The LSU Tigers pulled off a gratifying 31-16 win against Mississippi State, and Brian Kelly got a win in his first SEC contest. Although the visiting Bulldogs weren’t ranked, this was a significant win in more ways than one. It’s always a good thing to win within the division, but this win validated the improvement of the team to an extent. The win also showed the coaching staff the capabilities of more players, especially on defense, when given the opportunity. It showed fans the competence of the new coaching staff with the gameplan, adjustments, and different looks they presented throughout the game. LSU entered the game as a home underdog, so how did they pull off the win?

DEFENSE

The standard answer to stopping a Mike Leach offense is to rush three, drop eight, and play coverage. Defensive coordinator Matt House had a bit more than that in his bag. House didn’t rush more than four often, but the unpredictable nature of his pass rush schemes is what gave the Bulldogs problems. Quarterback Will Rogers never knew where the rush was coming from, due to pre-snap movement and the unconventional ways LSU lined up at times. LSU held State to just 289 total yards. This was the same team that had 547 and 426 yards in their first two games. BJ Ojulari was a blur off the edge, and a lesser known Savion Jones was impressive in limited action. House switched Jay Ward from safety to nickel, and the move paid big dividends for the LSU defense. Ward was effective against the run and pass, and he proved to be a better open field tackler when ball carriers don’t have time to gain the momentum they typically have in one-on-one situations with a safety. I cannot talk defense without mentioning the emergence of the freshman five star, Harold Perkins. Perkins’ athleticism jumps off the screen. He was a constant threat, whether rushing off the edge or up the middle. This was a dominant defensive performance.

Offense

I get it; Jayden Daniels misses opportunities to pass to open receivers at times. Daniels also threw for 210 yards with no interceptions and ran for 93 yards. I’ll take that stat line any Saturday of the year. Daniels completed a clutch pass to Malik Nabers on fourth and 3 in the fourth quarter, when many quarterbacks would be tempted to lead the receiver more than he did. The worst thing he could do in that situation would be to overthrow Nabers, so Daniels thew away from the defender with touch to give him a chance to make a play on the ball. The patience in the pocket will come with more confidence in the offensive line, and the performance of the line against MSU will serve as a catalyst to his comfort level moving forward. True freshman Emory Jones moved into the starting lineup at right tackle, Charles Turner stepped up at center, and this was easily the offensive line’s best performance of the year. Jones displayed his elite athleticism with not only blocking, but open field tackling. Jones found himself one-on-one with lightning quick Zavion Thomas on a punt return, broke down in the open field, and made a likely touchdown saving tackle. Major Burns, at least 400 lbs. lighter than Jones, missed Jo’Quavius Marks on an early touchdown for Mississippi State. Burns is a good safety, so I’m not criticizing him. I’m pointing out just how impressive Emory Jones was on that play. It was also refreshing to see Armoni Goodwin finally get to display his speed in the open field.

This was another step in the ever-evolving 2022 LSU Tigers’ growth. Sure, there are areas in which they can improve, but that’s what makes the potential of this team exciting. LSU was able to learn from a win against a quality team, which always beats the alternative. Now it’s time to regroup and prepare for the national powerhouse and NFL factory known as the New Mexico Lobos. As always, keep calm and GEAUX TIGERS!!