Stephen Lew
By Hunt Palmer
LSU snapped a three-game skid on Saturday by edging Arkansas in Tiger Stadium.
The defense held a potent Razorback attack to just 15 offensive points. The offense got the touchdown drive it needed in the second half and drained the clock when that was required.
It wasn’t the most dominant performance in program history, but it was good enough to win for the first time in a month.
The Pro Football Focus grades are in. Let’s get to them.
HIGHEST GRADES
- Harlem Berry, RB – 75.4
- Mansoor Delane, CB – 72.1
- Dashawn Spears, S – 71.9
- Caden Durham, RB – 71.7
- Zavion Thomas, WR – 69.9
Berry has really emerged as his freshman season has gone on. He carried the ball 12 times for 65 yards and a touchdown. His last carry would have been a touchdown if he didn’t smartly slide so that LSU could run out the clock. He graded an 80.1 running the ball. He forced three misses tackles and gained 45 yards after contact.
Delane has a shot to win the Thorpe Award. His end zone interception Saturday kept Arkansas off the board. The Razorbacks targeted Delane five times which is a heavier-than-normal work load. He broke up two of them and picked off another. His coverage grade was 75. He also made three tackles.
Spears dropped Taylen Green for a sack. He graded 73.1 in tackling. As the dime defender, Spears only got 20 snaps, but he has shown a propensity to make plays when given the chance. The Florida game stands out with the two picks, but Saturday was another big spot for the sophomore safety.
Durham graded 70.3 running the football. He forced three missed tackles and earned 50 yards after contact. LSU’s backs did a good job on Saturday. That’s a credit to Frank Wilson as well as Cordae Hankton who has been elevated as Wilson takes on head coaching roles.
Zavion Thomas filled up the stat sheet. He led LSU with six catches for 80 yards and attempted a pass that fell incomplete.
LOWEST GRADES
- Weston Davis, RT – 45.0
- West Weeks, LB – 46.4
- Aaron Anderson, WR – 49.5
- Tamarcus Cooley, S – 51.4
- Carius Curne, T – 53.2
Weston Davis graded 34.9 pass blocking and 47.6 run blocking. He allowed two pressures and was penalized for holding on a Thomas reception. Ory Williams replaced him.
West Weeks had a 29.3 tackling grade due to three missed tackles. He did make four tackles.
Aaron Anderson only played 16 snaps. His run blocking grade was very low at 38.3, but it was only three reps.
Tamarcus Cooley is a better run defender than coverage player. He was targeted twice in the pass game, and both were caught for a total of 27 yards. However, he did grade out 83.0 in tackling and led the team with eight stops.
Carus Curne played 31 snaps at left tackle and graded 31.o in pass protection. He allowed a sack and a hurry. Tackle play has really hurt LSU no matter who the Tigers have plugged in.
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