Raise your hand if you predicted in August that when LSU and Texas A&M meet on October 26th that they would be the only two teams left in the SEC who are undefeated in conference play.
No one should raise their hands.
Both the Tigers and Aggies suffered season opening losses, but there they are at the top of the SEC standings.
LSU is coming off its most complete game of the season, a 34-10 drubbing of Arkansas.
LSU started fast in Fayetteville with a touchdown on its opening drive. When Arkansas got back into the game, Tigers linebacker Whit Weeks had a huge interception to set up a Caden Durham touchdown. LSU finished the scoring with 14-play, 80-yard drive late in the fourth quarter.
“I thought we had four quarters of LSU football for the first time maybe, yeah there are some things around the edges we want to clean up, but when you go on the road and you beat a real good football team 34-10, I would be crying over something that I shouldn’t be at this point,” Kelly said.
The penalties were the most annoying part for LSU as they had 11 of them. In the first half, the Tigers had six false start penalties and one snap infraction.
Kelly said that’s stuff that can’t happen.
But since the loss to the Trojans, Kelly has preached the need to play complimentary football, and they are getting it now.
The defense has allowed just one touchdown over the last six quarters
Weeks’ interception near the goal line dashed any hope that Arkansas would win this game. Kelly called Weeks an elite SEC player in the postgame.
LSU also forced two fumbles and there was a bone crushing hit by Sage Ryan that led to a pass break up.
Arkansas only had 38 yards rushing, no long runs from the Razorbacks in this one.
The Tigers also had a nice running game. Durham rushed for 101 yards and three touchdowns.
LSU’s final scoring drive was a thing of beauty as the Tigers kept the ball on the ground for most part to ice the game away.
Garrett Nussmeier was more efficient in this game, compared to his performance against Ole Miss.
Nussmeier was 23 of 34 for 233 yards and he benefited from the return of CJ Daniels who caught seven passes for 86 yards.
Don’t forget about the performance of Damian Ramos. LSU’s field goal kicker was four for four, including a 47-yarder and a 48-yarder.
The Tigers appear to be peaking heading into a huge showdown against the Aggies on Saturday.
A win over Texas A&M and the Tigers put themselves in the driver’s seat to play in the SEC Championship game and a spot in the 12-team playoff.
Many LSU fans were hoping this would be the case in August, but it’s starting to look like a reality as this Tigers team looks like a championship contender.
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