Sports columnist Scott Rabalais with his three takeaways from No. 3 LSU’s 56-10 romp Saturday night in Tiger Stadium against Southeastern Louisiana:
1. OFFENSE FINDS THE ACCELERATOR
After an opening three and out, LSU reached the end zone on its next six possessions to obliterate any razor thin hopes SLU had of an upset. By halftime, the Tigers held a 271-30 edge in total offense and a 17-2 edge in first downs. You’d expect that against an outmatched FCS opponent, but after just 53 offensive points in their first three games it was still something the Tigers had to prove they could do.
2. HOW DID NUSS LOOK?
There was serious debate during game week whether quarterback Garrett Nussmeier should play after coach Brian Kelly revealed Nuss was battling a “torso injury.” Play he did, and Nussmeier looked the best he has all season. Not only did Nussmeier put the ball on target, he tried some deep throws and threw in his longest career run (26 yards). By the middle of the third quarter, Nuss and his torso were on the sideline.
3. ONWARD AND UPWARD
SLU was LSU’s only true breather of the season other than the Clemson opener (What, too soon?). Now the schedule resumes in earnest with a bona fide SEC showdown next week at Ole Miss. Did the Tigers prove anything other than the fact that they’re a lot more talented than the Lions? You could make that argument. But considering how much mud LSU’s offense was stuck in, it was production that was good for the Tigers’ soul.