
4. LSU Tigers lose opener to Florida State
Not every moment that defines a game, season, or career is joyous. Sometimes, one must get knocked down to go forward. See the infamous photo of a UCF defender standing over Joe Burrow for more.
The LSU Tigers lost their season opener, at home, to Florida State 24-23. Fans were devastated after the loss, despite the fact the Tigers were a blocked extra point from going into overtime. Jayden Daniels played exceptionally well in his first start as LSU quarterback. The graduate transfer threw for 209 yards, rushed for another 114, and tossed two touchdown passes. There were a lot of flashes of what was to come from the Tigers’ season. However, this game was marred by inconsistencies, particularly on defense.
LSU’s offense finally got clicking at the end of Sunday’s loss to Florida State.
— LSU Tigers on 247Sports (@Geaux247) September 5, 2022
On the up tempo, quick hitting offense that worked and how the Tigers can build on that momentum.#LSU https://t.co/oCJ7EZigCi pic.twitter.com/zc6EKGGFzk
It is fair to say the LSU Tigers beat Florida State in any week after week one. Such prediction acknowledges that the Bayou Bengals rounded out several rough edges after their opener. Defensively, the Tigers allowed an average of 12.5 points over weeks 2-5. On offense, LSU’s play-calling progressed as coaches figured out how to utilize Daniels’ athleticism most effectively.
Beating LSU in Baton Rouge was huge for Florida State, but the game seemed insignificant by the season’s end. The Tigers went on to win 9 of their next 11 regular season games and appeared in the SEC Championship game. The two programs will, again, lock horns to kick off the 2023 season in Orlando.