Big Plays Put Eagles Away

After an unexpected bye week, the Tigers returned to the field in triumphant fashion over an outmatched Southern Miss team. LSU looked disinterested and sloppy in the first half, but blew the game open with 35 second half points. The Tigers ran 10 plays in the third quarter resulting in 28 points. For the game, LSU ran 42 plays resulting in 45 points. A few observations:

1. I still don't know how good LSU is. The Tigers' best win is over...4-3 USM? Giant test this weekend against Ole Miss.
2. The defense is giving up only 14 points a game to rank #4 in the nation. LSU is #1 nationally in red zone TD defense. Teams are scoring a little less than one TD per four red zone trips. The Tigers are also only allowing opponents to convert 30.9% of their third down opportunities.
3. Danny Etling is moving up the stats chart as well. He is now ranked 5^th in QB efficiency in the SEC. He is also 5^th in yards per attempt (7.8) and completion percentage (58.8). On third downs with 1-9 yards for a first, Etling is 15 for 23 with 12 first downs. That's a 52% conversion rate. For comparison Harris converted only 38.8% of his third down attempts into first downs.

Ole Miss is up next for the Tigers. The Tigers are a 5 ½ point favorite over the 3-3 Rebels. Ole Miss has played a tough schedule, but who have they beat? Georgia? Memphis? Saturday will be a real test for both teams. Ole Miss has a dynamic offense lead by Chad Kelly. But the defense has struggled giving up 446 yards a game, dead last in the conference and 104^th nationally. Expect an inspired effort from both teams but with home field advantage and the return of Leonard Fournette, I like LSU.

LSU 34 – Ole Miss 24

Odds and Ends

• I'm tired of the LSU – UF drama but I will say this about the entire episode: I am glad the game will be played. It is a shame it took an ugly turn because UF and the SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey completely mismanaged the situation. Now both UF and Sankey are trying to deflect blame to LSU for their lack of foresight. Alleva made the best out of a bad situation mishandled by Sankey who has taken to making cheap shots at LSU.
• I have no idea who will be LSU's next head coach. I think the short list starts and ends with Jimbo Fisher. I think if LSU backs up the money truck they can get him. Tom Herman at Houston is also a hot name. The only question is his small body of work as a head coach. Other coaches I would look at would be Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State, Wille Taggert at USF and the guy running the shop right now Ed Orgeron. I think the only way Orgeron gets the job is if the top names on Alleva's list say no.
• Derrius Guice reached the career 1,000 yard mark in only 113 carries. That works out to be 8.8 yards a carry. Fastest to 1,000 yards in LSU history.

Playoffs Week 7:

I'm sticking with Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, Clemson. I don't see either Big 10 team losing before the big showdown in the Horseshoe. Washington and Texas A&M are viable candidates as well.

Now this one was fun!!