Rapid reaction: LSU pulls away from Western Kentucky to stay unbeaten
Here are some quick thoughts on LSU’s 48-20 win over Western Kentucky.
What it means: The Tigers remain undefeated heading into the bye week, setting up a top-10 showdown with Alabama in two weeks.
What I liked: After a lackluster first half, the Tigers pulled away from a stubborn Hilltopper team with 34 points in the final two quarters.
The LSU defense, missing two starters and dealing with a handful of in-game injuries in the secondary, contained a dangerous Western Kentucky offense, for the most part. The Hilltoppers came into the game averaging more than 400 yards passing and scoring nearly 40 points per contest. They put up solid numbers, but rarely found a rhythm Saturday.
Offensively, Fournette did what he does, and the Tigers were able to hit some big plays in the passing game when they needed them. And importantly, Trent Domingue remains perfect on field goal attempts on the season.
What I didn’t like: Maybe it was the sloppy, rain-drenched terrain, or maybe the Tigers were already peeking ahead to the Alabama game, but LSU continued its troubling trend of playing to the level of the opponent for much of the game. The Tigers started slow, and didn’t put the Hilltoppers away until the fourth quarter.
The offensive line, which performed so well against Florida’s stout defensive front last week, was penalized five times against the Hilltoppers. Meanwhile, the passing game was a little too boom-or-bust. Brandon Harris surpassed his career high in passing yards, but hovered around a 50 percent completion rate for most of the night. He finished 11 of 20 for 286 yards and three touchdowns.
Who’s the man: Leonard Fournette went over 100 yards for the ninth straight game, tying a school record set by Charles Alexander. He’s rushed for at least 150 yards in every game this season.
Key play: With the Tigers nursing a seven-point lead midway through the third quarter, Jamal Adams stripped the Western Kentucky kick returner, setting up LSU with the ball on the Hilltopper 24. Soon after, Fournette plunged in from 1 yard out, giving the Tigers a welcome two-touchdown cushion.
What’s next: LSU (7-0, 4-0 SEC) is off next week. The Tigers travel to face No. 8 Alabama (7-1, 4-1) on Nov. 7.