Caden Durham – Syndication Server

4 things LSU needs to fix if it wants to be a playoff team

LSU enters the bye week on a sour note, but that gives the Tigers time to fix four key issues.

LSU is headed into the bye week on a sour note. After winning six in a row, the Tigers dropped one by a score of 38-23 at Texas A&M. LSU was in control in the first half, but a failure to put Texas A&M away allowed the Aggies to get back in it.

Once A&M was back in it, it took control. Marcel Reed and the A&M backfield ran all over LSU in the second half and the Aggies finished the game on a 31-6 run.

After the game, linebacker [autotag]Greg Penn III[/autotag] said LSU wasn’t prepared for Reed entering the game. Texas A&M completed eight passes all night, but it didn’t matter. A&M ran it 46 times for 245 yards and five touchdowns.

On the offensive side of the ball, LSU struggled to get its own run game moving. LSU ran it 22 times for 25 yards — one of the worst rushing performances in program history.

That sits atop the list of needed fixes as LSU enters the bye week. Let’s jump right in and take a look.

LSU needs a run game

We’ve talked about it all year, but LSU needs a run game. It was an issue in the opening loss to USC, outside of a few bursts from [autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag] More red flags were raised when LSU failed to get a consistent push vs. FCS Nicholls.

Then true freshman [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] began to inject life into LSU’s ground game. Durham ran it 11 times for 98 yards in the win over South Carolina. A few weeks later vs. South Alabama, he toted it seven times for 128 yards. He crossed the 100 mark again at Arkansas.

But on Saturday, Durham was quiet. He caught four passes for 56 yards, but he was a nonfactor on the ground. [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] didn’t add much either, running it seven times for 23 yards.

Both Durham and Williams had a decent run on LSU’s second drive, but apart from that, LSU had nothing.

LSU is a team with two first-round picks at tackle and two veterans at guard. The Tigers have a deep tight end room and a group of talented running backs. With Nussmeier’s arm, defenses can’t load the box either. All of that should lead to LSU being able to run the football, but for whatever reason, LSU can’t find any consistency.

[autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said LSU has spent a lot of time on the run game. Earlier in the year, right tackle [autotag]Emery Jones Jr.[/autotag] joked [autotag]Brad Davis[/autotag] wasn’t leaving his office. LSU is aware of the problem and knows it needs to be fixed. We’ll see if the bye week comes with any new ideas before LSU faces a strong Alabama front.

Allow Garrett Nussmeier to settle in

When [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] is on, he’s among the best quarterbacks in the country. But when he’s off, he’s a turnover waiting to happen. In each of LSU’s last two games, we’ve seen two drastic sides of Nussmeier.

Nussmeier struggled to settle in vs. Ole Miss, throwing picks and missing throws deep. He eventually figured it out and led LSU to victory, but it was a rocky road to get there.

On Saturday, we saw the good version of Nussmeier early. He played one of the best halves of his career in the first two quarters, but what came next was a complete unraveling.

LSU OC Joe Sloan has to keep Nussmeier comfortable throughout the game. Part of it could have to do with LSU’s inability to run the ball. Nussmeier feels like he has to do it all himself and puts the ball in dangerous spots.

But LSU needs to get ahead of the problem. When it starts to look shaky, find some quick throws to get the QB in rhythm. Nussmeier now leads the SEC with nine picks on the year — that’s not a sustainable way for this team win football games.

Become more athletic at defensive tackle

It might be unfair to expect LSU to fix this midseason, but the Tigers have some of the necessary tools.

LSU’s defensive tackle group is well coached and overperforming expectations, especially with the loss of Jacobian Guillory. Gio Paez and Paris Shand get the bulk of the work and play sound football, but LSU misses quick twitch athleticism up the middle.

There are guys on the roster that have it, such as Jay’Viar Suggs. We’ve seen Suggs playing time increase in recent weeks. He got 21 snaps in the loss to A&M, totaling three pressures and a sack. Suggs has 10 pressures and seven stops on just 108 snaps this year. That’s the playmaking ability LSU needs at that spot.

There were times when LSU defensive tackles were in the right spot but just didn’t make a play.

Suggs, along with true freshman Dominick McKinley, could help solve that issue.

Be more explosive on offense

LSU’s explosive passing rate is fine. The Tigers rank top 25 nationally in 15-yard passing rate and top 50 in 20-yard passing rate. But if LSU is going to struggle to run the ball, LSU needs to be elite at finding chunk yardage plays.

LSU doesn’t have the ability to march down the field getting five or six yards at a time right now. The only way LSU can score consistently is Nussmeier finding receivers down the field.

When A&M took the explosive passing element away, LSU had nothing.

LSU must figure out how to maintain the big plays throughout the game.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

5 stats that defined LSU’s loss at Texas A&M in Week 9

These five stats defined LSU’s loss at Texas A&M.

LSU’s second half did not go to plan in College Station on Saturday night. Texas A&M turned to dual-threat QB Marcel Reed and the LSU defense had no response.

On the other side of the ball, LSU’s failure to run the ball put too much on the passing game and QB [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] made a series of mistakes that let the game get away from LSU.

LSU was a slight underdog and playing on the road in the SEC is never easy, but A&M flat-out beat LSU in the second half. ESPN play-by-play man Chris Fowler called it a Texas A&M avalanche. It’s hard to find a better way to describe it.

Texas A&M looked like a playoff team over the final two quarters while LSU looked like a team unprepared for the moment. Mistakes in all phases of the game cost LSU on Saturday night. Anything that could go wrong, did go wrong.

Here are five stats that defined LSU’s loss.

LSU’s 1.9 yards per carry

At first, that reads like a typo. LSU averaged 1.9 yards per carry — not what’s expected from an SEC team with future NFL linemen and blue-chip running backs.

[autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] ran it 11 times for 15 yards while Josh Williams got seven carries for 23 yards. Together, they combined for a -8.33 EPA on the ground.

LSU’s offensive line couldn’t get any push or create space. Durham and Williams were constantly met by Texas A&M defenders at the line of scrimmage.

Just 19% of LSU’s runs went for 4+ yards. A&M’s mark was at 60%.

“We spent a lot of time on our run game. We should be better there,” [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said.

Garrett Nussmeier: Three interceptions

After Week 9, [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] leads the SEC with nine picks on the year. We knew Nussmeier was a “gunslinger” who would put the ball in jeopardy at times, but three picks on Saturday allowed the game to unravel for LSU.

Throwing three picks in a half isn’t a recipe for success. The turnovers came on LSU’s end of the field and set A&M up for a touchdown drive of eight yards and 26 yards. The third pick led to a field goal. Combined, A&M scored 17 points off the Nussmeier turnovers.

You could feel the momentum swing after the first interception. That’s where the game was lost for LSU. The Tigers weren’t able to settle down after that and the floodgates opened.

LSU special teams: -5.02 EPA

LSU’s field goal unit struggled on Saturday. A poor hold led to [autotag]Damian Ramos[/autotag] missing a field goal late in the first quarter. In the second, LSU missed another one.

Long snapper [autotag]Slade Roy[/autotag] and holder [autotag]Peyton Todd[/autotag] weren’t on the same page and it led to a bungled snap in the third quarter. That’s nine points left on the board.

With the way A&M controlled the game in the second half, it’s hard to say the nine points were the difference, but the second half looks different if LSU is playing with a bigger lead.

When you send the field goal unit out there three times, you don’t want to come away empty on all three attempts.

LSU’s EPA without explosive plays: -36.29

LSU’s offense had a few explosive plays on Saturday night, including a 76-yard catch and run from [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] and some third-down conversions to [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag].

Outside of that, LSU struggled to get anything going on offense. Without the explosive plays, LSU’s EPA was -36.29. LSU’s worst mark of the year.

With the run game not providing anything, it was hard to establish down-to-down consistency. That allowed A&M to tee up blitzes on Nussmeier and showcase some disguised coverages.

Nussmeier was feeling the pressure and knew the only way LSU could score was a big play through the air. Kelly said LSU is putting too much on its quarterback and that was evident on Saturday.

Mason Taylor and Kyren Lacy: 8 catches on 16 targets

This stat may feel a little nitpicky, but LSU only completed half of its targets to its most reliable receivers.

LSU turns to Taylor and Lacy when it needs a conversion — they’re Nussmeier’s go-to guys.

This is related to LSU’s lack of down-to-down efficiency. Part of LSU becoming a better situational football team means consistently completing passes to the dependable pass catchers.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

5 takeaways from LSU football’s loss at Texas A&M

Here are five takeaways from LSU’s loss in College Station on Thursday night.

Sometimes things fall apart.

That’s what happened to LSU in College Station on Saturday night. Mistakes haunted LSU as the Tigers watched the game unravel in the third quarter. Texas A&M seized the momentum and won 38-23.

Sole possession of first place in the SEC was on the line. A&M now sits atop the conference while LSU falls to 3-1 in conference play and 6-2 on the year. The loss halted a six-game win streak for LSU and put the Tigers’ playoff hopes on life support.

The night was full of frustrations for LSU. The Tigers moved the ball, but too many drives stalled out on A&M’s side of the field. LSU had to settle for field goal attempts, but the night was marred by special teams mistakes.

Every component of the field goal unit struggled. Ramos missed kicks, the holds were bad, and LSU long snapper Slade Roy fired one off too early.

LSU left something on the table. There’s no other way to put it. Here are five takeaways from the loss.

Nussmeier leads the unraveling with three picks

The first half was some of Garrett Nussmeier’s best football. The second half was the polar opposite.

Nussmeier’s accuracy began to falter and the situation was made worse by poor decisions with the football.

LSU went three and out on its opening drive of the second half. On the second drive, Nussmeier was trying to make a play and threw the ball up. It was picked off in LSU territory and A&M cut into the lead shortly after.

Later, another Nussmeier pick set A&M up to take the lead. Then in the fourth, an Aggie interception all but sealed it.

Nussmeier has nine picks on the year now. That puts his average at one per game. LSU will struggle to win games if it’s putting the ball in jeopardy like this.

LSU failed to put Aggies away when it had the chance

Things were looking bright in the first half. A long catch and run from Aaron Anderson put LSU up 17-7.

LSU was moving the ball and the LSU defense wasn’t giving up much. The Tigers looked like the better team — like a team taking yet another step forward after last week’s 34-10 win. But that wasn’t the case.

The stalled drives and missed field goals in the first half kept A&M in the game and allowed the Aggies to find life in the second half.

It was pointed out on the broadcast, but it was reminiscent of LSU’s week one loss. LSU was in a position to take a kill shot but missed.

LSU couldn’t run the ball

After a few weeks of progress, LSU couldn’t run the ball on Saturday night. [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] and [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] both got chances, but neither could gain steam.

A&M’s front presented a challenge to LSU. The Aggies have several future pros on the defensive line and LSU couldn’t get any push. Senior guard [autotag]Garrett Dellinger[/autotag] exiting the game with an injury didn’t help.

We can debate whether the blame lies with coaching, personnel or execution. The fact of the matter is we’re eight games into the season and LSU can’t run the ball.

It’s hard to go on the road and win in the SEC if you can’t run it. LSU doesn’t need the same production it got last year, but it needs more than it’s getting now.

A&M turns to Reed in the second half

LSU pressured Connor Weigman throughout the first half. A&M was getting some yards in the run game, but the passing attack was a nonfactor.

A&M’s answer: QB Marcel Reed.

Aggies’ OC Colin Klein went all in on the option attack and Reed’s rushing ability. Holes started to open up and A&M did what it wanted on the ground.

[autotag]Blake Baker[/autotag] and the LSU defense had nothing. Even if there was an answer, LSU was failing to execute. The Tigers were missing tackles and getting driven off the ball.

LSU wasn’t prepared for Texas A&M’s physicality in the second half.

Where does LSU go from here?

At 6-2, LSU is still in the playoff race, even if help is needed. A 10-2 SEC team has a chance to find its way in but the margin for error is nonexistent.

LSU will have to win out. That includes beating Alabama, going on the road to Florida, and potentially tricky games with Vanderbilt and Oklahoma.

As far as the SEC race goes, going through all the potential tiebreak solutions is pointless at the moment. That’ll sort itself out in the coming weeks.

This loss is a disappointment, especially with the optimism surrounding LSU in recent weeks. LSU isn’t a title contender right now.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

LSU-Texas A&M Thursday Injury Report: Brian Kelly updates status on pair of LSU receivers

The Tigers are dealing with a few injuries heading into Saturday’s high-stakes matchup against Texas A&M.

LSU updated its injury report on Thursday heading into a critical Week 9 showdown against Texas A&M, and the Tigers continue to deal with some questions at the receiver position.

Once again, [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] has been listed as questionable as he’s yet to make his season debut after suffering a bone bruise in fall camp. Coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] did provide some reason for optimism on Thursday, however, telling the media that he was a full participant in practice.

The question with Hilton is now a matter of conditioning, Kelly said.

“I think we’re probably going to list him questionable,” Kelly said. “But he’s made progress. This has been a slow process for us and him. I think more than anything else, you don’t bring a wide receiver back after this long out unless he’s properly conditioned because then you go pull a hamstring, right?

“It’s not the leg anymore, and we’re not concerned, and he’s not concerned about the leg. This is much more about a conditioning element relative to soft tissue more than anything else. So, we’re in a pretty good position here now. This is just getting him game-ready.”

His return would be welcome, especially considering questions about the health of fellow wideout [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag], who was downgraded to questionable on Thursday. Daniels missed the win over Ole Miss but returned against Arkansas last week, catching seven passes for 86 yards.

In addition to potentially both starting receivers, LSU will be without a couple of impactful players. Safety [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag] is set to miss another week as he battles turf toe, Kelly confirmed Thursday.

“We’re talking about something that just is time, especially at the safety position, the inability to play at the level he needs to play at,” Kelly said.

Further, backup offensive lineman [autotag]Tyree Adams[/autotag], who is capable of playing all over the line, will be out. Kelly said [autotag]Bo Bordelon[/autotag] and [autotag]Paul Mubenga[/autotag] are players who could potentially step up to fill a gap if needed.

“Bo Bordelon would be the next guy depending on if it’s a tackle or guard. If it’s a guard, Paul Mubenga would come in,” Kelly said.

The Tigers are clearly not at 100%, but there’s some optimism it could be at full strength in the passing game for the first time this season as the run game is finally starting to emerge with running back [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] listed as probable coming into this game.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Tyler to continue the conversation on Twitter: @TylerNettuno

Is a healthy Caden Durham the key for LSU’s offense vs. Texas A&M?

Is LSU RB Caden Durham the key to success for LSU’s offense on Saturday night?

True freshman [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] took the LSU backfield by storm early in the year. With LSU’s run game struggling, Durham’s workload increased and LSU found an element of explosiveness on the ground.

Last week, in LSU’s win over Arkansas, Durham notched 21 carries — a career-high that indicates Durham ascending to LSU’s feature back.

Durham was the No. 5 running back in the class of 2024. His talent was no secret, but we didn’t know how early he’d arrive. Durham has 62 carries for 382 yards on the year. That average of 6.2 yards per carry is one of the best marks in the SEC.

LSU is set for a primetime showdown with No. 14 Texas A&M this week. Against a strong Aggie defense, another big game from Durham could be the key.

A&M’s defense ranks in the top 25 in EPA/rush allowed, but there’s room to break some big plays. The Aggies rank 65th nationally in 10+ yard rushing rate allowed. That’s not an area where LSU excels, but Durham has the elusive ability to create something.

Nine of Durham’s 62 attempts have gone for 10 yards or more. With 3.23 yards after contact on average, Durham can find space even when the A&M defense creates penetration.

This game features two defenses playing at a high level. If it becomes a low scoring affair, game control will be critical. LSU won’t be able to do that with a stale rushing attack — making Durham a key to success for LSU’s offense.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

5 things to know about Texas A&M before primetime showdown with LSU

LSU is set for a Saturday night showdown with Texas A&M. Here are five things to know about the Aggies.

LSU is back on the road this week, traveling to College Station for a top-25 showdown with Texas A&M.

By some standards, it’s the game of the week. The Tigers and Aggies will get ABC’s primetime slot and it’s the only Week 9 game featuring two top 25 teams.

The conference and playoff implications are massive. LSU and A&M are tied atop the SEC, meaning the winner sits alone in first place and controls its own destiny.

Controlling a path to a conference title means controlling a path to a first-round bye in the playoff.

A win buys room for error too. If LSU left College Station 7-1 with two marquee wins on the resume, the Tigers could afford to drop a game in November and remain in the playoff mix. The same could be said for A&M, who already has a stomping of ranked Missouri under its belt.

The stakes are set. Now, here’s what LSU fans should know about Texas A&M before kickoff on Saturday night.

How the Aggies got here

Texas A&M is in its first year under head coach Mike Elko. [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] and Elko have a previous connection after Elko worked on Kelly’s Notre Dame staff in 2017.

Texas A&M began the year by hosting a ranked Notre Dame team. The Fighting Irish had their way with the Aggie offense and A&M fell to 0-1.

But in a story not that different from LSU’s path, A&M has ripped off six straight to move to 6-1.

A&M already has four SEC wins, including the aforementioned stomping of Missouri in which the Aggies won 41-10. Elko and crew kept it rolling last week with a 34-24 win over Mississippi State.

Talent was never the issue with the previous staff, and the core of that group remains in place. Elko landed some high-profile transfers too. This isn’t your typical first-year head coach roster. It’s one capable of competing for a playoff spot.

Connor Weigman’s season

Connor Weigman was a popular breakout candidate entering the year, but after a poor Week 1 performance that came along with an injury, the hype cooled.

Weigman missed a few weeks while Marcel Reed played well enough to keep A&M afloat. With Weigman ready to return, there was some doubt about whether he’d get the job back.

Weigman returned for the Missouri game and his recent play has looked more like what Aggie fans hoped for. Weigman is averaging 10.5 yards per attempt in his last two games — second in the SEC in that span. He’s completing 70.2% of his passes over that same period.

A&M’s EPA/dropback was in the 80th percentile or better against Missouri and Mississippi State. Weigman isn’t a threat to put up 400 yards and throw for five scores, but he’s playing efficient football and A&M’s passing attack is rounding into form at the right time.

A&M is strong against the run but may allow some big plays

A&M’s defensive line is one of the most talented LSU will see all year. The Aggies are loaded with blue-chip recruits and now have Nic Scourton too, one of the nation’s top transfers.

If you need a couple of yards, A&M is tough to run on. The Aggies are near the top of the SEC in stuffed run rate (runs that go for two yards or less).

But there are some holes — A&M has a tendency to allow big plays on the ground.

With the way LSU has run the ball this year, I doubt LSU’s ability to be efficient on the ground. But with running back [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] getting back to full health, the Tigers have a chance to rip off some big runs.

Mississippi State RB Davon Booth had three 10+ yard runs on just 12 carries vs A&M. RB Johnnie Daniels had a big run of his own.

If LSU can get just a few of those from Durham, the Tigers’ offense is in good shape.

A&M lacks offensive firepower

The Aggies are still waiting for a playmaker to emerge on the offensive side of the ball. A&M’s leading receiver is Noah Thomas with just 289 yards on the year.

Le’Veon Moss is a bellcow at running back, but he’s coming off a game where he averaged 3.8 yards on 17 carries and didn’t record a single run over 10+ yards. Moss can be explosive, but it’s not consistent.

Explosive plays have hurt LSU this year, but A&M isn’t prone to chunk plays. LSU’s secondary can play with the Aggie receivers. If LSU tackles well and doesn’t let Texas A&M turn efficient plays into explosive plays, LSU can make it a long night for the A&M offense.

Players to know

On offense, you know about Weigman and Moss. Here are the other Aggies to watch.

LB Scooby Williams: According to PFF, Williams is the top-graded defender on the Aggie defense. He’s active in the run game and has the presence to step up and fill a hole or chase a play down from the backside. LSU will have to make Williams miss a couple of tackles.

EDGE Shemar Stewart: LSU’s offensive tackles will have their hands full with Stewart, who has 20 pressures on the year. LSU is one of the top pass-protecting offensive lines in the country, but Stewart will be a test.

LT Trey Zuhn: Zuhn continues to be one of the SEC’s most reliable offensive tackles. In 470 snaps this year, he’s yet to allow a sack.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

3 LSU football players to watch ahead of Texas A&M’s Week 9 matchup

Here are three LSU players to watch ahead of Texas A&M’s Week 9 primetime matchup

Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0 SEC) has won six consecutive games after falling to Notre Dame in the 2024 season opener.

The Aggies came out of Starkville (MS) with a 34-24 win over Mississippi State in Week 8 and will now host 8th-ranked LSU on Saturday night for a primetime matchup with plenty of postseason implications on the line.

This week, head coach Mike Elko and select players took questions from the media, previewing what looks like one of the year’s biggest games. Both teams are 6-1 and undefeated in SEC play.

For the Aggies to earn a victory, starting quarterback Conner Weigman will need to play with more confidence and better footwork. In contrast, Texas A&M’s pass rush will need to pressure LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier to make quick decisions in the pocket.

Look at the top LSU players the Aggies will face on Saturday night.

LB Whitt Weeks

After it was announced that linebacker and top pass rusher Harold Perkins Jr. would miss the rest of the 2024 regular season, LSU’s defense had to step up in his absence, especially at linebacker. Enter sophomore backer Whitt Weeks, who is currently second in the SEC in tackles (68), including his 18-tackle performance in LSU’s 29-26 OT win over Ole Miss.

Weeks’ speed, instincts, and enhanced pass rush prowess (2.5 sacks) could be a problem for the Aggie running game.

RB Caden Durham

LSU’s offense has become more balanced over the last three weeks, mainly due to dynamic freshman running back Caden Durham’s physical running style, pairing well with what wide receiver Kyren Lacy brings to the passing game.

While I could have easily chosen Lacy as the player to watch, LSU head coach Bryan Kelly will more than likely want to run the football early, meaning Texas A&M’s improved run defense needs to plug holes and, most importantly, set the edge early to force QB Garrett Nussmeier to pass more than he’d like.

In six games this season, Durham has rushed for 382 yards and six touchdowns with an impressive 6.2-yard per carry average.

QB Garrett Nussmeier

Junior LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier stayed the course the last two years after playing behind current Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels when he could have easily transferred elsewhere.

Through seven games this season, the junior signal-caller is a clear Heisman candidate, throwing for 2,222 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions, consistently displacing impressive accuracy and ball placement, and is by far the team’s MVP and the main reason for the program’s 6-1 record.

Texas A&M’s secondary struggled in the first half against Mississippi State last Saturday, but it adjusted in the second half. However, facing Nussmeier and LSU’s bookend NFL-level tackles is by far the defenses’ most significant challenge this season.

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

5 stats that defined LSU’s Week 8 win over Arkansas

These five numbers defined LSU’s 34-10 win over Arkansas.

LSU fans are accustomed to anxiety filled battles with Arkansas. That wasn’t the case on Saturday night with LSU securing a 34-10 win in Fayetteville.

Brian Kelly said it after the game — LSU played to its standard for four quarters.

LSU was inconsistent to begin the year. The Tigers dropped the opener to USC and struggled to pull away from FCS Nicholls State in Week 2. In Week 3, LSU had to scratch and claw to get a win vs. South Carolina. The following week, LSU let a bad UCLA team hang around in Tiger Stadium.

Then LSU figured some things out. It played a complete game against South Alabama before upsetting No. 9 Ole Miss. The win on Saturday was further proof of this team’s upward trend.

[autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said this is a good time to be getting better and it looks like LSU is doing just that.

Here are five numbers that defined LSU’s win over Arkansas.

Whit Weeks: 5 pressures and a sack

[autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] is turning into a star at linebacker for LSU. He’s taken a huge leap under first-year defensive coordinator [autotag]Blake Baker[/autotag] and proven to be critical for LSU’s defensive turnaround.

Weeks balled out again in week seven, notching five pressures, a sack, and a pick. Weeks is becoming a guy who opposing offenses have to circle.

He made five stops in the run game too and his 37 stops on the year lead all SEC linebackers.

Arkansas: -0.40 EPA/rush

The game plan for LSU was simple: stop Arkansas’ run game.

The Razorbacks’ identity over the first half of the year relied on creating explosive plays on the ground, whether it was QB Taylen Green scrambling for first downs or RB Ja’Quinden Jackson breaking tackles.

LSU neutralized the rushing attack, holding Arkansas to -0.40 EPA/rush, a number that put the Razorbacks in the fourth percentile.

Green was one of the SEC’s most explosive rushers entering the week but ended with three carries for 14 yards.

Nussmeier: 22/33 through the air

Nussmeier wasn’t explosive in this one, but he protected the ball and took what the defense gave him. You can’t go broke making a profit and LSU made a profit through the air on Saturday night.

Nussmeier’s week eight completion rate of 66.7%, the second-best of any SEC QB.

It was needed after Nussmeier’s shaky performance against Ole Miss. He looked comfortable from start to finish against Arkansas, a positive sign for LSU moving forward.

Caden Durham: 101 yards and three touchdowns

[autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] continued his emergence against Arkansas. Durham wasn’t a rotational piece — he was the feature back. His 21 carries were a career-high, well over his previous mark of 12.

Durham averaged 4.8 yards per carry and scored three times. With LSU behind the chains on its first drive, Durham ripped off a 22-yard touchdown run to put LSU on the board. That’s the element LSU was missing to start the year.

LSU’s run game remains a work in progress, but Durham has it pointing up.

LSU offense: 89% of available yards

LSU’s average starting field position was its own 42-yard line. That fact along with LSU picking up 89% of its available yards allowed the Tigers to control the game.

LSU remained on schedule and moved the ball all night long. LSU didn’t always cash in for a touchdown, but kicker [autotag]Damian Ramos[/autotag] did a good job of ensuring LSU got points.

The Arkansas defense didn’t have many answers as LSU averaged over 50 yards per drive.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

5 takeaways from LSU’s win over Arkansas in Week 8

Five takeaways from LSU’s blowout win of rival Arkansas.

With a trip to Arkansas sandwiched in between ranked contests against Ole Miss and Texas A&M, LSU’s meeting with the Razorbacks had “trap game” written all over it.

LSU avoided the trap on Saturday night. The last four meetings between these programs were decided by three points, but LSU got a comfortable win in this one. Despite being just 2.5-point favorites, LSU won 34-10.

If you’ve been paying attention to the SEC this year, then you’ll take a 24-point road win any day. For now, LSU is staying out of the chaos, and that’s good news for Tigers fans.

LSU led wire to wire in this one. [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] put LSU on the board on the opening drive and LSU outscored Arkansas 18-3 in the second half to put the game away.

Durham led the way with 101 yards and three scores on the ground. CJ Daniels, in his return from injury, led LSU in receiving with 86 yards.

Here are five takeaways from a big SEC win.

LSU wins the turnover battle

LSU protected the football and forced three turnovers of its own.

The biggest one came with five minutes left to go in the third. LSU put pressure on Arkansas QB Taylen Green, with a tipped pass leading to a Whit Weeks interception.

The turnover set LSU up on Arkansas’ two-yard line and LSU needed one play to punch it in for a score.

That put LSU up 24-10 and in control of the game. On a night where penalties killed LSU, the turnovers were key.

Tigers glad to have CJ Daniels back

Veteran receiver [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] was out against Ole Miss, but his return was welcome on Saturday night.

LSU got Daniels involved early. Nussmeier took a shot for Daniels on the opening drive that led to a pass interference putting LSU in position to score.

Daniels was critical in the quick game too, with LSU taking what the Arkansas defensive was giving it.

With seven catches for 86 yards, it was Daniels’ most productive night of the year.

LSU was efficient, but not explosive

The explosiveness element of LSU’s offense continues to be inconsistent, but LSU was efficient on Saturday, finishing with a success rate in the 88th percentile.

LSU kept the ball moving and picked up first downs as needed. Despite a lack of chunk yardage plays, LSU didn’t have to stress for yards in this one.

The Tigers finished with a success rate of 58% through the air. That’ll do after Nussmeier struggled to get comfortable last week.

Caden Durham is the feature back

With [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] healthy again, LSU gave the true freshman the bulk of the work. He carried it 21 times while Kaleb Jackson and Josh Williams combined for just 10 carries.

On 22 touches, Durham totaled 108 yards.

It’s been a while since LSU’s had a true feature back, but Durham looks to be rounding into form. There will be some more growing pains, but LSU has a home threat with Durham in the backfield.

He’s given this run game the jolt it needed after struggling to start the year.

Win sets up showdown with Texas A&M

LSU has another big one next week with a road trip to College Station. Just like LSU, Texas A&M opened the year with a loss but has rolled since then.

The winner of next week’s game should control its own destiny on the way to a potential SEC title and playoff appearance.

If LSU wins, the Tigers will add another significant win to its resume, allowing LSU room for error in November.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Stock Up, Stock Down: LSU gets a big win over Arkansas

The Tigers impressed on the road, taking care of business against Arkansas in Week 8.

LSU took a trip to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in a game where a lot of analysts picked the Hogs to win. Unfortunately for them, that was not the case.

[autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] came back for the Tigers in this one and [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] also had a great game as LSU ran away with a 34-10 victory. The only real negative I could find from this game is that LSU had more penalties than Arkansas.

Let’s look at who saw their stock rise and who saw their stock fall in the Tigers’ win over the Razorbacks in Week 8.

Stock Up: CJ Daniels

[autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] had seven catches for 86 yards in his first game back from injury. He provided a spark for the offense and got some heat off of [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag].

Stock Up: Caden Durham

Once again, [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] served as the bell cow for the Tigers as he carried the ball 21 times for 101 yards and three touchdowns. He was a breath of fresh air for the Tigers offense.

Stock Up: Whit Weeks

[autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] led the team in tackles for the second game in a row. He finished the night with nine tackles and an interception for the Tigers.

Stock Down: Penalties

LSU finished with more penalties than Arkansas with 11 to the Hogs seven. I had to look for a downside to the win tonight so here it is.

Stock Up: Big win on the road

LSU went into hostile territory in Fayetteville and came out with a big 34-10 win over the Hogs. The Tigers move to 6-1 and could move up in the standings after a loss by Alabama and either Texas or Georgia.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.