Welcome everyone to the latest edition of #4Downs where I break down every LSU game! This week, we look at their dominant win over Southern Miss.
1st Down: Miscues Lead to Poor First Half
The first half for LSU was far from perfect with five penalties that wound up giving Southern Miss three first downs. But it was one in the first quarter that hurt the Tigers early. When the Golden Eagles punted the ball for the first time, the Tigers couldn’t get a player off the field in time and it gave Southern Miss the ball right back and that error turned into seven points. It really set the tone for what would be a rough first half for the Tigers.
2nd Down: Who Knew LSU Could Pass?
Over the past few years, the passing game for LSU hasn’t been a strong point of their game. It just seems like the gameplan has changed drastically since the former Purdue QB Danny Etling has been starting and perhaps new offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger is helping with the Tigers performance through the air the last couple of games. I honestly couldn’t tell you the last time I saw the Tigers throw a deep ball that was actually caught, especially passes to Malachi Dupre. The change at the top has been against easier opponents, but it should get their confidence up for the tough road ahead.
3rd Down: Special Teams Shines
No, really the special teams for LSU put together a solid effort. Cameron Gamble had two touchbacks and averaged over 60 yards per kickoff, probably his best game wearing the purple and gold. You also had Josh Growden have three good punts that pinned Southern Miss deep. It was refreshing to see the team perform well in all phases.
4th Down: Rough Road Ahead
I mentioned the road for LSU being rough earlier and that is an understatement. You’ve got Ole Miss, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and then Texas A&M on Thanksgiving. If the Tigers can somehow walk away from this stretch with one loss, Coach O should be the permanent head coach. The last two games have been a good sign of things to come, but at the end of the day the opponents they’ve faced aren’t at the level of talent that the final five games of the season are. From here on out, it’s one game at a time for LSU and Coach O.
-Clint Domingue