LSU Tigers Football: Monday News for 10/13

The LSU Tigers are coming off a dramatic road win at Florida, giving them their first SEC win of the season, and putting to rest the prognostications of many that LSU would go winless in the SEC, after starting 0-2. So, now at 5-2, -1-2, the Tigers will prepare this week for next Saturday’s game at Tiger Stadium, to take on the much-improved Kentucky Wildcats. More on Kentucky later this week.

In order for LSU to have come away with a win at The Swamp, always a tough venue, they needed improvement in three areas (at the risk of sounding like a broken record): (1) the quarterbacks, (2) the offensive line, and (3) the defensive line. Well, as the rock star Meat Loaf sang in his 1978 hit, “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad…

LSU did see improvement in the play of the offensive and defensive lines, and the rushing yardage numbers on both sides for the most part support this. The area that didn’t see whole lot of improvement was in the quarterback play; however, one might argue that Anthony Jennings did just enough to manage the game.

As we’ve done over the past several weeks, let’s take a quick look at these areas:

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The Quarterbacks

LSU Coach Les Miles stated last week that Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris would once again compete for the starting job during practice coming off the Auburn loss. He further said both would play in the Florida game. As it would turn out, Jennings started, and played the entire game. His numbers were serviceable, as he went 10-22 for 110 yards and one touchdown. The two clutch passes he made came late in the game, first when he hit Travin Dural for 41 yards on a 3rd-and-26, and second, two plays later when he would again connect with Dural for an 11-yard touchdown pass.

Jennings didn’t turn the ball over, unlike his counterpart Jeff Driskel of Florida, who was responsible for three Gator turnovers. So from that standpoint, Jennings managed the game adequately. On the other hand, he didn’t look particularly strong on the read-option, and did misfire to receivers several times.

During Miles’ Monday press conference, he stated that [he] “enjoyed how Anthony Jennings handled the situations and understood the game,” and “made some plays when we needed to have him make them.” He further stated that he and Cam Cameron wanted to get Harris in the game, but decided to leave Jennings in.

LSU still has five games remaining on the schedule, including games against some tough defenses; in particular, Ole Miss and Alabama. LSU still needs better play out of the quarterback position so as not to become totally one-dimensional and dependent on the running game.

Oct 11, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball in to score a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

The offensive line had a much better performance against Florida. LSU finished with 195 yards rushing against a defense that up to that point had been quite stout against the run, allowing just a shade over 100 yards per game. After two subpar performances against SEC West foes Mississippi State and Auburn, the LSU offensive line promised it would have a better game against Florida, and it came through.

In particular, Miles singled out the play of Vadal Alexander and La’el Collins.

Leonard Fournette was the main beneficiary of the improved run-blocking, as he finished with a game- and career-high 140 yards rushing on 27 carries. He also scored two touchdowns. The indication heading into the game was that the coaching staff would make Fournette the featured back, and the freshman came through with a great game. Terrance Magee rushed for 51 yards in limited action.

Miles described Fournette as “a big, fast back who can push the ball.”

This was a much-needed boost for the LSU offense, and hopefully provides confidence and momentum heading into the tough games remaining on the schedule.

Defensive Line

The defensive had a much-improved outing as well against Florida. Although at times the Tigers were challenged by the read-option ability of Driskel, who led the Gators with 71 yards rushing, the LSU defense held Florida’s running backs to only 16 yards on 10 carries.

Miles singled out the play of Kwon Alexander, who had a particularly strong game. DT Davin Godchaux played well, and the previously-injured Quentin Thomas returned to action. Other than the 73-yard pass play that set up Florida’s game-tying field goal late in the game, the LSU secondary played a strong game in picking off two Driskel passes. The second interception on the night, by Rickey Jefferson, set up the game-winning field goal for LSU.

As with the strong play of the offensive line, hopefully the defensive line (and front seven in its entirety) can build on this game going forward.

Props to the LSU Tigers and Les Miles

As first reported on nola.com, a Florida fan posted a thank you to Les Miles and LSU as to how they reacted to and handled what appeared to be a grave situation. Florida wide receiver Latroy Pittman went down with what was believed to be a serious injury on the Rickey Jefferson interception. Pittman was carted off the field on a stretcher, and a number of LSU players had removed their helmets and knelt in respect for the injured Pittman.

Fortunately, Pittman was later released from the hospital, suffering no serious injuries.

In a bit of editorializing, it is this type of situation that confirms to me that Les Miles is the right coach for LSU. All coaches can be criticized for their decision making and play calling; however, few have the integrity of Miles. This is among many reasons why recruits want to play for him, and I can’t think of a better coach out there who would represent LSU in such a positive way.

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