LSU fans are thrilled that the Tigers are 2-0. After an impressive 17-10 win at Clemson in Week 1, LSU picked up a 23-7 win over Louisiana Tech in Week 2. However, the 2-0 start hasn't come without some struggles. More specifically, the LSU offense has started slow in each game, and wasn't in any sort of rhythm against the Bulldogs on Saturday night. The overall numbers at the end of the day were alright, but Tiger fans know this offense is capable of much more.
With the Florida Gators coming to town for the SEC opener in a couple days, a faster offensive start would do wonders for LSU. Florida is trying to salvage its season after a shocking los to South Florida in Week 2, and Brian Kelly is correct in his expectation that the Gators will bring their best. With that in mind, LSU needs to be ready from the jump.
Garrett Nussmeier addressed LSU's offensive struggles during his press availability on Tuesday.
"I think we're still kinda growing into our identity and trying to work out the kinks. I think it was a learning experience for us, and it's great when you can learn from a win. Just trying to get better going into this week."Garrett Nussmeier
Hopefully, LSU uses this week of practice to finish working out those kinks ahead of the SEC opener. In last season's matchup against the Gators, LSU was held scoreless in the first quarter and managed just 16 points in a 27-16 loss in Gainesville. The Tigers have scored just 13 total first half points so far this season, a number that needs to be improved on.
Nussmeier ended the game against Louisiana Tech with a decent stat line of 237 yards with a touchdown and interception while completing 26 of his 41 pass attempts. But it was clear he wasn't on his game. His interception came on the fourth play of the game on a severely underthrown deep ball down the left side, and the veteran QB missed several throws down the field throughout the contest. Tiger fans know Nussmeier is capable of much more, and are eager to see him put together a strong performance against Florida.
It didn't help that the running game couldn't get going early on. Caden Durham managed just 2.2 yards per carry over 13 rushing attempts, and while Harlem Berry and Zavion Thomas reeled off big runs later in the contest, the Tiger rushing attack was stymied for the majority of the game. Joe Sloan's offensive game plan wasn't effective, and it's imperative that he has a better plan of attack against Florida.