Thanks to an outstanding performance by Jayden Daniels, The LSU Fighting Tigers improved to 5-2 with a 45-35 win over Florida in their most complete game of the season. As impressive as it was to win by multiple scores in the Swamp, the way LSU won makes the win even more encouraging. Daniels has faced criticism in both wins and losses, and fans and media members alike have been waiting to see LSU play to the strengths of their personnel. Daniels displayed confidence in his offensive line and receivers by being patient in the pocket and keeping his eyes down field when his first reads weren’t open. As with any game, the Tigers had good, bad, and ugly results. As an eternal optimist (even though I picked LSU to lose), I’ll start with the good.

The Good

Daniels completed over 70% of his passes for 349 yards and ran for 44 yards. He is the first quarterback in LSU history to throw for three touchdowns and run for three touchdowns in the same game. He was more comfortable in the pocket due to the play of the offensive line. Freshman Will Campbell returned from an illness to garner SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors. The offensive line as a whole played well, as evidenced by the Tigers’ 179 yards rushing with only one sack allowed. Kayshon Boutte had his best game of the season with six catches for 115 yards. Brian Thomas is an absolute dawg. He’s shown the ability to run in the open field, but Saturday he showed an ability to high point the ball that will make NFL scouts salivate. Micah Baskerville was all over the field at linebacker, and Saivion Jones continues to be disruptive in passing situations. Mekhi Garner continues to prove his worth at cornerback, rarely getting targeted. The defense slowed down an athletic backfield, but the big plays allowed lead me to…

The Bad

LSU gave up a 51 yard touchdown pass on Florida’s first drive of the game, continuing their weekly routine of slow starts. LSU would go on to give up a 39 yard rushing touchdown, but the worst play of the night was an 81 yard touchdown run by Anthony Richardson. Multiple LSU defenders avoided hitting the quarterback under the guise of trying to strip the ball. Taking on a 6’4″, 235 lb. quarterback at full speed is easier said than done but sidestepping him in the open field is not LSU football. To make things worse, the quick score sent the programming back to commercials, so I had to hear “Won’t Back Down” for the thousandth time after it was beat into my head for three quarters.

The Ugly

The early touchdown pass for Florida was set up by a 47 yard return of the opening kickoff. The Tigers seized momentum after tying up the game at 14, then Jack Bech fumbled a punt return to give the ball back to the Gators. LSU finds new ways to underachieve on special teams every week, and at this point I expect the worst in any play that involves a kicker or punter. There is no way to explain how the special teams could get this bad, but that phase will cost LSU another game if it’s not resolved to some extent.

Winning at Auburn and at Florida in the same year is impressive, regardless of the current state of those programs. This was a critical win for the morale of the fans, the foundation of the Brian Kelly era, and the confidence of Jayden Daniels. That confidence makes LSU a dangerous team that will present perimeter matchup problems to any opponent. Those perimeter matchups lead to running backs like Josh Williams rushing for over 100 yards. This is a team on the rise with a remaining schedule that includes talented, but flawed teams. Nobody seems unbeatable, and it starts with Ole Miss at home. Get your tailgates ready. GEAUX TIGERS!!