Here are some quick thoughts on LSU’s 34-24 win over Syracuse in non-conference play.

What it means: It wasn’t as smooth as they would’ve preferred, but the Tigers will be headed back to Baton Rouge with a 3-0 record. A week after a near-perfect outing against Auburn, the LSU coaching staff will find plenty of teachable moments in the film room this week.

What I liked: Ultimately, the Tigers made the plays they had to make in the second half. Whether it was Tre’Davious White’s 69-yard punt return for a third-quarter touchdown, Brandon Harris converting a key third down or Deion Jones coming up with an interception, LSU did what needed to be done on a day when it was far from perfect.

What I didn’t like: Penalties and shaky special teams play, especially in the first half. The former prevented the Tigers from establishing an offensive rhythm for most of the first two quarters, while the latter repeatedly set Syracuse up with favorable field position. Though neither cost LSU against the Orange, both converged to let Syracuse stay close and gain confidence, which made it dangerous in the second half. The Tigers finished with 14 penalties for 12o yards.

Who’s the man: Leonard Fournette. The Heisman candidate rushed for more than 200 yards for the second straight week and would’ve had 300 if his 87-yard touchdown hadn’t been nullified by an illegal formation penalty. At 244 rushing yards, he fell just short of Alley Broussard’s single-game school record.

Key play: On third-and-9 with LSU nursing a 7-point lead and Fournette winded on the sideline, the Tigers dialed up a deep ball and Travin Dural hauled it in for a 51-yard gain. On the next play Brandon Harris connected with Malachi Dupre on a fade route for a 11-yard touchdown to give the Tigers some much-needed cushion.

What’s next: LSU (3-0, 2-0 SEC) hosts Eastern Michigan (1-2) before returning to SEC play at South Carolina on Oct. 10.