LSU fell to UCLA 38-27 in the Rose Bowl on Saturday Night. The disappointment came on many fronts as LSU’s problems from 2020 continued. Time for some truths.
The offensive line has not progressed. LSU was simply unable to run the ball against UCLA. On the night, the Tigers totaled 49 yards on 25 carries. Running back Ty Davis-Price had nowhere to run. LSU’s longest rush of the night came on a Max Johnson scramble. Johnson was also under constant pressure as the UCLA pass rush harassed him all night. That clearly affected him and there was no better illustration of that than an ill-advised no look pass he attempted.
Johnson was also forced into throwing an interception in the third quarter. That would lead to a three-play touchdown drive for UCLA.
The LSU defense had its fair share of problems. After forcing a punt on UCLA’s first three possessions, LSU gave up a 75-yard touchdown pass to a TIGHT END! That was one of the five 30+ yard plays the Tigers allowed. Giving up big plays plagued the defense in 2020, and it could be an issue again.
It was not just the big plays, UCLA was able to run the ball effectively for most of the game. The Bruins totaled 210 rushing yards. On Saturday, it appeared they were able to push around LSU. Look at the still frames below for reference.
The blue line is the line of scrimmage, and UCLA has pushed LSU a yard past it before their running back even gets to full speed. The LSU linebackers are also caught in the wash, leaving plenty of open field for UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet.
Again, LSU gets beat at the point of attack.
With those issues aside, there were some positives.
Kayshon Boutte picked up where he left off after his record-setting performance against Ole Miss. Again, Boutte was unstoppable as he hauled in 9 passes for 148 yards and found the endzone three times. Getting the ball to Boutte must be a priority for LSU this season.
Boutte is not the only player to wear the #1 at LSU. The other, Elias Ricks, had a nice game as well. Ricks provided great coverage all night and UCLA avoided him. The only time the ball was thrown near Ricks resulted in an interception.
LSU hosts McNeese State this upcoming Saturday which should be an opportunity to improve. While nothing will take away the sting of the UCLA loss, a strong performance will rebuild the confidence lost in the opener.
One game at a time…
OUTTA HERE!
Clarknado Sports 