LSU football registered a huge 27-point victory over the BYU Cougars in New Orleans. What did we learn from the Tigers’ season opener?
One of the biggest storylines surrounding the LSU Tigers in their season opener against the BYU Cougars was how their offense would perform under offensive coordinator Matt Canada. He replaced former offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.
BYU played an FCS opponent before facing LSU. The Cougars struggled to find their way against Portland State in a narrow victory. LSU is a different level of opponent. BYU still had trouble getting first downs.
Quarterback Danny Etling had a good 2016. LSU head coach Ed Orgeron needs him to be much better in 2017. Throwing 11 touchdowns and five interceptions will not do it this year. With receivers like D.J. Chark to spread the ball to, Etling should find his way.
LSU walked into halftime with a 14-0 lead. They almost doubled their lead in the second half with a final score of 27-0. LSU’s defense dominated the BYU offensive line the entire way. Overall, the Tigers just dominated the trenches on both sides of the ball.
Etling did not have a huge role in this one. We’ll have to wait another week to see what the new pairing of Etling and Canada can do. However, Etling did look more comfortable all game long. He had little pressure on him because of the dominance in the ground game.
Now, let’s take a look at three takeaways from LSU’s victory over BYU.
1. LSU still has a lot of talent at receiver
Finding a way to make the passing game work has been a top priority for LSU. That was the point of hiring Matt Canada. He simplified the offensive scheme for the Tigers. It was supposed to help Etling get more comfortable.
Chark is an NFL talent. Sophomore Drake Davis could form into an All-SEC level receiver as well. Junior tight end Foster Moreau is a guy that Etling can rely on. More than anything, Etling needs to find a grove where he can hit simple intermediate routes consistently.
Much like Etling, the receiving corps did not have to do much. BYU let the Tigers run all over them and that kept the role of most starting receivers to blocking for the rushers. Chark led LSU in receiving yards with 77.
Russell Gage also finished with two catches for 36 yards. Whenever the receivers were called upon, they were good. Etling completed 14 of his 17 passing attempts.
2. Darrel Williams is a good backup to Derrius Guice
If Penn State’s Saquon Barkley and Derrius Guice proved anything this weekend, it’s that they are the two clear best running backs in the country. However, LSU relies more on Guice than Penn State does on Barkley.
Guice had 20 carries in the first half alone. Backup rusher Darrel Williams was efficient when given the chance. He’ll be the go-to guy in the run game when Guice is too tired from getting a few too many carries in a row.
Williams finished the game with 92 yards on 15 carries and one touchdown. Guice finished the game with 120 yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns. Williams had the heaviest role in the second half with Guice only getting seven carries.
LSU’s offensive line looked great which bodes well for the Tigers. No matter how much progress Etling makes, the Tigers are a run-first team. Etling showing improvement just opens up more room for Guice and Williams.
3. BYU can’t rely on Tanner Mangum
BYU quarterback Tanner Mangum had a rough start to the season. He threw less than 200 yards and only one touchdown against Portland State. Against LSU, Mangum threw more interceptions than he threw touchdowns.
Mangum spent the beginning of his career constantly switching between the starting job and the bench behind Taysom Hill. With Hill gone, it is Mangum’s offense for the taking. He has not taken advantage of that opportunity yet.
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It could just be that BYU had a quick start to their schedule and played a very tough opponent in Week 1. The jump between Portland State and LSU is a big one. That is something that could be hard for a quarterback adjusting to the spotlight and a second-year head coach needs some time to get comfortable with.