The LSU Tigers defense looked improved on Saturday against McNeese State. The first home game of the season gave the Tigers a chance to rebound following a season-opening loss. While LSU won 34-7 over the Cowboys, it certainly was not in the best fashion. But at the end of the day, LSU improves to 1-1 on the season.
LSU Defense Improves Against McNeese State
LSU’s defense only allowed seven points and 142 total yards. The Cowboys ran the ball for just 51 yards on 42 total rushing attempts. LSU needed to be better in stopping the run, and the defense showed that on Saturday. In pass protection, LSU gave up just 91 passing yards to Cowboys quarterback Cody Orgeron.
Maason Smith led the way on defense with three sacks, six tackles, and three and a half tackles for loss. The star freshman showed out in front of the home crowd for a unit that drastically needed to look better going into the game. Andre Anthony finished the game with five tackles and two and a half sacks. Jaquelin Roy recovered two fumbles in Saturday’s win.
Tigers Offense Continues to Struggle
Sure, the LSU defense led the way in the 34-7 victory over McNeese. But the offense still struggled and that should be the focal point this week in preparation for Central Michigan.
Sophomore quarterback Max Johnson went 18-of-27 for 161 yards and three touchdowns. His numbers still failed to be outstanding, but it was enough for the win. However, will put up “just enough to win” numbers slide by in Baton Rouge this year?
The Tigers’ offensive line is still having issues in opening holes in the running game. LSU finished with 126 rushing yards as a team. Corey Kiner had the only rushing touchdown as he rushed for 56 yards on 11 carries. Sophomore Tyrion Davis-Price had 37 yards on just eight carries. Only scoring 34 points in a struggling game against an FCS opponent likely won’t sit well with the Tigers fan base. This team has to improve in a hurry or rumors will begin to swirl in Baton Rouge.
Sophomore wide receiver Kayshon Boutte had two touchdown receptions on five catches for 31 yards. Once again in week two, the play calling for LSU was horrid. The offense has to open it up and get down the field more. But with a struggling offensive line, that won’t come easy.
One Bright Spot
On special teams, kicker Cade York was being talked about following the win. He finished the game 2-of-2 on field goal attempts and booted a 56-yard kick in the win.
What Lies Ahead
Heading into Saturday’s game against Central Michigan, the Bayou Bengals have to address the issues on both sides of the ball. The LSU Tigers defense didn’t play perfectly, but the unit looked better than the first game. The Tigers’ offense needs to work on play calling and blocking upfront. Johnson was sacked twice by the Cowboys.
The Tigers enter week three with a 1-1 record. The Central Michigan Chippewas come to town on Saturday with kickoff slated for 6 pm central time on SEC Network.
