Missed tackles, missed opportunities to score touchdowns and lack of cohesiveness all contributed to LSU’s loss against USC.
But once the fourth quarter ended, the Tigers knew there was no going back. They just had to learn from their mistakes and start to prepare for their first home game against Nicholls.
Although the Tigers increased their first-game losing streak to five, there were some players that showed promise for the remainder of the season.
Garrett Nussmeier
Even with consistent pressure from USC’s defense, Garrett Nussmeier continued to showcase his talent and skill on the field Sunday night.
With a completion rate of 76%, Nussmeier found enough holes in the Trojans’ defense to complete 29-38 passes for 304 yards.
“I think Garrett did some really good things,” head coach Brian Kelly said. “I think he did enough for us to win the football game… he’s going to be really good for us, and he’ll get better from today.”
In the first half, Nussmeier connected with wide receiver Kyren Lacy multiple times, featuring his quick decision-making skills and his ability to move from the pocket.
There were many learning curves for the new quarterback, but Nussmeier knows what he has to fix in order to secure the Tigers’ first win on Saturday against Nicholls.
“It’s a long season,” Nussmeier said. “You can’t get caught up in it. It is what it is. 24-hour rule, so I’ll watch the tape and get ready for Nicholls.”
Kyren Lacy
Lacy was Nussmeier’s No. 1 target in Sunday’s matchup. He touched the ball seven times, averaging 13.4 yards per catch, complete with a touchdown.
However, once the first half of the game ended, so did Lacy’s domination.
“You get inside the 15-yard line three times, and you come away with six points — that’s gonna come back and beat you,” Kelly said. “We left a lot of points out there.”
USC adapted to Lacy by covering him with two defensive backs at the start of the second half, preventing him from being the target of any plays.
The Travelers did the same thing with tight end Mason Taylor, forcing LSU to resort to its running game.
Nonetheless, Lacy’s performance shone a light on what his potential could be for the remainder of the season. On Saturday, he’s expected to be a top target for Nussmeier once again.
John Emery Jr.
Running back John Emery Jr. led the Tigers in rushing yards with 61 on 10 carries.
As a sixth-year senior, Emery was expected to take charge on offense when he was needed, and he did just that.
After USC placed double coverage on LSU’s wide receivers and tight ends, it was up to the running backs to move the ball up and down the field.
“We ran the ball well enough to set up everything else that we needed to do,” Kelly said. “We ran the ball well enough to win this game. But again, you can’t win it if you don’t score touchdowns.”
Still, Emery’s carries never resulted in a touchdown against USC. Kelly said that the Tigers will go to work to improve all areas of the game, including their running game.
Sai’vion Jones
Defensive end Sai’vion Jones had a breakout game for the Tigers on Sunday night. Jones almost matched his total of 2.5 sacks in the previous season, in which he started all 13 games.
With two sacks, five tackles and a batted pass, Jones was the most dominant character on LSU’s defense.
“That’s Sai’vion for you,” linebacker Harold Perkins said. “He brings the energy. He’s another guy on the team that we’re going to need.”
Jones should continue to play a significant role in the Tigers’ defense throughout the season.
