Rapid Reaction: When the LSU passing game is clicking, nothing else seems to matter
LSU’s passing offense has made the rest of the team’s shortcomings seem insignificant.
When you’re averaging 52-plus points and winning every week and doing so by an average margin of more than 30 points, little concerns don’t become big concerns.
But when the scoring pace slows and the score becomes tighter, relatively minor concerns can become, well, more concerning.
For the No. 2 Tigers, the 36-13 victory at Mississippi State (3-4, 1-3) Saturday afternoon was a solid enough performance that moved them to 7-0 and 3-0 in the SEC.
But it took the passing game longer than usual to get going and so other areas seemed more problematic until Joe Burrow got untracked. When his day ended, Burrow had 4 touchdown passes, raising his season total to 29 and breaking the school record of JaMarcus Russell and Matt Mauck.
LSU moved the ball into the red zone on its first 3 possessions and remained perfect in that area of the field for the season. But 3 consecutive field goals were certainly uncharacteristic and a 3-0 lead after one quarter and a 9-0 lead a few minutes into the second weren’t all that comfortable for the highest-scoring team in the country.
So when the Tigers’ defense missed tackles, as it has done with some regularity this season, and couldn’t generate a consistent pass rush from the defensive line, as has been the case most of the season, and the offensive line had trouble opening holes for the running game, as has happened before, and Cade York was shaky even while making 3 consecutive field goals, those imperfections stood out more than usual.
They stood out even more after State drove 75 yards for a touchdown, as Florida did 4 times a week earlier, to get within 9-7 midway through the 2nd quarter.
Then the passing game clicked.
The Bulldogs didn’t cover Racey McMath and Burrow found him on a crossing route that turned into a 60-yard touchdown.
York, who had made field goals from 20, 23 and 25 yards, pushed the extra-point wide right, reinforcing concerns about his reliability.
But Jacoby Stevens made a 1-handed interception for LSU’s 2nd takeaway of the half and Burrow followed with an 8-yard touchdown toss to Ja’Marr Chase. Just like that, the Tigers had a 22-7 halftime lead.
It wasn’t the most comfortable lead, but the arrival of the familiar passing game provided comfort that exceeded the modest margin.
Despite stalling near the goal line 3 times, the offense still scored on all 5 of its 1st-half possessions and was nearly on pace to reach its gaudy scoring average.
After a 3-and-out on the first possession of the 3rd quarter, the LSU offense started looking like the LSU offense.
On the second possession, Burrow stepped away from the pass rush to throw a 37-yard touchdown to Derrick Dillon.
Then came the record-setter on an 18-yarder to Justin Jefferson. That made it 36-7 after 3 quarters and it was getting harder to find any shortcomings in the Tigers performance. Burrow left shortly after, having completed 25-of-32 throws for 327 yards.
It was Burrow’s 5th 300-yard game this season and 5th time throwing at least 4 TD passes.
Next up is an SEC West showdown against Auburn next Saturday.
In that game and every game the rest of the way, Burrow will set a new school record with each touchdown pass he throws.
And each time he throws one, it will make it a little easier to overlook whatever imperfections crop up from other areas of the team.
Great job LSU, rooting for y’all to stick it to Bama!
LSU continues to genuinely impress me. LSU, for most of this decade, has gone into seasons with a lot of preseason hype and expectations. This year was no different, but they’ve achieved what most fans in the preseason would have said was unlikely. They finally have elite quarterback play.
I can’t wait for what will probably be another classic #1 vs #2 showdown this November.
Yeah, looking forward to it.
LSU was a bit flat today. Kudos to Miss State. They could have been demoralized, but they came to play. LSU left at least 13 points on the field, but any SEC win is a good win. They need to play better against Auburn.
I guess it shows how things have changed at LSU this season, but this game seemed kind of ho hum for the Tigers. The defense did a nice job overall and Burrow threw for another four TD’s. I’ll take it.
Now iw often an we say that about our QBs in the last decade?
It’s weird, but awesome. It’s probably a one year deal though because Brennan still doesn’t look ready.
fun team to watch, crazy talented, a lot of momentum, seem to be having fun. this is a dangerous team to play.
Lsu should be #1 after the horrible performance of the tide.. They deserve it.. Got a great team this year
ESPN’s writers think the same way. In their weekly poll ranking the playoff contenders, 8 of the 13 writers now rank LSU #1. Exciting times for LSU fans.
Jeaux Burreaux for Heisman!