The LSU Tigers were on the opposite end of another shootout compared to last week’s outcome in Oxford, Mississippi. In another SEC road game the Purple & Gold offense had to carry the team throughout the game, but this time LSU made a last minute stop and secured a win.
It was looking like déjà vu all over again for quarterback Jayden Daniels and the offense. LSU was able to muster up 500+ yards of offense only to give the ball right back to their opponent for a chance to win the game in front of their home fans. This game almost went that way as Daniels fumbled the snap on the Tigers final possession.
Missouri wouldn’t get the same luck as the Rebels; quarterback Brady Cook threw a pick six interception to safety Major Burns to end any hopes of Mizzou staying undefeated. While LSU’s defense did make some improvements, they still gave up 500+ total yards to the Missouri offense; 395 of those through the air.
We continue to see the LSU trio of Daniels, Naber and Thomas put up historic numbers. They totaled 342 yards of LSU’s 533 yards of offense.
GOOD:
LSU 2nd Half Defense:
The past two games the LSU defense was criticized for their inability to get a stop against Arkansas and Ole Miss late in the game. The Tigers not only got multiple stops in the 3rd quarter, but ended the game with a Major Burns pick six to secure the LSU victory.
Missouri was able to score on four of their first five possessions in the first half, but LSU’s defensive coordinator Matt House was able to make some adjustments that resulted in stops in three of the first four drives to start the 2nd half.
Key LSU players stood out in the win including outside linebacker Harold Perkins, defensive tackle Maason Smith and safety Major Burns. The momentum started turning with a Perkins interception on Missouri QB Brady Cook, which resulted in a score right before halftime.
Maason Smith made a huge impact on the defensive line getting a key sack in the 4th quarter. Finally, the cherry on top was Major Burns intercepting the ball and putting the Tigers up 10 with less than a minute to go leading to an LSU victory.
Jayden Daniels:
LSU’s quarterback keeps making a name from himself on the field; Daniels did a lot of his damage on the ground, rushing for 130 yards.
He did have a scary moment after a touchdown run that was called back for holding, as he was hit in the ribs injuring himself. Daniels returned to the game after the Tigers weren’t able to score inside their own 10 yard line. The determined QB answered the call, putting together back to back touchdown drives following his injury. Daniels spoke after the game and said his injury wasn’t too serious, so he should be a full-go against Auburn next week.
BAD:
LSU 1st Half Defense:
LSU fans were going crazy early in the ball game as the Tigers defense had no answer for Missouri WR Luther Burden and QB Brady Cook. Missouri was able to drive up and down the field pretty seamlessly on their first possessions. What was looking early like a blowout loss for LSU, turned as a Cook interception gave LSU a quick score before halftime.
The Tigers won’t be able to fix their offense overnight, but we did see some improvements later in the game. Most of the success of LSU’s opponents has come from big plays through the air and that all starts with the QB’s time in the pocket. LSU wasn’t able to establish any pass rush on the QB leaving him open to pick apart an already limited secondary.
82 year old defensive kind coach Pete Jenkins won’t be able to fix every issue, but hopefully you’ll see some improvements against a limited offensive team like Auburn next week.
Finally, cornerback Denver Harris left the game with an injury which will be thing to watch.
UGLY:
Officiating:
This was ugly for both teams, as there was a combined 22 penalties called in this game. A number of defensive players were called for disconcerting signals, which is when a player on the defensive side of the ball claps before the play begins.
This was flagged at least three times, which rarely happens. It seemed like there was an agenda to eliminate all ticky tack things pre-snap.
The officials also took points off the scoreboard in the play where Daniels was injured. Jayden was able to hit the corner and score, but the play was called back for a holding penalty. Daniels was clearly in the end zone by the time the hold occurred, but there wasn’t much Brian Kelly could argue.
What Coach Kelly could argue is the pre-snap false start on Missouri’s offense lineman that officials missed, before Mizzou ran the ball into the end zone in the 3rd quarter. That was an obvious call missed by every official on the field.
Luckily, officiating didn’t cost either team the game and LSU was able to avoid a two-game losing streak.
Up next for LSU is another Tiger team in Auburn. They’ll be back in Baton Rouge to face an offense that’s struggled so far this season.