LSU didn’t run a single play with the lead on Saturday night, but the Tigers led when it mattered the most — after the final play.
Down three, needing a touchdown to win, QB [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] found [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] in the endzone to upset No. 9 Ole Miss in front of a packed Tiger Stadium crowd.
LSU needed this win. A season-opening loss to USC trimmed the margin for error, but with this victory, LSU adds a signature win to its resume.
As for Ole Miss, it was the Rebels’ second loss of the year. Lane Kiffin’s group will most likely have to be perfect from here on out to remain in the playoff discussion.
LSU is right back in the thick of the national picture as SEC play heats up. The Tigers will play back-to-back road games at Arkansas and Texas A&M. Both will be tests, but LSU proved it is ready to compete on the big stage with Saturday’s win.
Here are five takeaways from LSU’s 29-26 overtime victory.
Garrett Nussmeier makes the play when it matters
[autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] didn’t play his best football on Saturday night, but he made the plays when it mattered the most. With regulation winding down, Nussmeier delivered a strike to [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] to tie the game. On the first play of overtime, Nussmeier found Lacy for six.
Nussmeier was just 22/51 on the night, but when you look back at this performance, you’re going to remember the throws to Anderson and Lacy.
Equally important, was a throw to [autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag] on fourth down to keep LSU alive on the final drive in the fourth.
LSU got resiliency from its senior quarterback on Saturday night.
Defense delivers
LSU opened its checkbook to land defensive coordinator [autotag]Blake Baker[/autotag]. The reasons why were evident on Saturday night.
Even as the offense got off to a slow start, the defense got the necessary stops. Ole Miss’ success rate on the night was just 37%, putting the Rebels in the 30th percentile.
LSU struggled on third down, but that’s about the only complaint. LSU was aggressive and made life hard on the ground and through the air. The unit made the necessary adjustments throughout the night to come up with stops in the fourth quarter.
The secondary played well and LSU’s young corners made plays in man coverage. That’s what LSU needs if it’s going to reach the playoff.
LSU’s run game is still an issue
LSU didn’t get much from its run game. The Tigers averaged -0.25 EPA/rush, far below an acceptable mark. 50% of LSU’s runs were stopped for two yards or less and that led to trouble on later downs.
[autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] carried it 12 times for 37 yards and [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] ran it nine times for 34 yards. Both backs didn’t get much help from the offensive line as Ole Miss did a good job of plugging the holes.
We knew Ole Miss had a strong defensive front entering the night, but LSU looked outmatched when it tried to run the ball. That’s not a good sign with the defenses LSU has on deck.
LSU defense creates havoc
LSU got the big plays it needed from its defense. On the night, LSU generated 11 tackles for loss and six sacks.
[autotag]Bradyn Swinson[/autotag] and [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] were active all night, getting pressure on Jaxson Dart and getting runs stops near or behind the line of scrimmage.
LSU knew it needed to keep Ole Miss off schedule to have a chance in this one. The big plays from the front seven prevented Kiffin’s offense from establishing a consistent rhythm.
LSU is back in the playoff race
LSU took a back seat in the playoff discussion these last few weeks, but a win over a top-10 opponent should move the needle.
It’s a long season, but this game had major playoff implications no matter the winner. LSU remains in control of its own destiny with the win while Ole Miss will need some help.
This win buys back some room for error for LSU. The Tigers can lose one down the stretch and still make the playoff at 10-2.
Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.