After a big season-opening win over Clemson, everyone wanted to see how LSU would respond against Louisiana Tech. The Tigers got the win, but the truth is, it was not as easy as it should have been.
Let’s break it down.
1. Lack of explosive plays
With the skill position players LSU has, it would be expected that the offense be able to generate explosive plays with regularity. However, that has not been the case so far this season. Zavion Thomas had a 48-yard run and Harlem Berry had a 43-yard run. Outside of that, the Tigers only ran 64 yards (removing Nussmeier sack yardage).
In the pass game, we did not see big plays, either. Aaron Anderson had two catches of over 20 yards, but no other receiver did.
Through two weeks of play, LSU has six plays of 20 or more yards. That ranks 104th nationally.
Two receivers who are expected to make those big plays are Barion Brown and Chris Hilton. Through two games, that has not been the case. While Brown has made an impact, he is averaging only 9.2 yards per catch. Hilton, meanwhile, still only has one catch on the season. He did draw a pass interference penalty which set up a field goal in the second quarter.
2. Garrett Nussmeier threw his first interception of the season
In what could have been an explosive play, Garrett Nussmeier’s pass resulted in an interception. Barion Brown was running a vertical route and Nussmeier underthrew him. Nussmeier’s arm has never been questioned, so this is a bit unusual to see an underthrow from him.
3. Injuries to Braelin Moore and Trey’dez Green
Center Braelin Moore went down on LSU’s first play from scrimmage. His absence was felt as LSU was never able to establish a consistent running game. The Tigers also surrendered three sacks on the night.
Moore was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week after the win over Clemson. His veteran presence proved valuable, so we will have to see what his absence means going forward. Right now, it looms large with Florida coming to town this week. Last season, LSU gave up seven sacks against Florida.
Trey’dez Green also went down awkwardly in the fourth quarter.
It appears both will miss significant time. Both Moore and Green have been key players for LSU this season, so others will need to step up in their absence.
DJ Chester will move back to center, where he started last season. Green was a big contributor as a red zone target. We could see Nic Anderson emerge there. The 6’4″ Anderson caught his first touchdown as a Tiger in the win over Louisiana Tech.
4. West Weeks was all over the field
Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins have garnered plenty of praise, and rightfully so, but the play of West Weeks deserves recognition. When LSU is on defense, you are sure to see #33 getting to the ball. The elder Weeks led the team in tackles with 10, 4 of which were solo.
5. Return Game
LSU was a bit of an enigma when it came to returns in 2024. The Tigers led the SEC in kick return average at 27.6 last season, while they ranked near the bottom of the league in punt returns.
It may have gone unnoticed late in the game, but Barion Brown had a 42-yard kickoff return. Meanwhile, Zavion Thomas had two punt returns that each went for twelve yards. This is a significant improvement from 2024, where the Tigers only averaged 4.7 yards per punt return.
OUTTA HERE!
Clarknado Sports 