Checking in on the temperature in Baton Rouge through three weeks.

HOT

The defense. The entire unit has been absolutely crushing opponents. A stat worth rehashing: the defense hasn’t allowed a point in more than 147 minutes, since Wisconsin scored a touchdown early in the third quarter of the opener. The defensive line, highlighted by a surprise start by Davon Godchaux and beastly play from Jermauria Rasco, was constantly in ULM’s backfield with 5 QB hurries, while the linebacking depth shined with Duke Riley and Deion Jones making their first career starts. Throw in one of the most talented secondaries in the country and you have the makings of a scary unit. Fans should be excited to see how to they handle their first test this weekend with Mississippi State.

WARM

Darrel Williams. The freshman running back — or should we say fullback? — has scored three times in the last two weeks after crossing the goal line twice against Louisiana-Monroe. With plenty of talent in the LSU backfield, Williams seems to have found his niche lining up in front of one of his fellow RBs; both of his touchdowns came from that formation, and it’s going to be a weapon going forward.

CHILLED

Pass blocking. Louisiana-Monroe put some pressure on the Tigers offensive line and quarterback Anthony Jennings, and at least early on in the game they did not handle it well. Last week was center Elliott Porter’s first action of the season, and he was open with reporters that he was not satisfied with his performance. Mississippi State features some impressive pass rushers, and the line will have to gel a little more in its second week at full strength to help the offense get going.

COLD

Brandon Harris. The freshman quarterback was neck and neck with starter Jennings in preseason, and Les Miles seemed to suggest that the two would be splitting time all season. So far, that hasn’t been the case. Harris has only attempted seven passes so far, and didn’t get into the game against Louisiana-Monroe until late in the third quarter. Miles said in his Monday press conference that he expects to continue using Harris in the same manner going forward, which means more time on the bench.