Welcome everyone to the latest edition of #4Downs where I break down the LSU Tigers latest game. This week, I break down LSU’s loss to Mississippi State.
1st Down: Undisciplined
This may be one of the most undisciplined teams that LSU has had in recent memory. The numbers tell it all and nine penalties for 112 yards is a big problem for this team.
The most appalling part of it was that two of the penalties were for targeting. If LSU wants to live up to their fanbase’s lofty expectations, then they will need to work on their discipline.
2nd Down: Offense Sleepwalking
In the first two games, LSU’s offense was able to overcome some of these self-inflicted wounds thanks to the leadership of Matt Canada. That wasn’t the case this week as the Tigers were held to 270 total yards. Danny Etling wasn’t able to get more than 20 yards on a pass and didn’t find the endzone at all.
The lone positive for the Tigers was Derrius Guice who had 77 yards on 15 carries, including the longest play all night for 25 yards. If that’s your longest play, that’s how you know the offensive performance was poor.
3rd Down: Fitzgerald Proves Himself
Last year was a good game overall for Nick Fitzgerald despite the loss because of what he was able to do to get his team back into the ballgame. With a year under his belt, the junior quarterback got things done both on the ground and through the air with all of the Bulldogs touchdowns having Fitzgerald’s fingerprints all over it.
4th Down: Brutally Honest
If anything, Ed Orgeron is honest about a lot of things, especially when they have a game like they did. From the second he approached the podium he said to place the blame solely on him. He admitted that his team still isn’t disciplined enough to win some of these SEC matchups.
While the contingency of LSU fans already want to jump off the proverbial bridge after the tough loss, it’s admirable to hear a head coach admit things that you would never hear the former coach say after a loss. There will need to more discipline on both sides of the football and Orgeron will be getting his team ready for just that.
-Clint Domingue