LSU-Florida Review: What We Liked and What We Didn’t

Defense

Oct 17, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety John Battle (26) and defensive back Dwayne Thomas (13) break up a pass to Florida Gators wide receiver Antonio Callaway (81) during the fourth quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Florida 35-28.Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Top Defense Likes: Low Score, No Rushing, The Fourth Quarter

A casual fan might wonder how we can credit the Tigers defense for a low scoring affair in a game the Gators scored 28 points. Remember please that Florida scored a touchdown on a punt return, and a muffed punt by the LSU return unit gave them the ball on the LSU 13 yard line.

It would have been nice for the Tigers to hold Florida to a field goal after the muffed punt but I can’t blame them for giving up 13 yards to an SEC offense. The defense gave up only two scores the entire rest of the night, and outstanding effort.

Reviewing the box score one line really stood out from this game. The Florida Gators only rushed for 55 yards—on 31 attempts. A tremendous achievement for the Tigers Defense.

The real achievement of the night was a defensive stand that lasted the entire fourth quarter. In a one score game the Tigers defense was able to shut Florida down on their final four drives of the night, including big stops on two fourth down attempts.

All in all this was the kind of night the defense will remember for a long time.

Top Defense Dislikes: More Big Plays, More Uncovered Receivers

The Tigers defense played an excellent game overall, of that there is no doubt. There were some lapses that have to be accounted for moving forward.

Florida Tight End Jake McGee caught two touchdown passes for the Gators early on. On both plays he was left completely uncovered in the end zone.

There were several big plays given up during an otherwise good game. Rickey Jefferson gave up one very long pass, showing up late to the play and taking a bad angle to the ball.

Treon Harris was able to complete a 41 yard pass to Antonio Callaway on the Gators final drive that got them within Hail Mary range. This marred an otherwise exceptional fourth quarter for the Tigers.

The missed assignments and big plays are a concern, particularly with Alabama looming on the schedule. The Tide like to dial up a few deep passes each game, and the Tigers will have to play four clean quarters to beat a very talented Bama squad.

Next: Special Teams