Welcome everyone to another edition of #4Downs! In this edition, I’ll be breaking down LSU’s victory over the Syracuse Orange.
1st Down: An almost historical day for Fournette
After a slow start against Syracuse, Leonard Fournette came within six yards of breaking Alley Broussard single-game rushing record. The Orange, who headed into the game with one of the best rush defenses allowing about 47 yards a game, were unable to contain Fournette after Brandon Harris handed it off to him trying to avoid a sack and the Heisman Trophy candidate went off on a 48 yard run and got the score for the Tigers two plays later. Fournette continues to be the main part of the Tigers offense as expected.
2nd Down: Special Teams Inconsistency
The Special Teams for LSU were less than stellar to start, especially in terms of the punting game. Jamie Keehn started off his Saturday sending his first punt only 13 yards, giving Syracuse ideal field position. The Australia native got back in line after this and the special teams got things under control and even got the Tigers some points off of a Tre’Davious White punt return.
3rd Down: Defense taking foot off gas early
LSU’s defense has been showing a major problem through three games in 2015. It takes the foot off the gas too early. In the first quarter the defense allowed eight yards. The very next quarter, the Tigers almost allowed Syracuse to come within one point if not for a missed field goal at the end of the half. The Tigers made Syracuse’s walk-on QB Zack Mahoney look like he could hold his own in the second half allowing three scores through the air. This will be a major problem once conference play really gets started in November with matchups against Alabama and Ole Miss on the docket.
4th Down: The Evolution of Brandon Harris
After a couple games where Harris hasn’t thrown quite as much as some people would like, the sophomore quarterback had a fairly good showing, going 8-fo-16 for 157 yards and a touchdown. It seems that with every game that Harris plays, he’s getting more and more confident. If he keeps this going, there’s a chance that he could be dangerous later in the season.
-Clint Domingue