Welcome everyone to the latest edition of #4Downs where I break down what went right and what went wrong for the LSU Tigers! This week it’s LSU’s win over Arkansas.
1st Down: No Hangover
The LSU Tigers have had a tendency of underperforming after losing against Alabama the week before. Just look at last season where the Tigers lost three of their last four games as the perfect example. With Coach O at the helm, it seems the team’s morale is still pretty high based off the performance from Saturday’s win over Arkansas. The offense looked like they did in the first three games since he was named the interim head coach. If it was your typical performance post-Bama, then maybe Orgeron’s chances would take a nosedive but with a convincing win in Fayetteville may have risen his stock even higher.
2nd Down: Shut Down Defense
It was another stellar performance from Dave Aranda’s defense on Saturday allowing only 10 points from a typically good offense. The front seven really got pressure on Austin Allen all night long with four sacks and four hits. It felt like a complete game from this defense and not allowing a touchdown in the second half was the icing on the cake. The only low point was the wide open touchdown pass in the second quarter.
3rd Down: Special Teams Blunders
Sometimes you just need to call for the fair catch when a punt is coming your way. Tre White is usually reliable at punt returns, but every time he did something wrong. The worst offense was the muffed punt that wound up giving Arkansas the ball back. Thankfully, nothing came of it but that could have made the game more troublesome as things go along. That being said, the Tigers were very good at special teams overall with punter Josh Growden getting better each game and had a punt land end up at the one yard line.
4th Down: Geaux Guice Geaux
The biggest name on LSU’s roster is obviously number seven, but it seems like Coach O wants to see more of the sophomore running back Derrius Guice. After only taking two carries the week before against Bama, he had 21 carries for over 250 yards including the longest run in LSU history with a 96-yard TD to put the game away. If LSU fans are concerned about life after Fournette leaves, don’t be worried because the running back depth on this team is incredible and Guice has taken advantage of his opportunities which will take him a long way.
-Clint Domingue