LSU’s offense hit a rough spell in late October. Coming out of the half at A&M, the Tigers looked out of sorts. The spell continued through LSU’s losses to Alabama and Florida.
On Saturday, the Tigers woke up. LSU put together an efficient performance to beat Vanderbilt 24-17. LSU racked up 27 first downs and 474 yards of total offense.
We’ll take a look at what LSU to get the offense back in rhythm. Each video here should start at the described play.
After a three and out on the opening series, LSU found a quick and easy throw for Nussmeier. Taylor motioned in, before releasing to the flat. Nussmeier got him the ball in space with a catch and run leading to a first down.
In recent weeks, LSU has struggled to take pressure off Nussmeier and its offensive line. The offense needed more easy buttons and it found one with this play.
LSU’s run game has struggled all year. LSU would get into power run situations not feeling confident in the run game to get a first down.
LSU found itself in a third and one on its second drive and trusted the offensive line to do the job. Will Campbell, Paul Mubenga, and DJ Chester creased the defensive line and Caden Durham moved the sticks.
On the next play, Nussmeier dropped back and found Kyren Lacy on a crosser.
LSU kept TE Mason Taylor in the blocking scheme, allowing Will Campbell to help Paul Mubenga. Nussmeier had time and LSU found an explosive play.
This is what LSU was looking for after Nussmeier was under constant pressure vs. Florida.
This is how LSU capped the drive.
The Tigers got a six man box, allowing them to run the ball. Vanderbilt actually managed to fit it well, but Josh Williams was a man on a mission here. He broke through a pile to scamper to the end zone and LSU was on the board.
We can talk about LSU’s struggles on the interior offensive line, but sometimes running the ball just comes down to making a play. Williams made a play here.
Later in the quarter, we see Paul Mubenga and DJ Chester getting push again. LSU turns to its run game to get a first down on third and four.
Mubenga and Chester are young — and they’ve played like it. This was a good sign for the development of both players.
Again, we go back to talking about easy buttons. On third and six, take the space the defense gives you and get the first down. After the game, Brian Kelly said it was rare for Vanderbilt to offer that type of cushion, but LSU made a point to attack when it was there.
Kelly also mentioned LSU taking the check downs. With Vanderbilt’s linebackers dropping with vertical routes, LSU had space underneath. Nussmeier didn’t press and got the ball out and Williams did the rest.
Another explosive Josh Williams touchdown run. It’s your basic counter run. Mubenga and Taylor execute their blocks to spring Williams for six. Receiver CJ Daniels offers a nice block downfield too.
Up four at the Vanderbilt 36, LSU opted to go for it on fourth and four. Vanderbilt gave LSU a cushion again and CJ Daniels won in man coverage.
LSU receivers made it easy on Nussmeier by creating separation.
The red zone has been a problem area for LSU all year. The Tigers have sputtered as space constricts near the goal line.
Here we see LSU go with another six man protection. Lacy motions to the field and creates a 3×1 for LSU. Daniels runs a seam and occupies the safety’s attention. Anderson runs a whip route from the slot, keeping the attention from the corner.
Lacy runs the wheel and finds plenty of space in the end zone.