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LSU Offense Crumbles, Defense Plays Soft As Alabama Likely Ends Playoff Hopes
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- LSU Offense Crumbles, Defense Plays Soft As Alabama Likely Ends Playoff Hopes
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
The LSU Tigers had a chance to catapult themselves to the top of the College Football Playoff conversation, but the offense chose the worst time possible to not be able to put up points, as they fell 31-13 to the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday afternoon.
This pretty much puts an end to any hope that the Tigers had at a College Football Playoff run, dropping to 6-3 on the year and 3-3 in SEC play. They would have had to win out in a very tough stretch, and they stumbled right away. A lot would have to roll LSU's way for them to make the 12 with three losses at this point.
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Looking at the box score, outside of the points, it would be hard to guess how this game turned out. The Tigers had over 450 yards of offense and dominated the time of possession. They were able to move the ball with ease, but the closer to the end zone they got, the worse LSU performed.
There was a missed field goal, two turnovers on downs and an interception in Crimson Tide territory. There will be complaints about Blake Baker's defense, but the offense is what lost the Tigers this game. Sam Leavitt was able to complete 35 passes for 380 yards, but it was the plays he didn't make that stood out more.
The LSU offensive line was highlighted as an issue coming into this game, and it proved to be a major weakness. The rushing attack averaged just 2.3 yards per carry and Leavitt was under a ton of pressure.
Baker's defense wasn't the biggest issue in this game, but they still weren't great. The rushing attack never gashed them, but Keelon Russell was extremely efficient . Russell completed 17-of-24 for 206 yards and three touchdowns. They picked up 12 yards per completion and had a couple of big plays through the air.
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It was a similar issue of soft coverage and a "bend don't break" attitude, and it did keep them into the game for a while, but everything eventually caught up to the Tigers.
LSU's normally elite pass rush also didn't do the team any favors, as the only two sacks came from the defensive backs.
There won't be many games where the Tigers have a receiver grab 11 catches for 166 yards (Jackson Harris) and put up just 13 points. This was a frustrating day all around for LSU. Next week won't be any easier, as the Texas Longhorns are coming to town fresh off a win over the Missouri Tigers .
