LSU took care of business on Saturday night, beating South Alabama 42-10 to cover a 20.5-point spread and move to 4-1 on the year.
It was LSU’s final nonconference contest of 2024. The Tigers went 3-1 in those games with the only loss coming in the opener to USC.
Thanks to LSU scheduling USC and UCLA, this was just LSU’s second game vs. a school not in the Power Four. LSU didn’t play up to standard in its first such game, playing with its food against Nicholls. LSU didn’t do that on Saturday night, coming out strong and starting fast.
The emphatic win should ease some concerns heading into the bye week. For the first time all year, LSU played a complete game. The Tigers were explosive and efficient on offense and allowed just 10 points on defense. That’s what you want to see.
Here are five takeaways from LSU’s 42-10 win over South Alabama before LSU’s season heats up coming out of the bye.
Caden Durham is a rising star
LSU has something special in [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag]. The true freshman looked the part and wasted no time making his mark on Saturday.
On LSU’s first play from scrimmage, Durham took a 71-yard swing pass to the house. On the next drive, Durham opened with an 86-yard burst that set LSU up at the one.
That was 157 yards on two plays to start the game for Durham. Pretty good.
Durham showcases a rare blend of speed and power at running back. He was a track star in high school and the wheels show up every time he finds a crease. Durham is ahead of schedule and that could be big for LSU with conference play heating up.
LSU stopped the run
There were concerns about LSU’s ability to slow South Alabama on the ground. The Jaguar rushing attack was among the most efficient in the nation entering week five and a few have found success running the ball on LSU.
But the LSU defense came to play. South Alabama ran it 33 times for 3.2 yards per carry. South Alabama’s EPA/rush of -0.22 put the Jags in the 15th percentile.
According to GameOnPaper.com, LSU didn’t allow a single explosive run.
LSU linebacker Greg Penn led the way. According to PFF, he notched 11 tackles, ranking first among SEC LBs in week five.
Garrett Nussmeier was prolific
Garrett Nussmeier racked up 409 yards in the win — a career-high for the redshirt junior and his first time surpassing the 400-yard mark. With 1,652 passing yards, Nussmeier sits second in the SEC. He leads the league in passing touchdowns with 15.
Nussmeier was expected to put up big numbers against a middling South Alabama defense and he did just that.
He threw two picks, but it’s hard to find much else wrong with this performance. Nussmeier finished 26 of 39 with 409 yards and two scores.
LSU front seven gets busy
LSU racked up three more sacks on Saturday, continuing a red-hot stretch for the front seven.
[autotag]Da’Shawn Womack[/autotag] led the way with six pressures while [autotag]Gabe Reliford[/autotag], [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag], [autotag]Sai’Vion Jones[/autotag] and [autotag]Greg Penn III[/autotag] all had three.
LSU’s defense isn’t perfect, but this group has proven it can put pressure on the quarterback. They’ll need to develop some key plays once LSU gets deep into SEC play.
LSU plays a complete game
All year, we’ve been waiting for LSU to put the package together. No matter the opponent, level, or conference, LSU needed it to show it could string four consistent quarters together on both sides of the ball.
Saturday was the most dominant LSU’s looked all year. The Tigers raced to 21 points in the first quarter and added 14 more in the second. That gave LSU a 35-3 lead at halftime.
The foot came off the gas a little in the second half, but the damage was already done.
LSU finished with 667 yards on the day — 430 through the air and 237 on the ground.
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