Just a brutal offensive performance by LSU in a gnashing of teeth 13-10 win over Western Kentucky.
The Hilltoppers came into the game ranked 95th in the country in total defense, allowing nearly 400 yards of offense.
However, LSU could only muster one touchdown and 328 yards of offense against a Conference USA team. The Tigers averaged just 4.2 yards a play. The longest play from scrimmage was a 25-yard run by freshman running back Harlem Berry.
LSU quarterback Michael Van Buren looked more like a Conference USA quarterback, completing 25-of-42 passes for 202 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He was sacked twice and only rushed for 12 yards.
Running back Caden Durham left the game with a concussion, and two starting offensive linemen also went down with injuries, including center Braelin Moore, who has been the best LSU o-lineman this season.
Interim head coach Frank Wilson said their depth on offense was tested, and he also noted that WKU’s pre-snap shifting and movement confused LSU’s offense. The Hilltoppers also did a good job of camouflaging their coverage.
It was a tough watch, and the offense has been tough to watch all season.
Scott Rabalais of the Advocate came up with this nugget: since the Division I split in 1978, LSU has not gone an entire season without scoring more than 25 points against an FBS team, and the Tigers are certainly in danger of doing that.
It’s unlikely LSU will score more than 25 points against Oklahoma in the regular season finale, as the Sooners have one of the best defenses in the country.
It’s unknown who will be the head coach of the Tigers next season.
Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports is reporting that LSU’s total contract package offer for Kiffin is worth nearly 90 million dollars. LSU is also promising Kiffin 25 million dollars plus in NIL money to build a championship roster.
If Kiffin watched this game, he would see the offense needs more than just a fresh coat of paint. It needs to be knocked down and rebuilt from the ground up.
The Tigers need quarterbacks, dynamic receivers, several offensive linemen, and running backs to help support Caden Durham and Harlem Berry.
Trey’Dez Green has the potential to be a great player. But you don’t see many offenses built around a tight end.
LSU fans see Kiffin as someone who can rejuvenate the Tigers’ offense, and in the transfer portal era, an excellent team can be put together quickly.
But it looks like it will take a couple of offseasons for LSU to have a dynamic offseason again.
Hiring Kiffin and a lot of NIL money will help improve LSU’s offense in 2026, but it will also take some patience.