LSU got the rebound victory against McNeese, but the 34-7 win likely won’t do too much to boost morale for the Tiger faithful.

The LSU offense did not produce many exciting plays in the first half, taking a 17-0 lead over the FCS Cowboys to the locker room. Perhaps most concerning were LSU’s first-half rushing numbers. The Tigers gained just 71 yards on the ground before accounting for the 9 yards lost on 2 sacks of QB Max Johnson. The bulk of those rushing yards came on 2 carries for 42 yards. LSU has a banged-up offensive line, but the Tigers, even with backups, should be able to dominate based on roster talent alone.

LSU has the fifth-most talented 2021 roster in the nation based on the 247Sports Composite recruiting rankings. It’s expected that a team that talented should have its way with an FCS squad from start to finish.

The highlight of the first half was probably Cade York showing off his big leg, nailing a 55-yard field goal to make it 17-0 late in the second quarter.

Max Johnson was 13-of-19 passing for 104 yards and 2 touchdowns in the first half. One glaring problem on the stat sheet was Kayshon Boutte’s 3 catches for 14 yards and a TD. An electric playmaker like Boutte needs to be more involved.

As expected in a typical SEC-FCS game, LSU was able to pull away from McNeese in the second half and cruise to a comfortable win. LSU made it 24-0 in the third quarter with the second Johnson-to-Boutte TD pass.

York broke his own Tiger Stadium record to extend the lead to 27-0.

Corey Kiner’s first Tiger touchdown extended the lead to 34-0. Kiner led all LSU ball-carriers on the ground with 11 carries for 56 yards and the only rushing score.

While the offense lacked fireworks, the defense did its job. The Tigers recorded 16 tackles for loss and 8 sacks (3 by Maason Smith) in the victory while holding McNeese to under 200 yards of total offense. McNeese scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, a 44-yard pass by Cody Orgeron.

Freshman quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who impressed throughout fall camp, saw action in the second half.

Johnson finished 18-of-27 passing for 161 yards and 3 touchdowns. Boutte logged 5 catches for 31 yards and 2 TDs.

LSU’s rushing offense finished with a net 126 yards on 36 carries. McNeese had 3 sacks for 14 yards taken off the rushing total.