LSU Football: How the Tigers found their identity in win against Central Michigan

I’ll be the first to admit that maybe I’ve been too tough on LSU football the last couple of weeks.

After watching the Tigers lose to UCLA, then play uninspired football against McNeese State, I thought it was the beginning of the end for Ed Orgeron.

That may have been a bit premature on my part.

On Saturday, LSU looked more like the LSU we were expecting to see this year. The Tigers beat a solid Central Michigan team that’s led by former Florida head coach Jim McElwain.

LSU left Tiger Stadium with a 49-21 win over the Chippewas. More importantly, the Tigers left the game with an offensive identity.

We finally know what LSU football’s identity is on offense

It took a couple of games for new offensive coordinator Jake Peetz to find his groove under Coach O, but I think we saw on Saturday against Central Michigan that this is a partnership that has loads of potential.

Peetz was essentially finding his way the first two games of the season. And Orgeron — as the CEO of the program — was trying to help the young offensive coordinator along.

On Saturday, both of those things came together in a beautiful way.

The Tigers still have a lot of work to do, but they managed to execute their game plan against Central Michigan.

LSU is a team that is at its best when it’s playing with tempo. They’re going to take what the defense gives them, instead of trying to force something that isn’t there.

The Tigers felt like they could pass the ball against Central Michigan, which would in turn open up the run game.

And that’s exactly what happened.

Here’s what Ed Orgeron had to say after the game (via 247Sports):

"“I thought we were in sync, especially in the first and second quarter. I liked the shots. Although we didn’t get Kayshon on the first play, we opened up with a shot. It opened up the defense a little bit. We passed to set up the run, and that was our plan. Then the run game came alive in the fourth quarter. I think we did a lot of good things, but there are still some things we have to get better at. There are a lot of great athletes out there, and we should be a lot better on offense as we continue to grow.”"

LSU might have found their go-to running back, too.

True freshman Corey Kiner led the Tigers in carries on Saturday, which appears to be a sign that LSU is going to lean on him in the running game this season.

Orgeron specifically likes the spark that Kiner gives the offense.

From 247Sports:

"“It (Kiner) gives us an identity. He is a strong runner and can break tackles. He can run inside and run outside. He’s got a spark about him. He reminds me, and I am not even saying as a player, but as a person, he reminds me of Clyde. He’s a big man, he’s got a great attitude, he comes to work every day and has a lot of energy; just like Clyde did. I am not saying he’s the same back or trying to compare him to Clyde, but as the same person.”"

LSU is going to take what the defense gives them, play with tempo, and punish teams on the ground once the passing game opens up the field.

We should see a much more efficient Tigers offense moving forward.

Just in time for the start of the SEC schedule.