LSU (3-1) was able to shut down New Mexico’s (2-2) offense in a 38-0 win to close out a three-game home stretch at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers were able to strike early and from there never let go of the lead as they will jump back into conference play in week five. Here are three takeaways from LSU’s dominating victory over New Mexico:
LSU’s Defense Shuts Down New Mexico’s Offense
LSU was able to post a shutout and they held New Mexico’s offense to 88 total yards of offense (47 passing yards and 41 rushing yards). The Tiger defense was able to keep their momentum that they gained from the second half in the Mississippi State game and was able to hold the Lobos offense in check all night.
The Lobos were forced to nine total punts on the game. New Mexico’s offense had trouble finding any sort of rhythm. Quarterback Miles Kendrick only attempted seven passes for 47 yards. LSU’s defense didn’t force any turnovers, but they were able to bring pressure on the Lobos offensive line.
The New Mexico offense picked up only two first downs throughout the entire game. Of the 88 total yards of offense for the Lobos, 38 of those yards came on a busted play. The Lobos were just 1-of-9 for third downs all game. LSU was able to accomplish this without defensive end B.J. Ojulari and safety Jay Ward as they were unavailable Saturday night.
LSU’s Balanced Attack on Offense Carries Them Over New Mexico
LSU’s offense was able to generate 633 total yards of offense on the night (414 passing yards and 219 rushing yards). The Tigers were able to draw first blood with a five-yard touchdown by running back Armoni Goodwin.
The Tigers saw injuries throughout the night on the offensive side. Jayden Daniels and Armoni Goodwin did not see the field after they both suffered an injury in the third quarter. Before Daniels was sidelined he was able to be effective in the pass game as he went 24-29 for 279 yards. Goodwin was also effective as he had eight carries for 24 yards and two touchdowns.
The rushing leader for the Tigers on the night was Noah Cain as he had 11 carries for 94 yards and two touchdowns. LSU was able to rush for more than 150 yards in their third straight game. The Tigers young offensive line continued to improve as they were able to allow the LSU running backs to find some open holes in the New Mexico defense.
The absence of Kayshon Boutte was not felt in the passing game as the Tigers was able to pile on 414 passing yards on the night. The leading receiver for the LSU was Brian Thomas as he had three receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown. LSU’s offense was able to outgain New Mexico 633-88.
Garrett Nussmeier Looked Improved in Relief of Jayden Daniels
Daniels dealt with a strain in his lower back that gave an opportunity to Garrett Nussmeier. Nussmeier took the opportunity to take over the offense the rest of the way. Nussmeier would see the field after LSU went up 24-0 at the 5:27 mark in the third quarter.
The last time Tiger fans saw Nussmeier on the field was in LSU’s week two against Southern, 65-17. The Lake Charles, Louisiana native saw action for three quarter against the Jaguars. He completed 13 passes for 183 yards, but threw two interceptions.
Nussmeier was able to clean it up this time whenever he got to see the field against New Mexico. He completed nine passes for 135 yards and a touchdown. The main highlight for Nussmeier came on a beautiful throw that resulted in a 57-yard touchdown to Brian Thomas.
What’s Next For the Tigers?
LSU will jump back into SEC play as they will hit the road for the first time during the 2022 season as they will take on the Auburn Tigers in Jordan Hare Stadium.