The Tigers four-game winning streak came to an end after Tennessee put it on them, 40-13. LSU didn’t have any answers on both sides of the ball as the Volunteers was able to dominate from start to finish. The Tigers will look to get back on track when they head to Gainesville to take on Florida next Saturday.
Special Team Blunders Gives Tennessee Momentum
LSU won the coin toss at the start of the game and elected to receive to put their offense on the field. The game started off on the wrong note as the Tigers fumbled on the opening kickoff. Jack Bech’s fumble was recovered by Tennessee and set them up with an opportunity to draw first blood.
The Volunteers was able to capitalize off the turnover and take an early 7-0 lead in Tiger Stadium. Jabari Small ran it in for a one-yard score to put Tennesee up. The special teams blunders would continue as the LSU offense had a quick three-and-out after Tennessee put it in the endzone.
Dee Williams was able to give Tennessee’s offense great field position with a 58-yard punt return. Jay Bramblett made the tackle to preserve another Volunteer offense, but Tennessee was able to add to their lead. Chase McGrath nailed a 35-yard field goal to give Tennessee the 10-0 lead as the Volunteers were poised to make a statement.
LSU’s Offense Unable to Match Tennessee’s High Powered Attack
LSU found themselves once again trailing in an SEC matchup. In the two previous SEC matchups this season the Tigers were trailing 13-0 to Mississippi State and 17-0 in the second half. The Tigers trailed 20-0 in the first half and the offensive woes continued against Tennessee.
The Tiger offense wasn’t able to find an effective running game as the Volunteer defensive front held LSU to 55 rushing yards. The absence of starting left tackle Will Campbell had a negative effect on the offensive tackle rotation as Tennessee’s defense was able to create pressure to Jayden Daniels.
There was questionable calls where LSU elected to go for it on fourth down in the first half that went the wrong way. The Tigers were able to drive down the field after Tennessee went up 10-0. Brian Kelly elected to go for it on a fourth and four from the Tennessee 14-yard line. Kayshon Boutte was able to haul in the catch from Daniels, but was a yard-short that resulted in a turnover on downs.
The other instance was when LSU was able to cut the Tennessee lead to 20-7. Brian Kelly elected to go for it again on a fourth and ten at the Tennessee 45-yard line. Daniels was sacked and this decision led to the Volunteers adding to their lead, 23-7, into the half.
Tennessee’s Balanced Attack Too Much for Tiger Defense
Tennessee’s offense was able to put points on the board early due to LSU turnovers. Hendon Hooker looked poised in the pocket throwing for 239 yard and two touchdowns. The Volunteers were able to run a balanced attack against an LSU defense that didn’t have any answers.
Tennessee finished the game with 501 total yards on offense (239 passing yards and 262 rushing yards). The Tigers were playing off the the Tennessee wide receivers for the majority of the game, but Hooker was able to find his receivers in the open field.
The Tiger defense struggled to defend the run as Jabari Small had 22 carries for 127 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee continued to show why they are the top offense in the nation even against an LSU defense that has shown promise after the Florida State game. The defense wasn’t able to create and that allowed Hooker to find his playmakers down the field.
