Grading LSU vs Mississippi State: Defense and Special Teams
By Scotty Nola
After watching the Tigers play MSU and reviewing it’s time to give out the first report card of the year.
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This is a tough one to evaluate for a lot of reasons. Cancelling the McNeese St. game hurt. The Tigers missed an opportunity to work out the first game jitters, and they were playing a team playing their second game, which didn’t help.
It’s worth noting that Mississippi State is a really good football team. They held the number one ranking late last season and return a veteran QB who has been mentioned in both Heisman and NFL draft conversations. A very tough test on the road.
Another thing that makes this game difficult to grade is that LSU was completely dominant for much of the game, then played passively for a long stretch and let the Bulldogs back in.
Giving the entire team an “I for Inconsistent” might be the most honest grade here. Still, I like to break down each unit and evaluate them individually.
The Defensive Line: B
Sep 12, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA;LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) tackles Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Gus Walley during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium. LSU won 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
The Defensive Line entered this season with a lot of question marks. Are Davon Godchaux and Arden Key as good as advertised? Can the unit generate a real pass rush? Will there be enough depth behind the starters?
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The answer to the first two questions is a resounding yes. Godchaux looked like a one man wrecking crew at times and Arden Key spent much of the game in the MSU backfield.
The third question was the problem. The starters spent too much time on the field, and their backups were largely ineffective. Late in the game when LSU’s offense sputtered and they were asked to play long stretches the line looked visibly tired and the pass rush disappeared.
Isaiah Washington’s debut will help, word is he’s close to Key in ability. The offense picking up and getting more consistent will be a big help too— if that happens.
For right now any time you see the defense give up a long drive, which will happen, followed by a three and out by the offense there is cause for concern. This team does not have enough depth to stay fresh for critical moments. This will be a worry all season.
The Linebackers: A-Minus
Sep 12, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Fred Ross (8) brings in a pass as he is defended by LSU Tigers defensive back T.J. Lemoine (25) during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium. LSU won 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
The linebacking corps was a bit of a concern because of the new starters but the coaches have been pretty excited about the group since the spring. Now we know why, they looked outstanding all night in their SEC debut.
Mississippi State was not able to run on LSU at all. The linebackers were flying around making plays all night. They held Mississippi State to 43 total yards, a truly excellent performance.
Additionally, Dak Prescott was held to -19 yards coming off a 2014 season where he averaged 76 yards per game and gouged LSU badly on the ground in their last matchup.
The performance against the run was fantastic. The linebackers also shined in blitz packages. The MSU Tight Ends and Running Backs did have a decent night catching the ball, some of which falls on the Linebackers.
The imperfect coverage is the only strike against the Linebackers, and all in all it was a minor blemish in an otherwise great performance.
This was such an up and down game for the secondary it’s hard to put a real grade on it. Early in the game, when the pass rushers were fresh and getting to Dak Prescott the Secondary looked like they were all having a career night.
Tre White was Tre White. Consistent excellence. Newcomer Kevin Toliver II looked like a superstar in the making. Jamal Adams got in one of his signature hits in the secondary. Ricky Jefferson used his athleticism to make several plays, including generating some pass rush as a blitzer.
Later in the game the secondary fell off. Coverage got a little looser. Toliver had a communication fail, letting a receiver run free for a big gain after breaking off before the safety could move over to pick him up.
The pass rushers did not help much late. Neither did the offense, leaving LSU’s defense on the field for long stretches against Mississippi State. The defensive backs bear some culpability here though.
They were picked apart for three late scoring drives that were accomplished through the air. They were not able to get their hands on a ball and help swing momentum back the Tigers way. and in the end they were left watching MSU’s kicker attempt to beat them late.
There are some young players in the secondary, true freshman and new starters among the veterans. Their leader Jalen Mills is still rehabbing his ankle injury. They have tremendous talent and should improve as the season progresses. The improvement needs to come fast if they want to stay undefeated and make a run at the playoff.
Special Teams B
Sep 12, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs place kicker Devon Bell (40) is consoled by long snapper Hunter Bradley (53) after missing a field goal in the final seconds of the game against the LSU Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium. LSU won 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
This a tough grade because the special teams units didn’t get a lot of work in against the Bulldogs. Trent Domingue was perfect on extra points but didn’t attempt a field goal.
Jamie Keehn got too much work, punting 9 times for a 39 yard average. He has a big time leg and if it wasn’t for one bad punt late he’d have a great grade.
Kick and punt coverage was good all around, the Tigers gave up two returns of just over 20 yards but overall kept Mississippi State pinned back.
There wasn’t much action when the Tigers were returning. Donte Jackson looked good but didn’t break one open. That will come with more reps though, his speed will create opportunities.
All in all LSU vs Mississippi State was a great early test against a strong team. The defense gave up three long scoring drives, but they were against an SEC opponent with a top flight quarterback. Holding Dak Prescott and the Mississippi State offense to 3 scores was a real achivement.
The Tigers are young but very talented, and should improve all year. After Auburn they have a run of easier opponents and will have a real shot at going into the Bama game 7-0 and playing for control of the SEC West race.