LSU (1-1) was able to bounce back at home against Southern (1-1) after a disappointing showing in New Orleans. The Tigers took care of business beating the Jaguars 65-17 on Saturday night as Brian Kelly claimed his first win as the LSU head coach. LSU was able to win the turnover battle and dominate the game from start to finish.
LSU’s Offense Starts Off Fast in the First Half
The Tigers’ offense was set up in great field position as they were able to force a turnover on the opening kickoff. It only took the Tigers three plays to strike first as Jayden Daniels ran it in for a 18-yard score to put LSU up 7-0 early in the first quarter.
The Bayou Bengals would continue to have success moving it against Southern as they were able to add to their lead. Running back Josh Williams ran it in for a five-yard touchdown to put LSU up 14-0 with 11:46 left in the first quarter.
Daniels would pick up his first passing touchdown of the first half with a 17-yard strike to Jack Bech. It would give the Tigers a commanding 21-0 lead with 7:16 left in the first quarter. The purple and gold would continue to be perfect on the offensive side as they found the endzone on their next possession.
The Offense Continues to Build on Their Lead
Daniels racked up his second passing touchdown of the night finding Malik Nabers for a five-yard touchdown. The Tigers would increase their lead to 35-0 with 4:44 left in the first quarter. The junior quarterback would show off his arm on the next drive. He would find Brian Thomas for a 44-yard strike to give the purple and gold the 44-0 lead.
The night would conclude for Daniels after the first quarter. Brian Kelly elected to put in Garrett Nussmeier into the game. Nussmeier’s first drive would be shaky as the offense was forced to its first three-and-out of the night.
Nussmeier’s struggles continued as he would throw an interception on the next offensive possession. He would bounce back as the offense was able to get into a groove that led to another score for the Tigers. Running back Noah Cain ran it in for a two-yard score. It would give LSU the 51-0 lead going into the break.
The Tiger offense would finish off the first half with 337 total yards (215 passing yards and 122 rushing yards). LSU would break a school record for the most points scored in a quarter with 37 points in the first quarter.
LSU’s Offense Adds on in the Second Half
The Tigers offense went backwards in the first offensive possession coming out of the half as they were forced to punt on a three-and-out. Nussmeier and the offense was able to add to their lead as they went on a eight-play, 59 yard drive. Armoni Goodwin would find the endzone on a two-yard score to put LSU up 58-0 with 8:42 left in the third quarter.
Nussmeier would lead the Tigers to what was looking like another touchdown drive. Nussmeier would throw an interception that would lead to Southern finding the endzone for the first time tonight.
The Bayou Bengals would drive the field once again on a 10-play, 75 yard drive. Goodwin took it in from the one-yard line to give him two touchdowns on the night. LSU would take the 65-7 lead with 14:01 left in the fourth quarter.
True freshman quarterback Walker Howard would see the field for the first time in his career with the Tigers. He would lead the Tigers into Southern territory, but wouldn’t be able to convert on a fourth and 13 to keep the drive going.
Defense Wins the Turnover Battle in the First Half
LSU’s defense didn’t waste any time making an early statement. They were able to force Southern to fumble on their opening kickoff return. The special teams would set the tone with how the rest of the game would turn out.
They had trouble moving the ball against the Tigers defense. LSU’s defense added to the turnover department as Micah Baskerville had a pick-six to put the Tigers up 28-0.
The purple and gold defense got another turnover as running back Jerrod Simms fumbled the ball. The Jaguars offense would punt on their next two offensive possessions.
Special teams blunders for the Jaguars kept them off of the scoreboard. Luke Jackson missed on a 43-yard and a 30-yard field goal attempt. The Jaguars offense only had 112 total yards in the first half (10 passing yards and 102 rushing yards).
Defense Adds to Their Turnover Margin in the Second Half
The offensive woes for Southern would continue on their first offensive possession in the second half. Jerrod Sims would fumble for the second time tonight. Linebacker Greg Penn III was able to scoop it up setting up the LSU offense to strike.
The Jaguars turnover blunders continued on their next drive as Kendric Rhymes fumbled that would fall into Sage Ryan’s hands. The Tiger defense would continue to dominate against the Southern rushing attack.
Southern’s offense was able to find the endzone as they marched down the field on a 11-play, 79 yard drive. The Jaguars would get the ball with 3:25 left in the fourth quarter that led to a Luke Jackson 29-yard field goal. Southern’s offense would be held to 262 total yards on offense (61 passing yards and 201 rushing yards).
What’s Next for the Tigers?
LSU will begin SEC play as they will welcome Mississippi State to Tiger Stadium next Saturday. The game between the Tigers and the Bulldogs will kickoff at 5 p.m. CT on ESPN.