LSU might have finally figured things out at the perfect time. After an overtime loss to Kentucky threatened to derail the Tigers' season, Lane Kiffin's team has responded with consecutive SEC victories, including Saturday's convincing 38-17 win over Auburn.
The biggest difference has been the offense, which finally looks capable of keeping pace with the expectations surrounding this team.
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Sam Leavitt delivered his best performance of the season against Auburn, throwing for 387 yards and four total touchdowns without committing a turnover. Jackson Harris also emerged as a major weapon, recording 178 receiving yards and two touchdowns as LSU repeatedly took advantage of Auburn's defensive struggles.
For a team that struggled to close out Kentucky just two weeks ago, the improvement is encouraging.
LSU followed its 31-0 shutout of Mississippi State with an even more impressive offensive showing on the road. The Tigers scored 31 first-half points against Auburn, putting the game out of reach before halftime and showing the kind of explosiveness that had been missing earlier in the season.
The defense deserves credit, too. LSU recorded seven sacks, creating consistent pressure and making life difficult for Auburn's offense. That combination of offensive production and defensive disruption is exactly what the Tigers need against tougher SEC competition.
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The Tigers are 6-2 overall and 3-2 in conference play, meaning they still have work to do if they want to reach the top of the standings. Their earlier loss to Kentucky remains a costly setback, and upcoming matchups against Alabama, Texas and Tennessee will provide much tougher tests.
Still, LSU looks considerably more dangerous than it did a few weeks ago. Leavitt is playing with confidence, the passing game is producing explosive plays and the defense is showing it can disrupt opposing offenses.
Two wins do not erase every concern from earlier in the season, but they give LSU something it desperately needed. Momentum.
