LSU didn’t pass its first road test of the season, falling 32-24 to Ole Miss in a hostile Oxford environment.
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The Tigers will get another chance to prove they can win away from Tiger Stadium Saturday night when they travel to Lexington to face Kentucky.
The atmosphere should be intense. It’s homecoming at Kentucky, the Wildcats are planning a “Blue Out,” and first-year head coach Will Stein has the fan base believing the program can become relevant in the SEC.
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt struggled in his first road game. He completed just 59 percent of his passes for a season-low 158 yards, one touchdown and one interception against Ole Miss.
Since then, however, Leavitt has been much more efficient. Over the last two games, he has completed 76 percent of his passes for 489 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.
Some have joked that Leavitt’s improved accuracy is a result of the hamstring injury that has limited his mobility and essentially turned him into more of a pocket passer.
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin believes there’s another reason for Leavitt’s improved passing: He’s not facing the same level of pressure he dealt with earlier in the season.
“Just like in golfing, or a batter, there’s a lot to your rhythm of your swing, and they don’t move their feet all over the place,” Kiffin said. “And when you are looking at the rush and you’re moving around, and your eyes are looking all over in that Ole Miss game you’re not going to be really accurate, you’re not going to be really consistent.”
Kentucky has recorded just 10 sacks and 20 quarterback hurries through five games. Those numbers suggest the Wildcats have not consistently generated pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
But Kentucky has been opportunistic.
The Wildcats have forced 10 turnovers this season and own a plus-5 turnover margin.
That could be the biggest concern for LSU.
The Tigers are 8.5-point favorites, but one of the easiest ways for them to lose this game is to give Kentucky extra possessions. Leavitt has thrown seven interceptions this season, and protecting the football will be critical Saturday night.
LSU has already learned the hard way what can happen on the road when mistakes and pressure start to mount.
Against Kentucky, the Tigers will need Leavitt to stay composed, avoid the costly turnover and continue the efficient passing he has shown over the last two games.
