Dawg Poo!

It may seem counter intuitive considering how the game played out, but this game was won in the trenches, specifically, LSU's inability to run the ball with consistency and Georgia’s ability to completely protect Murray for the entire game. Not only did LSU not record a sack, the Tigers were unable to even produce one QB hurry. Miles is now 11-9 on the road versus SEC opponents with winning records. This is no knock on Miles; it just shows how tough it is to beat good SEC teams at their place.

Offense

* Z Mett was awesome in defeat. He completed 62% of his passes for a career best 372 yards with 3 TD’s and ZERO turnovers. He currently sits 6th nationally in QB rating and Yards per Attempt. Sure we wish he could have led that game winning drive, but I’m not going to fault him for coming up short there.

* 77 yards on 36 carries is not going to cut it if LSU hopes to win the division. The O-line needs to step up.

* ODB and Jarvis Landry continue to shine. Both average over 100 yards a game receiving and have combined for 11 TD catches.

* However, ODB’s muffed punt was extremely costly. In a big game like that, those types of mistakes can kill a team. On the good side, Beckham still ranks 2nd nationally in all-purpose-yards.

* Cam Cameron has been a wizard this season. LSU is converting 59% of their 3rd downs, leading the SEC. The playing calling is creative and fresh. Cam deserves plenty of “at-a-boys.”

Defense

* That was miserable. Where to start? The front four didn’t do anything all game. No pass rush and no run stuffing. Georgia got 196 yards on the ground and Murray wasn’t sacked once. Interestingly enough, looking only at conference games, LSU is giving up 6.1 yards a play. That ranks 3rd in the SEC. So much for the fantastic defenses the league has produced during this BCS Title run.

* The secondary is in disarray. There were multiple coverage busts with confusion reigning supreme.

* LSU has only caused 7 turnovers thus far this season.

* LSU ranks 48th in third down conversion percentage defense. The Tigers need to do a better job of getting off the field.

* Clearly the front 4 aren’t getting it done. Chavis will earn his paycheck this season trying to figure out how to produce pressure and protect that inexperienced secondary. Good luck!

LSU visits Starkville this Saturday with an opportunity to continue a dominant run over the Bulldogs. LSU is 25-3 since 1985 against MSU, winning the last 13 in a row. Expect continued excellence from Mettenberger and a better showing by the defense. State is giving up 445 yards per game to BCS foes which bodes well for the Tigers. On the flip side, MSU is averaging 375 on offense. Les Miles is 20-1 after a loss in his 9 seasons at LSU. Look for that to move to 21-1.

LSU 38 – MSU 20