The LSU Tigers lost their third straight opening game under Coach Brian Kelly to Southern Cal in Las Vegas on Sunday. And like the previous two games, had an opportunity to win the game and failed to do so. The loss was met with the usual chatter and after the game, coach Kelly pounded the table and let loose with anger how his Tigers should have never lost the game.
So now, four days past Sunday's defeat it is time to take a more sane approach of what was actually known before the game and what we know now, after the game. One game does not make a season but it does tell a story and should be a reminder. So, lets explore what was known before the game. (1) Last season LSU failed to improve on it's won-loss record over the previous year. Both years ended with a won-loss record of 9-3 during the regular season. (2) last season LSU had a quarterback who won the Heisman trophy, set a quarterback school record for rushing yardage and passing on offense but that still did not translate into a better winning record. (3) LSU's rushing last season by it's running backs was not a good enough read as to their future potential. (4) The defense did not perform well last year, were penalized too many times, especially in critical situations. They also did not defend well on third down plays. It was a down year from the previous year.
What we now know after Sunday's game is that (1) LSU's defense was a hit and a miss, very similar to last years defense, gave up too many big plays and did not tackle well. Really looked bad on USC's last touchdown with 8 seconds left on the clock. The secondary let too many receivers run wild. (2) LSU's offense was inconsistent, running game looked good and not so good, especially on 3rd down. It is said that LSU has quality running backs, but that remains to be seen. Quarterback performed well overall but coordination with offensive line on occasions were lacking and penalized too often. And the fans were told the offensive line would be the primer this year.
The critical situations that existed and known before the season started was a new offensive coordinator a new defensive coordinator with no prior experience with LSU or how they might perform and a running game minus Daniels. And the answer to those questions will not be known until the end of the season. And to top it off, LSU will have to win 10 of their next 11 games to have a better won-loss record than the last two years. Coach Kelly's ability to see that takes place is questionable after Sunday's game
This writer believes that under Coach Kelly's tenure, LSU should still be rated a "wait and see" team. With the changes and circumstances that are taken place, it is hard to see what progress LSU will make. Kelly and his staff have to step up to the plate and do a much better job.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
