Handing out grades for LSU’s 17-0 loss to Arkansas.

OFFENSE: F

LSU’s first shutout since the 2011 BCS Championship wasn’t on quite the same stage, but it was just as embarrassing. Anthony Jennings led an offense that made no progress up the field. At the first sign of life, an 8-play, 48-yard drive early in the fourth quarter, the quarterback fumbled the ball after picking up a first down deep in Arkansas territory. Jennings was 12-of-22, his first time completing more than 50 percent of his passes since September, but threw for just 88 yards. The running game was even worse. Already missing guard Vadal Alexander, the Tigers lost Elliott Porter to injury during the game as well. The running attack, the only reliable form of offense LSU has, was limited to 36 yards on 32 carries for an average of 1.1 yards per attempt. That adds up to 123 yards of total offense.

DEFENSE: B+

For as pathetic as the offense was, the defense did all it could to keep the Tigers in the game. If a defense can limit the Razorbacks to less than 100 yards (LSU held them to 97 on the night), their team should have a good chance to win. Of course, that was not the case on Saturday. The Tigers limited Arkansas to just 97 yards on the ground, although they did give up an efficient effort to Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen. The junior went 16-for-27 throwing the ball, finding tight ends Hunter Henry and A.J. Derby with ease for much of the game. Still, the defense did it’s job; it was the offense that failed.

SPECIAL TEAMS: C

Punter Jamie Keehn was strong on his many punt attempts for the night, averaging 44.4 yards on 5 punts. LSU’s coverage was solid, too, allowing just two returns for 13 total yards. However, Colby Delahoussaye missed both of his field goal attempts on the night and the Tigers came away with zero points on their only two scoring opportunities of the night. The first miss was inexcusable, a 27-yarder pushed way right. The second was not quite as bad, as Jennings took a terrible sack that turned a 30-something yard attempt into a 47-yarder.

COACHING: D

The Tigers made almost no adjustments on offense until it was far too late. After running out of power formations, the Tigers finally spread out the field and started moving the ball in the fourth quarter. Of course, that drive ended with a fumble, also ending the Tigers chances. The defensive game plan was solid, but the offensive failures outweigh that.

OVERALL: D

LSU’s first shutout loss in nearly three years was one of the most disappointing during Les Miles’ decade in Baton Rouge. The offensive effort and game plan will have fans howling for the next two weeks.