LSU moves up multiple spots in ESPN’s updated power rankings after Week 2
By Luke Greco
Published:
The LSU Tigers have moved their way up to No. 2 in ESPN’s updated power rankings, only trailing the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Although it moved up in ESPN’s rankings this week, LSU never really got it going in Week 2 against LA Tech. The Tigers won the game 23-7, but the offense for the Tigers didn’t look great. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier didn’t have his best game, completing 26 of his 41 pass attempts for 237 yards and 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Wide receiver Barion Brown was Nussmeier’s favorite target this past week, hauling in 8 receptions for 94 yards.
Even the run game struggled. Running back Caden Durham rushed for 29 yards on 13 attempts, but he did find his way into the end zone. Freshman running back Harlem Berry was the Tigers’ lead rusher with 56 yards.
However, the other side of the ball has looked great for the Tigers. LSU held LA Tech to only 96 yards through the air and 61 yards on the ground. In two weeks, the LSU defense has allowed only 17 points.
Here’s some analysis from ESPN’s Bill Connelly on LSU after Week 2:
LSU’s offense began with an interception and missed field goal and never really shifted all the way into gear, but the Tigers still scored a comfortable 23-7 win over Louisiana Tech thanks to a defense that has now allowed just 17 points in two games. They held the Bulldogs to 154 yards and a 3-for-13 performance on third downs, and that was all that ended up mattering. Still, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was anything but sharp: Including three sacks, his 44 pass attempts netted just 210 yards despite a good game from Barion Brown (94 receiving yards, plus a 15-yard run). Running back Caden Durham gained just 29 yards in 13 carries, too. The Tigers got away with it, but with a frustrated Florida team visiting next week, the offense will need to dial back in next Saturday
The defense will need to be sharp this next week, as DJ Lagway and his Florida Gators are coming into town and will be looking to bounce back after a rough loss to USF.
Kickoff for Florida versus LSU is scheduled for Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
