LSU Football falls to Florida State in Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
Tonight was a tale of two halves. The Tigers and Seminoles went back and forth as if they were two heavyweights standing in the middle of the ring, trading punches. Then, the second half happened, and a different Florida State team came out.
Florida State changed the questions, and LSU had no answers. Not only did the ‘Noles score 30 second-half points, but the Tigers scored a meager seven points.
Offensively, Jordan Travis manipulated the pocket and made plays. Defensively, the offensive line bowed up and constantly harassed LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels. That was the difference between FSU and LSU tonight. While the Tigers did pressure Travis, he still found a way to make plays.
On the other hand, Daniels could not make plays when being pressured. Florida State also found its running game, while LSU could not. The Tigers got 75 of its rushing yards on two plays. Florida State was more physical in the trenches, and their depth on both sides of the football showed itself.
FSU showed its depth on the defensive line and exposed LSU’s lack of depth on the defensive line. The Seminoles distributed carries amongst five different rushers.
Here are more takeaways from the game.
LSU football could not get the offense going.
Head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock have much to fix heading into the week. LSU seemed out of sync most of the game. Give credit where credit is due. The Seminoles defensive line had much to do with that, pressuring Daniels most of the night. There were big plays to be had at times for the Tigers, but Daniels missed some throws.
He was often late on some throws. Brian Thomas, Jr. had a big night with 142 receiving yards, but Daniels missed him twice on what should have been touchdown passes. He also had Malik Neighbors on a fly route on the sideline and underthrew that pass.
LSU needed Daniels to come up big because Florida State did an outstanding job stuffing the LSU run game. The Tigers had just 38 rushing yards outside of two big running plays.
On the other hand, Florida State found a way to get their running game going in the second half, running for 100 yards in the second half. Quarterback Jordan Travis had his way against the Tigers’ defense.
He was outstanding, throwing for 342 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 38 yards and a touchdown.
The LSU Football defense fell apart in the second half.
The Tigers kept the game close in the first half primarily because they could keep the Florida State running game in check. However, Florida State made some mental mistakes with several personal foul penalties. LSU had no answer when Florida State switched and used a two-back set.
That switch forced LSU to put another defender in the box, and the Florida State offense took advantage. Michigan State transfer Keon Coleman had a massive debut for the Seminoles with 122 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Right behind Coleman was fellow wideout Johnny Wilson with 104 receiving yards.
Florida State exposed LSU’s lack of depth on defense. Between chasing Jordan Travis and five running backs with meaningful carries, the Tigers’ defensive line was gassed by the fourth quarter.
Florida State’s defense kept Jayden Daniels and the LSU offense off-balance all game. Head coach Mike Norvell and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller went about five deep along the defensive line. The Seminoles’ depth was impressive.
The Seminoles defense kept Daniels in the pocket and collapsed, leaving him no lanes to run through. Between the pressure and mixing coverage, his timing was off all game.
What’s next for LSU Football?
Head coach Brian Kelly has to remind his team that the season is still in front of them. This loss was tough tonight. The Seminoles were more tougher and more physical at the point of attack than LSU. The Tigers’ lack of depth was also exposed. Jayden Daniels missed some key throws despite 347 passing yards.
LSU has to be better on third downs, both offensively and defensively. The Tigers defense was largely ineffective on third downs. FSU converted 9 of 14 third downs tonight. They were ineffective on third downs offensively, converting 3 of 10 third downs. Also, they turned the ball over on downs three times.
What’s next for FSU?
How do the Seminoles navigate the rest of this season playing with expectations? Not only did they win tonight, but they dominated a top-ten team in college football tonight. Yes, it was a defacto home game, but that doesn’t matter. Jordan Travis was electric tonight and did nothing but add to his Heisman buzz.
Jared Verse is making his case to be a top-five pick in the NFL Draft. The Seminoles notified anyone who thought they were not a contender in the ACC or the College Football Playoff.