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LSU Football: What to Make of the LA Tech Game

By Alex Gomez

BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 22: Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the LSU Tigers dives for a touchdown as Zach Hannibal #18 of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defend during the first half at Tiger Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Chase was later ruled out of bound before crossing the goal line. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 22: Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the LSU Tigers dives for a touchdown as Zach Hannibal #18 of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defend during the first half at Tiger Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Chase was later ruled out of bound before crossing the goal line. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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LA Tech came to play, but ultimately the Tigers were too much for them.

Coming into the game, there was a bit of a nervous feeling around Death Valley. Whether anyone wants to admit, somewhere deep down, you know its true. This Bulldog football team had a week off to prepare, with lots of tape to watch. They had won two games coming in, and typically play up to their opponents. Ultimately, all the Tigers had to do was execute well and play sub par and they would win the game, and that is exactly what happened.

This game needed to be used as a stepping stone for the season, and it served its purpose for the most part. It was more crucial that Joe Burrow, specifically, used this game as a launching pad for the rest of the season. He played well, completing 16 of 28 passes, but he only for 191 yards and had zero touchdowns, according to ESPN. Overall, Burrow will serve his purpose for this LSU offense, just as a passer that can keep the opposing defense on their toes and get the offense out of long yardage situation. But while I focused on the game Burrow would have, the game was more about two different storylines.

First and foremost is the obvious, the running game is really, really good. Nick Brossette was not considered the heavy favorite in for the starting job, but he has risen to the occasion without a doubt, scoring 3 touchdowns in Saturday night’s game. Another rising star was made in Baton Rouge native Clyde Edwards-Helaire. After carrying for only around 70 yards in the three earlier games, he erupted for 136 yards and 2 touchdowns. All 5 touchdowns on the night came on the ground and the yards were easy to come by thanks to a strong offensive line performance. This running game looks to gash an Ole Miss defense that ranks 120th in total yardage surrendered.

One of the more disappointing facets of the game was actually the pass defense in this one. The Tiger D has been lights out for most of the season, but was shredded through the air by the Bulldogs. J’Mar Smith only completed 54% of his passes, but still managed to throw for over 330 yards and 3 touchdowns. The run defense held its own, holding LA Tech to only 3.3 yards a carry on 26 touches.

The game, even though it was tighter than most fans would want it, still was a good and important win for our Tigers. Every win in college football is never a given (I’m looking at you Virginia Tech). As the Tigers head into SEC play this weekend, it will be good to see this team continue to get better and continue to grab victories.

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