No one doubted there was work to be done as the LSU Tigers looked to record a strong season after coming off a national championship victory and losing a host of talent to the 2020 NFL Draft.
The departure of such key players like quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and linebacker Patrick Queen left sizable voids to be filled.
But the 1-2 start to the season with upset losses to Mississippi State and the Missouri Tigers is something hardly anyone drew up.
Losing 45-41 to a winless opponent like Mizzou had to serve as a bit of a wake-up call to a team that seems to finally be finding itself on offense with some significant decisions still left to be made with a reeling defense.
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Freshman quarterback Connor Bazelak had a field day with Bo Pelini’s unit, completing 29-of-34 passes for 406 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions as Mizzou put up 585 yards of total offense on LSU.
It almost brings back memories to the season-opener, which wasn’t at all long ago, when the defense allowed Mississippi State quarterback K.J. Costello to pass for 623 yards
LSU hardly gives the impression of a team ready to take on the Florida Gators on Saturday — except now they don’t have to. With the game postponed tentatively to Dec. 12, LSU has been granted an open date it wouldn’t have otherwise had at a time that’s crucial to the Tigers righting their wrongs.
Orgeron has spoken to simplifying the defense, which is something the Tigers will now have more time to do as a team. LSU can look at making changes in personnel, analyzing film and modifying the scheme however necessary.
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The postponement also gives starting quarterback Myles Brennan a chance to heal from a banged up left shoulder, meaning that the Tigers should be able to face the Gators with the redshirt junior at the helm, as opposed to sending freshman quarterback TJ Finley or Max Johnson straight into the fire against one of the toughest opponents of the year.
LSU is set to face the South Carolina Gamecocks next on Oct. 24 in Tiger Stadium.
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