LSU Plays Survivor in 21-19 Win over Mississippi State

Bright Spot: LSU was able to muster a real pass rush in the first half.

Sep 12, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) is sacked by LSU Tigers defensive end Arden Key (49) during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

The biggest weakness of last years defense was the lack of pass rush. The Ends rarely got their hands on the opposing teams QB and the interior linemen didn’t get much penetration.

Great LSU defenses have been able to create havoc using disruptive tackles to break the pocket. Davon Godchaux flashed some tonight, making several big plays including a sack that pinned MSU back and forced them to punt from their own end zone.

On at least one play 4 different LSU linemen got a hand on Dak Prescott before he gave up on the play and tossed the ball out of bounds. Max effort from the entire front, who at times looked nearly dominant.

Arden Key got into it in his first start, getting a sack and a blocked pass. Had Key, Godchaux and the rest of the defensive line been able to keep this pace up all night it would have been the best of the team. Unfortunately…

Cause For Concern: The Pass Rush Disappeared in the Second Half

There is a direct connection between LSU’s pass rush disappearing and Dak Prescott’s suddenly remembering how to throw a football to his receivers.

The pass rush didn’t just disappear, the players often quit on the rush and showed little to no effort. On multiple passing plays you could see the defensive linemen just stand up and sort of shove at the Mississippi State linemen. No attempt to try a pass rush move or really even work.

Part of this can be written up to first game inconsistency, part to being tired and lacking depth behind them to rotate players in. Ed Orgeron will have to find a fix somewhere if LSU is going to survive more close games in the SEC.

Next: One-Man Wrecking Crew -- and a Model of Inconsistency