Here are some quick thoughts on LSU’s 44-22 win over Eastern Michigan in non-conference play.

What it means: It was less than a masterpiece, but the Tigers’ victory means LSU is 4-0 heading back into conference play after back-to-back weeks of non-conference action.

What I liked: Fournette and the running game as a whole did what it does. Lewis Neal had a nice game for the second straight week and appears to be stepping into a leadership role on the Tigers’ defensive front. It was good to see Deion Jones and Kevin Tolliver making plays in pass coverage.

What I didn’t like: For the second straight week, the Tigers came out flat. Some of that can be explained away as the product of an unexciting opponent, but after LSU failed to dominate against Syracuse, a blowout would’ve been welcomed.

While it was nice to see the offense take some shots downfield with Brandon Harris, it might’ve been beneficial to let the young quarterback (and his receivers) get some easier completions. The passing game never looked in sync on Saturday, and while it’s important that the Tigers develop a vertical passing game, the ability to move the ball with short, high-percentage passes may also be needed in SEC play.

The Tigers also continue to give up big kick returns. A long return midway through the second quarter led to Eastern Michigan’s first score. It was the first touchdown LSU has given up in the first half of a game this season.

Who’s the man: Leonard Fournette. Unencumbered by the passing game sloppiness or the general malaise that seemed to engulf most of Death Valley on Saturday, the Fournette Heisman Train rolls on. He finished with 235 yards and became the first player in school history to run for more than 200 yards in three straight games.

Key play: On the first play of the second half, Fournette ran for a 75-yard score off the left tackle to give LSU some needed breathing room.

What’s next: LSU (4-0, 2-0 SEC) plays at South Carolina (2-3, 0-3) on Saturday.