The LSU Tigers stepped away from SEC play Saturday night to take on the Army Black Knights. The last time these teams battled was 1931 and Army shutout LSU 20-0.
The Tigers waited 92 years to return the favor as it was all LSU from start to the finish shutting out Army 62-0. Quarterback Jayden Daniels only played the 1st half of the game, but he finish with four combined touchdowns (3 passing, 1 rushing) and 279 yards passing.
Army was at a disadvantage from the kickoff having to start a true freshman quarterback in his first ever start for the Black Knights. Army QB Champ Harris finished with 22 yards passing and -9 yards rushing. Harris was replaced at halftime by teammate Larry Robinson. This Army offense could have had a puncher's chance, if starting QB Bryson Daily was available, but he was out due to an injury.
LSU’s offense continued to shine finishing with 570 total yards and will now get the week off to prepare for Alabama in the first week of November.
GOOD:
LSU Defense:
After getting tough criticism following their loss to the Ole Miss Rebels, the Tigers’ defense has turned things around. The past two games LSU held their opponents (Army & Auburn) to 18 total points. The addition of DL coach Pete Jenkins has definitely been a factor in their improved performance. The Tigers are getting stops, and it all starts with the defensive line getting pressure on the QB.
DT Jordan Jefferson was pushing the Army interior lineman back, causing multiple runs to head towards the sideline due to his pressure. We also saw two LSU defensive back players come up with interceptions including Zy Alexander’s end of half interception, (Unfortunately, that may cost the Tigers defense going forward.)
Linebacker Omar Spiegths was missing for the Missouri and Arkansas games, where the LSU defense had no answers for the opposing offenses. His presence along with Harold Perkins Jr is giving LSU a little more confidence heading into Tuscaloosa.
Malik Nabers & Brian Thomas Jr:
The LSU wide receiver duo each finished with over 100 yards receiving, combining for two of the three Jayden Daniels touchdown passes. Nabers ended his night on a highlight 57 yard touchdown catch in the 3rd quarter from QB Garrett Nussmeier.
Nabers & Thomas have been so impressive that they currently lead the country in two statistical receiving categories.
With two touchdowns on the night, Thomas now leads the nation with 11 receiving touchdowns. Nabers, who was leading the country in receiving yards, extended his total with 121 vs Army. He now leads all of college football with 981 receiving yards.
While both Nabers and Thomas should be nominated for the Biletnikoff award, only one will likely be invited to the ceremony. The same thing happened in 2019 when JaMar Chase won the award and his teammate Justin Jefferson wasn’t invited.
BAD:
Army Offense:
Like I mentioned earlier, the Black Knights were at a huge disadvantage without their starting QB (Bryson Daily). Daily is the engine that makes the Army offense run and we’ve seen it sputter now for two straight games. Army has now been shutout in back to back games.
Army finished the game with 193 total yards with only 42 of those passing. LSU’s depth in the secondary has been limited all season, yet they had no problems with anything thrown at them tonight. LSU finished +4 in the turnover battle, with three of those from Army QB interceptions.
Logan Diggs:
Diggs was getting better and better each week in this LSU offense, but was quiet overall against Army. After four straight games of 97 rushing yards or more, he was held to just 26 yards on six carries.
I think the game plan early on was to get Jayden Daniels his yards then take him out of the game once it was out of reach for Army. Rushing the ball early in the 1st half didn’t seem to be a priority for Coach Kelly.
Diggs will definitely be needed vs Alabama, so Tiger fans will gladly accept an off week from Diggs, if that means he gets back to himself in Tuscaloosa.
UGLY:
Zy Alexander Injury:
It’s hard to find something ugly in a 62-0 shutout, but the Tigers defense may have suffered a significant injury right before the half. Army threw a hail mary pass, which was intercepted and returned by Alexander. He was tackled and apparently injured his ankle during the play. Reports were that he wasn’t able to put any weight on his injured ankle and didn’t return to the game.
This is back to back weeks now that the injury bug has bitten LSU players. Offensive lineman Emery Jones left last week’s Auburn game with a foot/ankle injury.
Both players will have bye week to heal, but both will be needed against Bama, especially Alexander, since the LSU secondary is already thin.