The big question that jumps out at me with next week’s Auburn game is how will Etling and this LSU team respond to a hostile SEC environment. “I feel like we kind of let off the gas toward the end, and it cost us nearly”. “Let’s get some food”.
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The #20-ranked LSU Tigers begin their SEC conference play at home Saturday against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Fred Ross complimented for 39 yards and a touchdown. Despite this, the offense’s struggles have led to the 1-2 start.
Aeris Williams didn’t do a lot in this game, but converting a key fourth down with a solid reception and fighting through tackles to gain more yards showed off his physicality and determination. This Saturday night in Death Valley, there could be far more resistance from the Bulldogs, who enter Death Valley giving up only 60 yards rushing per game.
LSU RB Leonard Fournette rushes 25 yards for a touchdown. Damian Williams converted it into a touchdown, but there weren’t enough stops for MSU to pull ahead. These have been weird finishes I know, but still you don’t leave a SEC game when it’s still in doubt. Donald Gray led in receiving with 71 yards and a touchdown in 5 catches while Gabe Myles had 45 yards in 3 receptions.
“That’s where leadership comes in”, Williams said. Made plays with his feet.
INJURY REPORT: LSU starting left guard William Clapp left the game in the first half with what appeared to be a shoulder injury, but he returned quickly.
LSU went three-and-out and after a punt, MSU took over at its own 23 yard line. Fournette had just gained 12 yards to the LSU 40, and the Tigers got another five yards to the 45 on an offside call against State before the fumble. Fitzgerald, who was named the starter after last week’s win over SC, struggled passing and was 12 of 24 or 120 yards.
Fournette already has 11 carries for 77 yards and two scores against the overmatched Bulldogs. The issue with the Tigers is the horrendously predictable offense that Les Miles teams tend to play with. But he did like what he saw from Williams.
“When stuff like that happens, it’s not going to be flawless, but I thought we played physical, Pocic said”. “He understands we made that decision to try to do what’s best for the team”.
“After the first game, I didn’t want him to worry about (the lack of reps)”, Mullen said. “But, “(Fitzgerald’s) helmet pops off, he’s ready, comes in and doesn’t miss a beat”. The Tigers led 23-3 at the half.
Second-half play-calling will draw some complaints again, but I don’t agree with the idea that anything “went into a shell”. Mullen said the offense played “OK” in the first half. One of them arguably has the best player in the nation at tailback. Miles said he hopes Boutte solidifies an offensive line that played well in last weekend’s win. “Certainly it seemed like we were moving the football well”. They run double post, it’s a touchdown. Malone caught five passes for 69 yards and junior running back Jalen Hurd added a rushing touchdown. “There were plenty of opportunities there for us to make but we didn’t”. However, only a 37-yard Graves field goal at 6:41 resulted.
LSU built a cozy cushion by diversifying its offense in the first 30 minutes more than any time this season and perhaps dating to at least 2013. “The plan through camp and even through game one, I don’t think there was any pressure one way or the other”.
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At one point in the third quarter, Key blasted into the backfield on three straight plays, pressuring State starting quarterback Nick Fitzgerald into a host of misfires. The Razorbacks outgained the Bobcats (1-1) 350-26 in total yardage in the first half.
