Most people wouldn’t have believed that LSU would enter November 6-2 overall, 4-1 in the SEC, and controlling their own destiny in the West division heading into the matchup with Alabama.
Sometimes, things have a funny way of doing the unexpected.
Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers (6-2) hosted Ole Miss (7-1) over the weekend in Tiger Stadium and over 100,000 people witnessed one of the most lopsided conference wins in recent memory for the Tigers.
Jayden Daniels accounted for over 350 yards of total offense with five total touchdowns as the Tigers trounced Lane Kiffin’s Rebels 45-20 on national television Saturday afternoon.
There were many things to take away from this game, but here are the three biggest:
Jayden Daniels has figured out this offense
“The quarterback (Daniels) was excellent,” Kelly said following the win over Ole Miss. “Again, in back-to-back weeks leading the offense, he was the catalyst for us making quick decisions. He was assertive, aggressive, ran the ball, the offensive line was outstanding, as you know, really put the game away at the end.”
Daniels had a great performance for the second consecutive week, with the first one coming on the road against Florida. In the last two contests, the Arizona State transfer has completed 74% of his passes for 597 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 165 yards and six touchdowns.
There was a lot of hesitation early on within the fanbase about Daniels leading the offense, but it’s safe to say that he’s won Baton Rouge over.
Harold Perkins is an early difference maker
For being a true freshman, Harold Perkins looks like he would fit into the NFL in 2023.
Perkins, a Cypress, Texas native, has been outstanding for LSU ever since he stepped foot on campus in the spring.
“He was good. You know, he’s active but it’s hard to get him on the field as much but we felt like it was really important to get him out on the perimeter because he can run things down and he’s a very good pass rusher” said Kelly postgame. “He’s an exceptional player. I think everybody knows that.”
As the top-rated linebacker in the country out of high school, Perkins already has 33 tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception in Purple and Gold.
LSU’s Offense will bring them places
For the first couple of games in 2022, the offense was one of the bigger question marks. Fans didn’t know what to think of the quarterback and the offensive line was constantly changing amid other issues.
But over the last few weeks, the Tigers’ offense has turned a page into a new chapter full of chemistry and explosiveness.
For the last two weeks, LSU has outscored its opponents 90-55 and has outgained them 1028-799 in terms of total yards. The Tigers have taken care of the football, made big plays down the field, and have done an excellent job of closing out games in the second half.
Don’t look now, but this Tigers team is red hot rolling into their Saturday Night in Death Valley matchup with the Crimson Tide of Alabama next weekend. It’s been 12 long years since LSU has beaten the Tide in Baton Rouge. Will it happen on November 5th?