-
SportsKiffin Mania: How Lane’s Lightning-Fast Arrival is Already Electrifying LSU Football and Baton Rouge
December 11, 2025
6 Min ReadBATON ROUGE – It’s been just 11 days since Lane Kiffin stepped off that private jet into the humid embrace of Tiger Stadium, but you’d swear the man has been prowling the Baton Rouge sidelines for years.
The SEC’s slickest offensive wizard – fresh off turning Ole Miss into a playoff powerhouse – has wasted zero time injecting his high-octane energy into LSU football.
Kiffin Mania Erupts in Baton Rouge
From a blockbuster contract approval to a top-10 recruiting class locked in early, Kiffin’s impact is already rippling through Tiger Nation like a fourth-quarter comeback in Death Valley.
And as the Tigers gear up for the Texas Bowl against Houston on Dec. 27, one thing’s clear: Baton Rouge is buzzing, and New Orleans is right there with it, ready to ride this purple wave all the way to January.
Let’s break it down – Kiffin’s whirlwind first two weeks have been a masterclass in modern college football: portal savvy, NIL wizardry, and that signature Kiffin swagger that’s got boosters grinning and rivals grinding their teeth.
The Mega-Deal That Sealed the Saga
Yesterday, the LSU Board of Supervisors didn’t just rubber-stamp paperwork – they unleashed the checkbook in a way that screams “championships or bust.”
Kiffin’s seven-year pact, clocking in at a jaw-dropping $91 million ($13 million annually), makes him the second-highest-paid coach in the land, nipping at Kirby Smart’s heels.
But it’s not just about the Benjamins; the deal packs up to $4 million in incentives for playoff runs and titles, plus a cheeky clause covering bonuses Ole Miss owed him for their CFP berth he bailed on.
“This is an investment in winning now,” said LSU AD Verge Ausberry during the board meeting, his voice steady amid the cheers from purple-clad suits in the room. “Lane’s the guy who turns good into great – and we’re all in.”The board didn’t stop there. They greenlit a full staff overhaul, poaching Kiffin’s Ole Miss brain trust to hit the ground sprinting:
- Blake Baker (DC): Stays put after a stellar 2025, anchoring a defense that ranked top-10 nationally in sacks.
- Charlie Weis Jr. (OC): Kiffin’s right-hand schemer, ready to unleash gadget plays that make QBs like Garrett Nussmeier look like Heisman frontrunners.
- Joe Cox (TE/Co-OC) and George McDonald (WR/PGC): Proven talent magnets who’ll juice the passing game.
- Eric Wolford (OL), Dane Stevens (QB), Nick Savage (S&C): Depth and development pros to fortify the trenches.
- Plus ops whizzes like Thaddeus Rivers and recruiting guru Dwike Wilson to keep the pipeline humming. @whalexander_
This isn’t a rebuild – it’s a reload, SEC-style. Kiffin, with his 117-53 career mark (55-19 at Ole Miss, including that historic 11-1 romp in 2025),
lsusports.net brings a 63% SEC win clip and a flair for ranked upsets (10 since 2020).
theadvertiser.com “We’re recruiting the best in Louisiana first, then the country,” Kiffin tweeted post-approval, adding a chess emoji for that extra drip. Geaux Tigers, indeed.Recruiting Renaissance: Top-10 Class, Portal PredatorsKiffin’s first signing day? A clinic. Despite the chaos of Brian Kelly’s October flameout (LSU limped to 7-5 under interim Frank Wilson),
cnn.com the Tigers inked 14 high-end prospects on Wednesday, vaulting to No. 10 nationally per Rivals – better than any Ole Miss haul Kiffin ever cooked up.
lsutigerswire.usatoday.com We’re talking the highest average player rating (93.81 on 247Sports), headlined by Louisiana five-stars like OT Brysten Martinez (No. 9 nationally at his spot) and a quartet of blue-chip wideouts to end the WR drought that’s plagued Baton Rouge since Malik Nabers bolted.
lsutigerswire.usatoday.comFlips were the flavor: Kiffin raided his old Ole Miss board for EDGE Julian Walker and poached DB Havon Finney (top-100 nationally) from the flip pile.
nola.com Losses stung – five-star DLs Richard Anderson and Lamar Brown (No. 2 overall) held off till February – but holding 10 of 15 pre-Kiffin commits? That’s stability in a portal tornado.
lsutigerswire.usatoday.comNow, eyes on 2027: Kiffin’s wishlist includes flips like five-star WR Jase Matthews (Auburn commit) and local beasts like OT Jayden Simien and WR Dylan Royal – the kind of in-state hauls that could push LSU back to No. 1.
lsutigerswire.usatoday.com “Quality over quantity,” Kiffin quipped post-signing. With Dwike Wilson now directing ops, expect that “hyper-intense” trail mindset from his USC/Alabama days to dominate.
nytimes.comBut the real fireworks? The portal. Kiffin’s Ole Miss magic (four straight top-6 classes, including No. 1 in 2024) is tailor-made for LSU’s war chest.
lsusports.net Targets: DB depth, a DL overhaul, and maybe a QB splash if Nussmeier wobbles. Rumors swirl of five-star 2025 QB Bryce Underwood (ex-LSU commit, now Michigan) eyeing a Kiffin reunion.
@WattsJohnston2 Keep your best skill guys – like five-star holdovers DJ Pickett, Trey’Dez Green, and RB Jordan Berry – or watch the portal feast on ’em.
lsutigerswire.usatoday.comOn-Field Fireworks: Bowl Prep and BeyondLSU’s 7-5 regular season was a slog – blowouts to Texas A&M and Oklahoma bookended a middling SEC slate – but Kiffin’s not sweating it. “We’ve got the pieces; now we scheme ’em,” he told reporters Tuesday, eyes on the Texas Bowl.
Expect Weis Jr.’s wrinkles to juice an offense that sputtered in 2025, with Nussmeier under center and Green breaking big plays. Baker’s D, already stout, gets another tune-up before Clemson invades Death Valley on Aug. 30, 2026 – Kiffin’s LSU debut, a potential top-25 tilt.
What’s Expected From LSU in 2026? Big Things
The schedule’s a gauntlet: Road trips to Ole Miss (revenge, anyone?) and Alabama, plus Texas, Tennessee, and A&M. But with Kiffin’s 13-24 ranked record (and that 3-1 vs. top-5 foes in Oxford), expect fireworks. “LSU’s the best job,” Kiffin echoed Nick Saban’s gospel at his intro presser.
He’s right – four nattys since 2003, a 102K-seat cauldron, and NIL muscle that rivals Dallas Cowboys HQ.Baton Rouge Boom: Dollars and DecibelsKiffin’s splash isn’t just gridiron gold – it’s economic nitro for Baton Rouge. Early estimates peg his hire at a $50-75 million annual jolt: ticket spikes (2026 prices frozen, but waitlist exploding), booster windfalls, and visitor bucks from national media flocks.
“He’s the face that draws crowds,” said local economist Dr. Elena Vasquez. “From hotel fills to Saints crossover hype, this guy’s a revenue rocket.” Down in NOLA, we’re feeling the vibes – purple caravans up I-10, Who Dat-Tiger tailgates, and that shared SEC soul.Not all sunshine: One backup QB, Ju’Juan Johnson, bolted to the portal yesterday, spooked by the regime shift (38 carries, 151 yards in ’25).
Roster flux is real, but Kiffin’s track record screams “trust the process.” As he posted on X: “Excited for the work ahead. #GeauxTigers.”
From the bayous to the Big Easy, Kiffin’s rewriting the script. January’s CFP might still sting without him on Ole Miss’ sideline, but for LSU? It’s the dawn of dominance. Grab your beads, fire up the grill – the Tigers are roaring louder than ever.
-
In a move that’s got Geaux Tigers Nation buzzing from Baton Rouge to the bayous of South Louisiana, LSU Athletics has inked a blockbuster long-term extension with Nike, solidifying a partnership that’s been fueling Tiger triumphs for over five decades.
Announced Thursday by Director of Athletics Verge Ausberry, the deal stretches through 2036, ensuring that purple-and-gold warriors across every sport will continue to lace up, gear up, and show up in Swoosh-branded excellence.
Nike, LSU Ushers in New Era of NIL Innovation
This isn’t just a renewal—it’s a full-throttle evolution. Nike, the global juggernaut born from college track fields and built on athlete dreams, is doubling down on its Baton Rouge roots by launching the Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program right here in Tiger Stadium country.
Named after the original Blue Ribbon Sports (Nike’s pre-Swoosh days), this first-of-its-kind initiative flips the script on Name, Image, and Likeness deals, turning 10 standout LSU student-athletes into co-creators of the brand’s future.
“LSU and Nike are two of the top brands in sport and an ideal duo,” Ausberry said in a statement that echoed the electric energy of Death Valley on game night.
“We are both continuously looking to innovate and stay ahead of the game, and that’s what we intend to do in the future with this extended partnership. LSU has always been at the forefront of NIL strategy, and as the launchpad for Nike Blue Ribbon Elite, we look forward to working with Nike to offer our student-athletes unrivaled opportunities to capitalize on their brands.
“For NOLA sports fans who bleed purple (and maybe a little Saints black and gold on the side), this hits home. LSU isn’t just our neighbor up I-10—it’s the heartbeat of Louisiana pride, from national titles in football and baseball to gymnastics gold and softball slugfests.
Keeping Nike in the fold means more cutting-edge gear for the gridiron gladiators under new head coach Lane Kiffin, sharper spikes for the diamond dynamos, and fresh fits for the hoops heroes who light up the PMAC.
But the real game-changer? Those 10 NIL signees, a diverse squad spanning six sports, who aren’t just wearing the Swoosh—they’re shaping it. Here’s the roster of Tigers now etched into Nike’s elite blueprint:
Athlete Sport Kailin Chio Gymnastics Derek Curiel Baseball Tori Edwards Softball Casan Evans Baseball Trey’Dez Green Football Jayden Heavener Softball ZaKiyah Johnson Basketball DJ Pickett Football Jurnee Robinson Volleyball Dedan Thomas Jr. Basketball These aren’t cookie-cutter endorsements. Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite promises deep dives into product innovation, brand campaigns, and creative direction—think custom kicks co-designed by a Tiger gymnast or storytelling spots that capture the grit of a Baton Rouge summer workout.
“Renewing our partnership with LSU and welcoming 10 new NIL athletes is about more than gear,” said Ann Miller, Nike’s EVP of Global Sports Marketing. “It’s about collaboration, creativity and meaningful impact, giving athletes a platform to influence product, innovation, storytelling and culture. LSU and these athletes aren’t just representing Nike—they’re helping us redefine what partnership means in this new era of college sport.”
For LSU, which has led the NIL charge since the gates opened in 2021, this is validation of its powerhouse status.
Deputy AD for External Affairs Zach Greenwell put it bluntly: “As we head into 2026, leading in NIL doesn’t just mean money. Excelling in today’s competitive NIL space also means offering the best access to and execution of true third-party deals. LSU provides elite earning potential to our student-athletes, but our greatest edge is the volume of special opportunities available to them when they put on the purple and gold.”
As the Tigers gear up for the Texas Bowl clash with Houston and beyond, this Nike lifeline feels like rocket fuel for recruiting and rivalries alike.
Imagine Kiffin’s squad storming the field in bespoke uniforms born from athlete input, or the Lady Tigers softballers swinging for fences in gear that’s as fierce as their swings. It’s a reminder that in the SEC’s shark tank, LSU isn’t just swimming—it’s leading the school.
From the French Quarter to Fat City, we’re raising a glass (or a chicory coffee) to more decades of dominance. Geaux Tigers—and Geaux Nike.
-
In a seismic shift for Southeastern Conference football that hits especially close to home for Louisiana fans, Lane Kiffin announced Saturday his departure from Ole Miss to become the next head coach of the LSU Tigers, replacing the recently fired Brian Kelly.
The move, revealed via a heartfelt social media post just hours after Ole Miss’s dominant 38-19 victory over Mississippi State in the annual Egg Bowl, sends shockwaves through the Bayou State and beyond, promising a fresh chapter for Tiger Stadium’s faithful.
In a statement posted on social media. Kiffin said that he would miss the Rebels, where he coached for six years. “I will forever cherish the incredible six years I spent at Ole Miss.”
Kiffin, who has engineered one of the Rebels’ most storied eras in decades, leaves Oxford with an 11-1 record this season—the program’s best in over 60 years—and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Under his guidance, Ole Miss notched 10 or more wins in three straight seasons and earned bowl berths in five consecutive years, transforming the Rebels into a consistent SEC powerhouse.
“I made the difficult decision to accept the head coaching position at LSU,” Kiffin wrote on X (formerly Twitter), adding that he would always cherish his time in Mississippi and root for Ole Miss’s championship dreams.
The timing couldn’t be more poignant for Louisiana: Kiffin’s hire comes on the heels of Kelly’s abrupt dismissal following a middling 7-5 campaign for the Tigers, capped by a stinging loss to No. 8 Oklahoma.
LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry wasted no time in celebrating the hire, calling Kiffin “a proven winner whose passion, creativity, and authenticity make him the ideal leader to guide LSU into the future.”
For Baton Rouge boosters and purple-blooded fans from Shreveport to the Crescent City, this is seen as a coup—a chance to inject Kiffin’s offensive wizardry into a program hungry for national relevance after back-to-back underwhelming seasons.
Kiffin’s Ole Miss exit wasn’t without drama. Athletic Director Keith Carter denied the coach’s request to lead the Rebels through their playoff run, instead elevating defensive coordinator Pete Golding to interim head coach.
Golding, praised by Carter for his ability to “galvanize the team,” now inherits a squad primed for postseason glory. Kiffin’s final act in Oxford was a masterclass in the Egg Bowl rivalry, a 38-19 thrashing of the Bulldogs that underscored why he’s one of the hottest names in college football.
With a career record of 116-53 across 14 seasons—including stints at Tennessee, USC, and Florida Atlantic, plus a brief NFL detour with the Raiders—Kiffin brings SEC pedigree and a flair for the dramatic to Death Valley. He reportedly consulted legends like Nick Saban and Pete Carroll before pulling the trigger, and in a post-game reflection after the Egg Bowl, admitted the decision tugged at his heartstrings, especially with his father, Monte Kiffin, by his side.
This hire quells swirling rumors that had linked Kiffin to other SEC vacancies, including Florida, which instead tabbed Jon Sumrall. For LSU, it’s a bold pivot toward innovation: Kiffin’s up-tempo offenses have lit up scoreboards and recruiting trails alike, and his arrival could supercharge a roster brimming with Louisiana talent.
Local high school stars and junior college phenoms may now flock to Baton Rouge in droves, bolstering the in-state pipeline that’s long been the Tigers’ lifeblood.
As Geaux Week festivities wind down and playoff fever builds, Louisiana football faithful are buzzing. Will Kiffin’s swagger translate to national titles under the oaks? One thing’s certain: The Bayou just got a whole lot more electric.
Stay tuned to NOLAFI.com for updates on Kiffin’s staff hires, spring practice previews, and how this reshapes the Tigers’ 2026 slate.
NOLA Gridiron is your source for Louisiana college football news, from LSU to the SWAC and beyond. Follow us on X @NOLAGridiron for real-time updates.
-
As Baton Rouge continues to mourn the loss of former LSU Tigers wide receiver Kyren Lacy, who tragically passed away in April 2025, his on-field legacy at Louisiana State University stands as a testament to his talent, grit, and explosive playmaking.
Transferring to LSU from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette ahead of the 2022 season, Lacy quickly became a cornerstone of the Tigers’ high-powered offenses, amassing impressive stats over three seasons and earning accolades that highlighted his growth into one of the SEC’s premier pass-catchers.
Career Snapshot at LSU
Lacy, a Thibodaux native standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 213 pounds, played in 39 games for the Tigers from 2022 to 2024, starting 24 of them. In that span, he recorded 112 receptions for 1,692 yards and 16 touchdowns—figures that underscore his evolution from a rotational player to a go-to target in LSU’s pass-heavy schemes.
His college career totals across all schools reached 154 catches for 2,558 yards and 26 touchdowns, but it was in purple and gold where he truly shone, contributing to two of the nation’s top-scoring offenses.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
2022 (Sophomore/First Year at LSU)
Lacy hit the ground running in his Tigers debut, appearing in all 14 games with two starts. He hauled in 24 passes for 268 yards, averaging 11.2 yards per catch, though he didn’t find the end zone that season. His longest reception—a 45-yard grab—came in the Citrus Bowl against Purdue, signaling the big-play potential that would define his LSU tenure.
2023 (Junior)
Emerging as a key weapon in Brian Kelly’s explosive attack—which led the nation in scoring (45.5 points per game) and total offense (543.5 yards per game)—Lacy played all 13 games, starting 10.
He exploded for 30 receptions, 558 yards (18.6 yards per catch), and a team-high-tying seven touchdowns.
Standout performances included two 100-yard games: 111 yards and a score on four catches against Auburn (highlighted by a 57-yard touchdown) and 101 yards with two TDs on five receptions versus Georgia State. Lacy’s clutch gene shone in big moments, like a 26-yard grab to tie Alabama at 21-21 and a 29-yard touchdown against Ole Miss.
2024 (Senior):
Lacy’s final season was his finest, earning him Second-Team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press and a spot at the 2025 Senior Bowl.
Starting all 12 regular-season games, he led the SEC with nine receiving touchdowns on 58 catches for 866 yards (14.9 yards per reception, 72.2 yards per game).
He notched three 100-yard outings, including a career-high 111 yards on five receptions in an overtime thriller against Ole Miss—capped by a 25-yard touchdown pass in OT to seal the win.
Other highlights: a three-TD explosion (32, 6, and 7 yards) in the home opener against Nicholls, a 12-yard score versus Vanderbilt, an 18-yard TD at Oklahoma, and a 12-yard strike against South Carolina.Achievements and LegacyBeyond the numbers, Lacy’s impact was profound.
He led the SEC in receiving touchdowns during his senior year and was instrumental in LSU’s 2023 Heisman Trophy campaign for quarterback Jayden Daniels, as the Tigers’ top three receivers (including Lacy) combined for 187 catches, 3,304 yards, and 38 scores.
Lacy also graduated in December 2024 with a degree in sport administration and earned a nod to the 2022 SEC Academic Honor Roll.
Off the field, Lacy was remembered for his work ethic and community ties, often mentoring younger Baton Rouge athletes.
His five career 100-yard games at LSU—three in 2024 alone—cemented him as a deep-threat specialist with sure hands and route-running savvy, drawing NFL scouts’ eyes before his untimely passing.
“Kyren wasn’t just a receiver; he was a game-changer who lit up Tiger Stadium and made us all proud,” said LSU head coach Brian Kelly in a statement reflecting on Lacy’s contributions.
As the Tigers move forward into 2025, Lacy’s highlights continue to inspire, a bright spot in a story cut far too short.
-
The LSU Tigers fought valiantly but fell short in a gritty SEC showdown against the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday night, dropping a 24-19 decision at Tiger Stadium.
In a game marked by turnovers, missed opportunities, and a stout defensive effort that kept LSU in it until the end, the Tigers now sit at 3-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play. While the loss stings, it revealed plenty about this young squad as they gear up for a crucial stretch ahead. Here are five key takeaways from the heartbreaker.
1. The Secondary Needs Reinforcement – And Fast
LSU’s defense bent but didn’t break, holding Ole Miss to just 24 points despite the Rebels’ explosive offense averaging 8 of 16 on third down, amassing 28 first downs in the matchup. However, the secondary was exposed on several deep balls, with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’ 385 scrimmage yards fueling No. 13 Mississippi past the No. 4 Tigers.
With injuries already thinning the unit, head coach Brian Kelly hinted postgame at potential portal moves or scheme tweaks to shore up the back end before facing Alabama in two weeks.
2. Garrett Nussmeier’s Poise Shines, But Protection Falters
Veteran quarterback Garrett Nussmeier continues to impress, finishing 21-of-34 for 171 yards and one touchdowns with one pick – a maddening game for a senior who was counted on to throw bombs all season.
Yet, the offensive line crumbled under Ole Miss’s pass rush, allowing five sacks and 12 pressures that forced hurried throws and stalled drives.
“Look, Garrett Nussmeier has got to play better,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said. “Every player on offense has got to play better — and then we have to be more consistent on defense.
3. With Durham Out, Depth at RB Is a Concern
LSU relied on Harlem Berry to led the rushing attack, but he ran for only 22 yards on seven attempts, a paltry 3.1 average.
His vision and burst kept the chains moving on a night when the passing game sputtered.
When he tweaked his ankle on a third-quarter carry, the offense managed only 22 yards on the ground the rest of the way – a red flag as SEC defenses load the box against this unit.
4. Harold Perkins Jr. Is a Defensive Anchor, But the Front Four Struggled
Linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. was everywhere, but he wasn’t enough to tilt the score. His sideline-to-sideline speed disrupted Ole Miss’s rhythm, limiting them to 3.8 yards per carry. However, the defensive line generated just one sack and failed to corral Trinidad on key scrambles.
Final Word
The schedule toughens with road trips to Tuscaloosa and Athens looming, but if Kelly addresses these cracks, the Tigers could still contend in the SEC. Geaux Tigers – we’ve seen worse bounces in Death Valley. Stay tuned for injury updates and the full depth chart refresh heading into Week 6.
More From NolaFi.com:
-
BATON ROUGE, La. – In a gritty SEC showdown under the lights of Tiger Stadium, the No. 3 LSU Tigers improved to 3-0 on the season with a hard-fought 20-10 victory over the Florida Gators on Saturday night, September 13.
The game, broadcast on ABC, showcased a dominant defensive performance that overshadowed an offense still shaking off early-season cobwebs.
Despite early setbacks, including the ejection of star linebacker Whit Weeks for targeting, LSU’s secondary turned the tide with five interceptions of Florida quarterback DJ Lagway, including a pick-six that proved to be a game-changer.
As the Tigers celebrate this key conference win, here are five key takeaways from the matchup that has fans buzzing across the Capital Region.1. LSU’s Secondary is a Turnover Machine
The Tigers’ defense lived in the backfield – or rather, the Florida backfield – all night, forcing five interceptions off Lagway, who entered the game as a highly touted freshman but struggled mightily under pressure.
Cornerback Dashawn Davis was the hero of the hour, snagging multiple picks, including one that set up a crucial field goal before halftime. This opportunistic unit, coordinated by second-year DC Blake Baker, has now forced turnovers at a clip that ranks among the nation’s best through three games.
Without this secondary wizardry, LSU might have been in trouble early, but it proves the Tigers’ defense is built to win games in the trenches and through big plays.
2. Garrett Nussmeier Proves Steady Under Pressure
LSU’s senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier didn’t light up the stat sheet with explosive numbers, completing passes for two touchdowns while navigating a run game that sputtered at times.
Coming off a tough outing in The Swamp last season, Nussmeier avenged that performance by staying composed amid Florida’s pass rush attempts.
His 23-yard strike to wide receiver Zavion Thomas in the first half was a highlight, showing poise in a back-and-forth affair. While the offense averaged under 20 points through the first half, Nussmeier’s efficiency (no interceptions of his own) kept the chains moving when it mattered.
It’s a sign that, even without full sync, he’s the steady hand LSU needs in SEC play.
3. Florida’s Red-Zone Woes Haunt the Gators Again
The Gators, reeling from a shocking Week 2 home loss to South Florida, couldn’t capitalize on opportunities in Baton Rouge.
Despite outgaining LSU in total yards at points (188-166 in the first half), Florida settled for field goals in the red zone multiple times, including a 45-yarder from Trey Smack to open the scoring.
Kicker Damian Ramos added points for LSU late, but Florida’s inability to punch in touchdowns – capped by Lagway’s five picks – turned a potential upset into a frustrating defeat.
This recurring issue drops Florida to 1-2 and raises questions about their offensive identity early in the season.
4. Early Adversity Can’t Derail the Tigers’ Depth
Losing preseason All-American linebacker Whit Weeks to a targeting ejection on Florida’s opening drive could have spelled disaster for LSU’s front seven.
Weeks’ absence forced adjustments, but the Tigers responded with depth from players like Davhon Keys and Patrick Payton, who combined for a momentum-shifting sack in the second half.
A pre-game scuffle involving transfer DE Jack Pyburn (formerly of Florida) added tension, but LSU’s bench showed resilience.
This win highlights how Brian Kelly’s roster construction – blending transfers and young talent – allows the team to weather storms, a crucial trait for a grueling SEC schedule ahead.
5. The Offense Has Room to Grow, But the Defense Carries the Day
LSU’s attack looked pedestrian at times, with three-and-outs on early drives and a run game that couldn’t find rhythm against Florida’s front.
They managed just 166 yards in the first half and relied heavily on field goals and short passes to stay ahead. Yet, as coach Brian Kelly quipped postgame, “I really don’t care. We’re trying to win football games.”
The defense’s shutout second half and those five turnovers masked the offensive inconsistencies, but it’s clear the Tigers need to find that “explosive gear” expected from a top-3 team.
With wins over Clemson and now Florida, LSU’s D is playoff-caliber, but unlocking the full offense could make them unstoppable in the chase for a national title.
This victory keeps LSU firmly in the SEC and national championship conversation, providing a much-needed boost after a slow offensive start to the year.
Final Word
Next up for the Tigers is a matchup against Southeastern Louisiana, but all eyes are on how they build on this momentum. Geaux Tigers!
-
Officially, 102,212 people packed Tiger Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 12 to watch LSU’s thrilling come-from-behind victory over the No. 9-ranked Ole Miss Rebels in overtime.
Here are four positive takeaways from the game:
LSU’s Offense Showed Resiliency
The entire first half was one in which LSU’s offense struggled to get touchdowns. Everytime they approached the 30-yard-line, either a penalty or bad play caused them to attempt a kick, but it didn’t rattle them.
“The way they never blinked,” Tigers Head Coach Brian Kelly told reporters after the game. “They were down viftually the whole game. t/hey just kept playing. There was no frustration. It would have been easy for our offense to get frustrated, not getting touchdowns, but they just kept plodding along.”
LSU’s Defensive Effort Was A+
It’s no doubt that Ole Miss had their chances to blow the game open in the early going. On the first possession, Rebels wide receiver Tre Harris dropped a sure touchdown reception. On the next drive, Ole Miss missed a field goal.
From there, the Tigers defense began to wake up and stop Ole Miss from establishing any type of rhythm for most of the night. Although LSU’s defense gave up 464 total yards, in the second half and overtime combined, Ole Miss could only muster 9 points.
Garrett Nussmeier Had His Worst Game — And Still One
First-year starter Garrett Nussmeier was a horrible 22 of 51 on his passes for the night, constantly throwing into double and triple coverage. He also tossed two costly interceptions — but he also threw three touchdowns.
“I will sit here and say that I probalby had the worst game of my career here tonight. I will openly say that, he told reporters after the game. “The best part about it is I get to learn from it and we got a win.”
It says a lot about a kid and a team that can muster the kind of fight to play through that kind of game, especially trailing except for the very end.
No Sacks Allowed
Although Nussmeier was hurried a handful of times, LSU’s offensive line didn’t allow a sack. Nuss is not fleet of foot, but he evaded passrushers time and time again as the Rebels’ powerful front four swarmed around him.
Conversely, Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart was sacked six times.
Check out LSU’s 2024 football schedule.
