Spears said.
A.J. Haulcy, Tamarcus Cooley, and freshman DJ Pickett had the other interceptions.
LSU put on this masterful defensive performance despite losing its heart and soul on the first possession of the game when linebacker Whit Weeks was ejected on a questionable targeting penalty during Florida’s first drive of the game.
Davhon Keys replaced Weeks and led the Tigers with 14 tackles. Whit’s older brother, West Weeks, had 12 tackles until a calf injury forced him out of the game in the fourth quarter.
Kelly turned to another Weeks brother, Zach Weeks, as the true freshman saw his first playing time of the season.
There were other contributions too. Harold Perkins had six tackles and two pass breakups. The Tigers continue to get great play from their cornerbacks. Mansoor Delane and PJ Woodland each had five tackles and a pass defensed.
This defense should be celebrated as they’ve come a long way from that horrific performance in 2023. They seem legit.
Eventually, the offense will find its footing.
It’s a new offensive line, it’s a run game that is struggling, whether Kelly wants to admit it or not, and Garrett Nussmeier has yet to play his best football of the season.
But it’s nice to hang your hat on a great defense that is playing with swagger.
Kelly knows he has a good team on his hands. I believe that’s why he’s been so demonstrative in his postgame press conferences this season. He can envision this team winning a national title, but it will take all three phases.
The defense is playing great, special teams have been good, and the Tigers have themselves a punter in Grant Chadwick. It’s just that the offense needs to get going, and Kelly believes it eventually will.