LSU’s 34-24 win over Syracuse was closer than it was expected to be, and less impressive than last week’s romp over Auburn, but the Tigers are leaving Syracuse with the end result they needed.

The Tigers moved to 3-0 heading into next weekend’s game against Eastern Michigan in Baton Rouge and should be primed for a return to SEC play when they travel to South Carolina the following week.

5 TAKEAWAYS

  • Leonard Fournette is the Heisman frontrunner: With the caveat that these things are rarely decided in September, no player is doing more for his team than Fournette is right now. With 244 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries Saturday, he’s now up to 631 yards on the season, becoming the fastest player in school history to reach 600 yards in a season.
  • Fournette may not be enough on his own: Throughout portions of Saturday’s game, the Tigers had some concerning troubles moving the ball when Fournette wasn’t in the game. There’s enough individual talent on the offense that LSU should be able to avoid an over-reliance on its star running back, but that didn’t always appear to be the case on Saturday.
  • Brandon Harris continues to progress: Luckily for the Tigers, when they needed somebody other than Fournette to make a play, Harris stepped up. Travis Dural deserves credit for adjusting to a slightly underthrown pass on Harris’ 51-yard, third-down completion in the fourth quarter. But on the ensuing play, Harris dropped a perfect throw over the shoulder of Malachi Dupre for a much-needed touchdown. Those were two of the game’s most crucial plays, and with Fournette on the sidelines, Harris and the Tigers were able to convert in high-pressure situations.
  • The kick coverage teams have some work to do: LSU’s punt and kickoff coverage teams had shown occasional vulnerability in wins over Mississippi State and Auburn, but at no time was it more problematic than in the first half against Syracuse. At one point in the second quarter, the Orange had 104 yards via kick and punt returns and just 76 yards of actual offense.
  • A win is a win: No team — even the ones that go unbeaten — are perfect every time they hit the field. Part of being a great team is winning when you’re less than your best. LSU did that Saturday, and while it wasn’t the dominant display that was expected, the Tigers took care of job No. 1.

REPORT CARD

Offense: B — The offensive line wasn’t at its best, but Fournette still found room to work. Harris wasn’t consistent, but he made plays — with his arm and his legs — when he was needed most.

Defense: B- — The Tigers’ defense was repeatedly put in unfavorable field position by spotty special teams play in the first half, but it held firm more often than not. Syracuse moved the ball more effectively in the second half as quarterback Zack Mahoney seemed to find increased confidence.

Special Teams: C — If the Tigers don’t get their special teams coverage fixed, a big return is going to come at an inopportune time. Given the abundance of big, fast, capable tacklers on this team, the problems LSU has experienced thus far would seem to be ones of execution, and therefore solvable. Elsewhere in special teams on Saturday, Jamie Keehn shanked a first-half punt that covered just 13 yards, but Tre’Davious White saved LSU from a failing grade with a 69-yard punt return for a score in the third quarter.

Coaching: B — The Tigers’ plans on both sides of the ball appeared sound, but the coaching staff probably deserves at least some of the blame for the sloppy penalties — even if some were questionable.

Overall: C+ — Other than some spotty special teams play, the real issue for the Tigers in this game was the penalties. LSU was flagged 14 times for 120 yards. Many were crucial in keeping Syracuse on the field, and one nullified an 87-yard Fournette touchdown. Les Miles insinuated after the game that he didn’t agree with some of the calls, but nonetheless, the Tigers will be looking for a cleaner game next week.

GAME PLAN

It’s coming incrementally, but the LSU coaching staff appears to be gaining trust in their quarterback. Harris is getting slightly more responsibility each week and responding favorably. His numbers won’t jump off the box score, but he’s not turning the ball over, and that has to please the offensive staff.

Defensively, LSU predictably (and wisely) took away the Syracuse running game and made the former walk-on at quarterback make the plays. Mahoney eventually found a rhythm, but the Tigers allowed just one big play and made the Orange work for all 281 yards they gained.

GAME BALLS

  • RB Leonard Fournette: In each game this season, Fournette has set a personal-best for rushing yards in a game. Saturday’s total fell just six yards shy of the school record, which would’ve been shattered if not for the penalties.
  • Malachi Dupre: Dupre shook off a scary hit in the first half to finish with a career-high four catches for 73 yards and a touchdown to lead the receiving corps. The natural ability that made him such a coveted recruit two years ago is evident, and his continued maturation as a college player could add an exciting element to the LSU offense.
  • Tre’Davious White: The junior cornerback was solid in coverage and provided a valuable spark with a 69-yard punt return for a touchdown in the third quarter.
  • Lewis Neal: The junior defensive end didn’t put up huge numbers, but he led the team with a career-high seven tackles, forced a fumble and was active in the Syracuse backfield throughout the game.

INJURY UPDATE

  • LSU had numerous players leave the game for a time due to injury — including starters Jerald Hawkins, Will Clapp, Dupre, Fournette and Tashawn Bower — but each was able to return to the field in some capacity.
  • S Jalen Mills remained sidelined by a fractured fibula and did not dress out.
  • OL Adrian Magee (foot) remains out indefinitely after surgery in August.