LSU Tigers Football: Monday News for 10/6

The LSU Tigers are coming off their worst loss of the Les Miles era, a 41-7 thrashing at the hands of the Auburn Tigers. There’s not much to say other than the very same problem areas I wrote about last Monday were worse Saturday night than at any other time during the season so far. As a result of this beating, LSU, 4-2 overall, is no longer ranked in the Top 25 for the first time since the 2008 season.  The 0-2 start in SEC play marks the first time this has occurred since 2001; the Tigers went on to win the SEC Title that year, for what it’s worth.

The problem areas once again: (1) the quarterbacks situation, (2) the offensive line, and (3) the defensive line. For this report, I will expand on item #3 to include the LSU defense in its entirety. Additionally, LSU Coach Les Miles addressed the media today, and I will include some highlights of what was said.

Oct 4, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris (6) looks for a receiver during the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn beat LSU 41-7. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

The Quarterbacks

Brandon Harris got the start, and essentially performed like a freshman making his first collegiate start in a hostile environment. He finished 3-of-14 for 58 yards (52 yards came on one play), and no touchdowns. Harris looked uncomfortable from the get-go, misfiring on a number of passes (many of his incompletions were thrown too high for the receivers), and leaving the pocket early, when he really didn’t have to.

Anthony Jennings entered the game in the third quarter after Harris sprained his ankle. Jennings went 5-of-10 for 84 yards, and looked more comfortable than Harris.  Neither Harris nor Jennings turned the ball over.

Miles stated at his Monday press conference that Jennings and Harris “will compete this week [at practice] to be the Tigers’ starting quarterback at Florida.”  So it would appear that we’re back to square one, and a possible quarterback controversy…

On a related note, Miles said they’re “giving some thought to” having Cam Cameron on the field to help both quarterbacks and call the game from the sideline.

The Offensive Line

The offensive line has been inconsistent at best throughout the season so far, and this was apparent against Auburn. The line at times provided ample pass protection, and at times opened lanes for some decent gains rushing; however, was unable to sustain anything positive on a consistent basis. The Tigers ran a lot out of the I-formation, and while successful on first downs early in the game, some head-scratching play calls on second and third downs prevented LSU from sustaining drives and allowing Harris to get into a rhythm. Three consecutive three-and-outs at the start of the game resulted in a 17-point deficit that proved too much to come back from.

LSU finished the game with 280 total yards, on 138 yards rushing, and 142 yards passing. The Auburn defense was likely the best that LSU has faced all year. LSU was 0-13 on third down conversions, and there was a clock-management issue at the end of the first half when LSU was successfully moving the ball downfield.

Miles stated this afternoon that the offensive line played much better, and thinks that the offense is really close. Miles said “we needed to be calm and relaxed and comfortable…and it created some issues.” He went on to say “those issues can be corrected very quickly.”

Oct 4, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Cameron Artis-Payne (44) gets past LSU Tigers safety Rickey Jefferson (29) at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn beat LSU 41-7. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

The Defense

Auburn gashed the LSU defense on the ground and in the passing game. The other Tigers finished with 566 yards, on 298 yards rushing, and 268 yards passing. The Bayou Bengals had difficulty with Nick Marshall and Auburn’s read-option scheme. The entire defensive unit was responsible, as the front seven and secondary had problems most of the night. To Auburn’s credit, they connected on what Miles today called “one-time plays,” including one in particular in where Rashard Robinson had excellent coverage and just missed in batting the ball away – it was caught by Sammie Coates for a touchdown. It was just one of those nights for LSU.

As stated regarding the offensive line, Miles did indicate that the defensive line played much better; “the defense is giving great effort and making tackles.” Regarding personnel, Miles said that Kendell Beckwith would play more than D.J. Welter at the middle linebacker position. He also met with defensive coordinator John Chavis regarding personnel and stated “we’re kind of all in agreement where we’re headed there, and…it’s a very small shift.”

Hopefully LSU can find some answers on defense – through the first two conference games the once-vaunted LSU defense has been scorched for 75 points and 1,137 yards.

Next Up: Florida

The Tigers continue on the road this week at the Swamp to take on the Florida Gators. The Gators (3-1, 2-1 SEC) are coming off a slim 10-9 victory at Tennessee, in which they came back from a 9-0 deficit in the fourth quarter. Florida’s comeback was led by freshman quarterback Treon Harris, who has been suspended due to a sexual assault investigation.

The Gators are experiencing some similar issues as the Tigers both on offense and defense. Interestingly, LSU goes into the game as a one-point favorite. The Gator faithful have not been happy with coach Will Muschamp, who will be forced to start Jeff Driskel at quarterback, due to the Harris suspension.

Death Valley Voice will have more on the LSU/Florida game over the coming days, including a Q&A with Hail Florida Hail, the FanSided Network’s Florida Gators site.