By Hunt Palmer
THE STORY: Many of LSU’s big offseason questions were answered affirmatively Sunday night.
The Tiger defense made plays on the ball, got third down stops at times and gave LSU a chance to win. USC was just 3-for-9 on third downs, and most would have suggested giving up 27 points would be good enough to win.
Garrett Nussmeier was efficient and accurate in his first real assignment filling in for the reigning Heisman winner. He completed 76 percent of his throws and rolled up 304 yards through the air. In the end he was one throw short.
Kyren Lacy is ready to assume the role of No. 1 wide receiver. He caught seven passes for 94 yards and a score. All of that came in the first half, though. His two targets in the second half fell incomplete.
None of that matters much because for the fifth straight season the Tigers are 0-1.
The offense left opportunities out there on the first drive of the game, a foiled fourth down attempt that was aggressive and bordering on reckless, and the last real drive.
In the 12-team playoff era, one loss isn’t as consequential as it was 12 months ago. LSU’s defense showed signs of improvement, and the offense moved the ball. Still, this loss will sting for two weeks, and the margin for error is razor thin.
Nothing of substance can be gained in a home opener against Nicholls. This taste will last until toe meets leather in South Carolina. Maybe longer.
THE PLAYS: LSU marched right down the field on the opening drive. Garrett Nussmeier was in rhythm, completing his first six throws. After converting a fourth and two earlier in the drive, Brian Kelly decided to go for a fourth and goal at the three yard line. USC sent a blitz that came clean in the A-gap. Nussmeier was forced to throw it away. LSU got no points out of a 13-play drive that took 7:09 off the clock.
Leading by four with just under seven and a half minutes to play in the game, LSU had a third and one at its own 30 yard line. It was an opportunity for the Tigers to go take a two-score lead. Instead, tight end Ke’Morreun Pimpton missed a block on USC’s Eric Gentry who dropped John Emery behind the line of scrimmage, and LSU was forced to punt.
Driving with a chance to take the lead late, the Tigers faced second and eight from the 14. Nussmeier rolled to the near side and misfired to an open Aaron Anderson. It would have created a second and manageable at the very least. Instead, LSU faced third and eight and couldn’t convert.
Essentially down to their last snap or two before a potential game-winning field goal try, USC made THE PLAY. It was second and 15 from the LSU 47 yard line with 18 ticks on the clock. Miller Moss fired down the left sideline to Kyron Hudson who hauled it in with one hand just inside the 30 yard line. Jardin Gilbert was called for targeting, disqualifying him from the game and next week’s first half while moving USC down into chip shot range. No need for a chip shot. Woody Marks punched it in for the decisive score.
THE STAT: LSU’s running backs Josh Williams, Kaleb Jackson and John Emery Jr., combined for 25 carries and 112 yards. Not terrible on its face. Unfortunately, that doesn’t tell the story. Over a three play span in the third quarter, Emery carried twice for 49 yards. That means the other 23 carries went for 63 yards. That’s a paltry 2.7 yards per carry. As was the case last year, LSU was not able to establish a consistent running game with its backs. Jackson had six carries with a long of four yards. Williams averaged 3.4 yards per carry. That crucial third and one in the fourth quarter proved costly. LSU’s offensive line is excellent in pass protection. Just like last year against Florida State, Alabama and Texas A&M, the running game went missing. Run blocking is a problem.
THE QUOTES: “We’re sitting here again talking about the same things. And we’re on the sidelines acting like the game is over. I am so angry about it. It is unacceptable to not have found a way to win this game. It’s ridiculous. It’s crazy.” -Brian Kelly
“We put way too much pressure on our defense that they’re not ready to be. Our offense needed to be better.” -Brian Kelly
