A new era got underway for LSU as they opened the 2022 season against Florida State in New Orleans. The Tigers fell in a shocker to the Seminoles, 24-23. LSU struggled on all levels of the game as they fall in the season opener for the third consecutive year.
First Half Recap of LSU’s Offense:
Jayden Daniels was named the starter for the Tigers over Garrett Nussmeier. Daniels showed off his elite speed for the first offensive drive for LSU. The purple and gold looked like they had a touchdown strike, but Kayshon Boutte wasn’t able to hang on to the football as he was falling down. The Tigers had to settle for a field goal on their first possession.
The true freshman Damian Ramos nailed a 37-yard field goal to give LSU the 3-0 lead with 11:41 to go in the first quarter. LSU’s offense stalled for a three-and-out on their next offensive possession as Jay Bramblett skied a 57-yard punt.
The Tigers were able to move down into Florida State territory on their next drive. Jayden Daniels continued to show his ability to create plays with his legs as the offensive line was collapsing for LSU. The Tigers were set up to add three more points on the scoreboard, but the Seminoles blocked a 30-yard field goal attempt.
LSU’s offense got the ball back with a minute to go before the half trailing 7-3. The Tigers were unable to add to the scoreboard as inconsistency on the offensive line caused problems for the offense.
Second Half Recap of LSU’s Offense:
Florida State was able to drive down the field and claim a 10-3 lead as LSU’s offense looked to create momentum on their side of the ball. The Tigers were forced to a three-and-out on their first offense possession of the second half.
Jay Bramblett shanked a punt that went only 31 yards. Mistakes were continuing to pile up for LSU. The Tigers were finally able to begin to create momentum on the offensive side as they tried to crawl their way back into the game.
Daniels was able to complete some passes as LSU marched deep into Florida State territory. LSU was able to get the Seminoles goal line and they were faced with a short fourth and goal. The Tigers elected to go for it as they trailed by two touchdowns. Noah Cain punched it in for the one-yard score to cut the Florida State lead to 17-10 with the final seconds in the third quarter ticking away.
The Tigers was able to find a spark on their next offensive drive as Jayden Daniels found Jaray Jenkins for a 22-yard score to keep LSU in the ball game. Florida State held a 24-17 lead with four minutes left to play.
LSU’s offense got one more chance to keep this game going. Jayden Daniels and the offense were able to drive the field for 99 yards. Daniels found Jaray Jenkins for his second touchdown of the night to bring the score to 24-23 with no time left. LSU set up for the extra point, but Florida State was able to block it to stun LSU.
Special teams were killer for the Tigers as Malik Nambers muffed two punts and LSU’s inability to hold their blocks on two field goal tries.
First Half Recap of LSU’s Defense:
Florida State was able to create some rhythm as their offensive line was able to push LSU’s defensive line. The Seminoles weren’t able to cash in as Ryan Fitzgerald missed a 47-yard field goal.
LSU’s defense suffered a big loss as defensive tackle Maason Smith was holding his right knee. Tiger fans wouldn’t see Smith the rest of the game after the injury.
The Seminoles were able to drive all the way down the field and pulled off a trick play to give them the lead. Florida State would take the 7-3 lead at the 13-minute mark in the second quarter. LSU’s defense wasn’t able to get off the field on third down and this would continue to be a problem the rest of the way.
LSU’s defense was able to get a quick stop on Florida State’s next offensive possession. The Tigers’ defense showed their youth in the first half, but still had a chance in this game.
Second Half Recap of LSU’s Defense:
The story for LSU’s defense didn’t get much better in the second half as Florida State started out quickly as they drove down the field. Florida State was able to boot a 25-yard field goal to put them up 10-3 with 8:29 left to play in the third quarter.
Jordan Travis continued to show flashes as Florida State was able to add on to their lead. Travis completed a 27-yard touchdown to Ontaria Wilson. Another big blow came on this drive to the Tiger defense as defensive end Ali Gaye commits a targeting penalty. The Seminoles would extend their lead to 17-3.
Florida State struck again on their next offensive possession as DJ Lundy ran it in for a one-yard score. The Tigers were unable to get off the field on third down and get pressure on Travis. Florida State was 11-17 on third down conversions.
It looked that the game was out of reach for the Tigers as Malik Nabers muffed his second punt return, but the Tiger defense was able to recover a fumble to give LSU another shot.
What’s Next for the Tigers?
LSU will have their home opener against Southern University in Baton Rouge. The game will be on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT.