College Football
LSU Answered the Call
Say what you will but LSU has won again. In a driving rain, the Tigers took down #22 Mississippi State 19-3. The Bulldogs had been expected give LSU a run for its money even if they did not come away with a win. Instead, Mississippi State could not get any traction against the Tigers defense. LSU answered the call. The Tigers have now defeated four of the five ranked teams they have faced in 2018.
Defense, Defense, Defense
Greedy Williams and company continued the pressure defense from a week ago against Georgia. Nick Fitzgerald, the Bulldogs’ quarterback, did not have a good day. Coming in, Fitzgerald had a completion percentage of 18.7% when hurried. The signal caller ended 8 of 24 for 59 yards with four interceptions. Grant Delpit came up big again for the Tigers with a sack and two interceptions. Mississippi State tried but LSU answered the call.
Ball Control
For those who have categorized the LSU win as uninspiring, they need to rethink what it will take to beat Alabama in two weeks. Tigers’ quarterback Joe Burrow is not flashy. He is, instead, a quiet assassin on the field. Methodically putting together drives and getting points when it matters the most. While the defense was holding Mississippi State to three points, Burrow was directing second half traffic through the Bulldogs defense. In all, he hit eight different receivers. The effort allowed LSU to control the clock and the scoreboard.
Tested
LSU has now beaten Miami, Auburn, Georgia and Mississippi State: all ranked teams at the time they played. They have beaten ranked teams on the road, at a neutral site and at home. Their only loss came by one score to then 22nd ranked Florida at the Swamp.
LSU has been in dogfights and blowouts and found a way to win. The Tigers defense has stood up to every challenge. The offense has answered every challenge and then there’s kicker Cole Tracy. From tiny Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, the LSU small man has come up big every time his number has been called. Saturday he kicked four more field goals.
The Final Whistle
LSU handily defeated Mississippi State. There is little doubt that head coach Ed Orgeron has this team ready for every game. Saturday was no exception. The Tigers get two weeks to prepare for Alabama in Baton Rouge. The countdown is on and you can bet the house that LSU will be ready.
Photo credit: Roger Smith via Flickr
