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LSU Football: 3 takeaways from big win over Mississippi State

By John Mitchell

GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 06: Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers attempts a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 06: Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers attempts a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

3. Nick Fitzgerald is a bad fit in Joe Moorhead’s offense

Nick Fitzgerald is a square peg in a round hole in Joe Moorhead’s offense. I don’t doubt that Moorhead may end up being a good hire in Starkville, but he is not the coach to maximize Nick Fitzgerald’s ability.

Moorhead got back to the basics two weeks ago in the win over Auburn, leaning on Fitzgerald’s legs to rack up 195 yards on 28 rushing attempts. Fitzgerald wore out Auburn’s defense, and combined with a suffocating Bulldogs defense, earned a huge 23-9 victory.

Moorhead decided, with a week off to prepare, to go back to more of his style and look to throw more passes out of RPO’s with Fitzgerald early in the game against LSU. Fitzgerald responded with two first-quarter interceptions, and finished the game 8-for-24 passing for 59 yards, and four interceptions.

Fitzgerald’s stature and running ability make him a real weapon that was properly utilized by Dan Mullen, who was always a master of adapting to what his offense did best. Moorhead has had problems adapting with Fitzgerald, and now a promising Mississippi State season sits at 4-3 with several tough games remaining on their slate.

It’s fair to wonder whether Moorhead should consider turning the reins over to sophomore quarterback Keytaon Thompson, who seems like a better fit for his system. Thompson started in the season opener against Stephen F. Austin for an injured Fitzgerald, and threw for 364 yards and five touchdowns. Fitzgerald still hasn’t eclipsed that many touchdown passes on the season in his six starts since.

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