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As expected, LSU came out and mowed down Sam Houston State. They came blasting out of the gates, forcing a turnover on the first series of the game and scoring on a 94-yard bomb on their first offensive play from scrimmage. The Tigers punched the Bearkats in the mouth, rushing for over 300 yards and controlling the clock. Defensively, they harassed SHSU’s fast-paced offense into a brutal night, allowing 206 yards and forcing three turnovers.
What it means: Let’s be real, a win over an FCS doesn’t mean much. The Tigers were expected the register a blowout win, and they didn’t disappoint. While there was plenty to be encouraged by, there are still some questions that need to be answered before LSU heads into their conference slate.
What I liked: The running game. Up until the fourth quarter in their opener, LSU had major issues moving the ball on the ground. Even when center Ethan Pocic went down in the first half, the Tigers continued to pound it on the ground. Of course, that comes with a grain of salt, as the Bearkats’ front seven lacks the size and athleticism SEC schools have in spades. It’s still encouraging that the team came out fired up and didn’t sleep walk through the early parts of this one, as big-time programs are wont to do against lesser opponents.
Who’s the man: Travin Dural. Leonard Fournette deserves some props here, not just for his strong performance but for having the gall to bust out a Heisman pose in the end zone after his first career score. But Dural is starting to look like he has the makings of a scary big-play receiver. Just like last week, Dural only hauled in three balls, but he turned all three of them into touchdowns, including a 94-yard score on the Tigers’ first play from scrimmage. So far this season, Dural has taken four of his six grabs for scores and is averaging an insane 48.5 yards per catch.
Key play: Dwayne Thomas’ opening drive interception. Sam Houston State was getting into a nice rhythm offensively on its first four plays, picking up two first downs, before Jared Johnson sailed a deep ball too long. The Tigers never looked back from there, putting points on the board just seconds later and rolling to the shutout.
What’s next: LSU plays host to Louisiana-Monroe next weekend. The Tigers will once again be heavy favorites against the Warhawks, giving them more time to sort out some of their issues behind center and along both lines. LSU heads into a tough stretch on their schedule after that, hosting Mississippi State and traveling to Auburn and Florida in three of the following four weeks.
Highlights:
A former freelance journalist from Philadelphia, Brett has made the trek down to SEC country to cover the greatest conference in college football.
