No team in the country has exceeded expectations more than LSU has during the first half of the season.

The Tigers were No. 25 in the preseason poll and many prognosticators suggested they might struggle to exceed a .500 record.

But here they are at 6-1, No. 5 in the country and coming off as dominant performance as any team has had this season – a 36-16 thrashing of then-No. 2 Georgia last Saturday, their third victory against a team ranked in the top 10 at the time of the Tigers’ victory.

The dismantling of Georgia was the most complete performance of the season by a team that has excelled in all three phases at various points.

As it prepares to host No. 22 Mississippi State on Saturday before heading into its open date ahead of the annual early-November showdown with Alabama, here’s a look at LSU’s midseason superlatives:

Mr. Clutch: Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow was the presumptive starter from the time he arrived on campus in late spring as a graduate transfer from Ohio State. But no one really knew what to expect from a guy who had never made a start with the Buckeyes.

His development has been steady and significant in the Tigers’ ascension. In the early going he was an excellent decision maker who demonstrated exceptional poise and ball security.

After the first few games, offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger started integrating Burrow into the run game.

Though Burrow had a three-week stretch in which his ball security slipped, he has continued to develop as a runner and a thrower. The read-option and deep pass have both become viable options.

Burrow played his most complete game against Georgia and seems capable of giving LSU the offensive balance it needs to maintain its lofty ranking.

Mr. Good Hands: Justin Jefferson

The Tigers receiving corps was as big a wild card as Burrow was entering the season. Although many of the young receivers are still trying to find themselves, Justin Jefferson has emerged as a dependable target for Burrow.

Jefferson already has 27 catches, on pace to go well above DJ Chark’s team-leading 40 receptions last season.

Biggest surprise: RB tandem

Another offensive question mark entering the season dealt with which running back or running backs would take ownership of the ground game, a vital part of every Tigers team.

Senior Nick Brossette stepped up right away and ran for more than 100 yards in each of the first two games. Sophomore Clyde Edwards-Helaire has emerged of late, having a pair of 100-yard games in the past four, including a 145-yard effort against Georgia.

Brossette is a bigger back, Edwards-Helaire is a quicker back, and LSU has packages to take advantage of each one’s skill set.

Orgeron said this week that he considers them equal and the one-two punch has made life easier for Burrow.

As a result, LSU is averaging 202 yards rushing per game, just a tick behind last season’s 207 yards. And the Tigers already have rushed for 18 touchdowns, putting them on pace to go well beyond last year’s 25.

Best new hire: OL coach James Cregg

He’s in his first season on Orgeron’s staff and he has proven to be adept at adjusting.

The line has had to make numerous changes because of a series of suspensions and injuries and the same unit didn’t start consecutive games until the last two.

There have been a few hiccups along the way, but overall the line has played very well, especially considering the circumstances.

Cregg has been the guy orchestrating the moving pieces to produce effective results.

Best supporting actors: The linebackers

Devin White was one of the top linebackers in the country last season, but the Tigers needed someone to step up and complement him at the position.

Both Jacob Phillips and Michael Divinity have done that while White has continued his exceptional play.

The Tigers’ line has played very well, but hasn’t been as dominant as some thought it might be. But the development of the linebackers, especially Phillips and Divinity, has helped the front seven still be exceptional.

DBU Award: S Grant Delpit

Just as Phillips and Divinity developed as complements to White, Delpit has emerged as a special complement to the Tigers’ other marquee defender – CB Greedy Williams.

Delpit has been a standout rushing the passer, defending the run and playing in pass coverage.

He’s tied for the SEC lead with 3 interceptions.

Best special effects

Greg McMahon was promoted from a consultant to special teams coordinator for this season and his impact has been substantial.

Of course there’s Cole Tracy, who is 17-of-19 on field goals with both misses coming from beyond 50 yards.

But the Tigers have had standout performances throughout the kicking game.

Avery Atkins has 41 touchbacks on 47 kickoffs and recovered a fumble on one of the rare returns last week, punter Zach Von Rosenberg has been solid (40.6 net) and the field-goal defense snuffed out a Georgia fake last week.

LSU has yet to have any significant returns, but given the performance of the other units it seems just a matter of time before the return units have an impact as well.

SEC coach of the year?

It seems fashionable to believe Orgeron isn’t up to this job, but the evidence to the contrary keeps mounting.

Miami entered the season ranked No. 8 and LSU had the Hurricanes down 33-3 before the Hurricanes knew what hit them.

The Tigers gutted out a dicey win at Auburn and took care of business against Southeastern Louisiana, Louisiana Tech and Ole Miss before the eye-opening thumping of Georgia.

If this keeps up, the details on Orgeron’s buyout might start to be overshadowed by parameters for a possible contract extension.