LSU's Dominating Performance vs. Kentucky Gives Life to Potential Ole Miss Upset

LSU finally played dominant football against a meaningful opponent. 

The Tigers bludgeoned Kentucky on Saturday night with a 41-3 victory. With the win, LSU moved to 6-2 overall and 2-2 in conference play. 

LSU controlled all three phases of the game for the first time this season. And that made Les Miles happy, per Kelsey Wingert of KALB:

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Coach Miles calls this the best game from start to finish by #LSU. pic.twitter.com/822Myd8Zut

— Kelsey Wingert (@KelsWingert) October 19, 2014"

Offensively, quarterback Anthony Jennings was 7-of-14 for 120 yards and a touchdown. Jennings' numbers were far from elite, but he played the role of game manager that Miles wants him to play. The sophomore has yet to throw an interception in SEC play. 

The LSU offensive line ripped Kentucky's front seven to shreds. The Wildcats entered the game allowing only 151 yards on the ground per game. The Tigers rushed for 308 yards, led by senior Terrence Magee's first 100-yard game of the season. 

Defensively, the Tigers were masterful. Power-five opposition averaged over 32 points per game against LSU before Saturday. Allowing only three points against a hot Kentucky offense was a major statement. 

The biggest shock was Kentucky's inability to run the football. LSU's rushing defense was last in stopping SEC rushing attacks before stifling the Wildcats to only 71 on the ground. The Tigers got a major boost in their rotation with the presence of defensive tackle Quentin Thomas, who has been recovering from injury. 

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Wildcats quarterback Patrick Towles threw for a measly 146 yards and averaged only 4.1 yards per completion. Towles also completed just one pass over 20 yards, as LSU's secondary suffocated the opposition. 

Defensive coordinator John Chavis made some changes by inserting more youth and athleticism into the lineup. Middle Linebacker Kendell Beckwith and safety Jamal Adams received more snaps and combined for 17 tackles. 

LSU had its best game on special teams as well. Kicker Colby Delahoussaye remained perfect on the season on field goals. And Magee set the new high for a kick return on the season with a 49-yard scamper. 

But the play of the night belonged to Tre'Davious White, who scored his first touchdown on a punt return in the second quarter:

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The Death Valley voo doo is alive! Tre'Davious White takes the punt 67-yards for a Tiger TOUCHDOWN. #UKvsLSU http://t.co/fhRxB5uXXh

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 19, 2014"

Miles couldn't have asked for anything more out of his team. He also couldn't have ask anything more out of himself too, as he and his staff had his team prepared for everything the Wildcats threw at it. This was the first time the Tigers started faster than their opponent in SEC play. 

The question now is if the Tigers can keep it going. 

LSU welcomes Ole Miss to Baton Rouge next week. The Rebels are off to their best start under head coach Hugh Freeze and have arguably the hottest team in the SEC. 

Gerald Herbert/Associated Press

Last week, nobody would have given the Tigers a shot to beat the Rebels. But Saturday's slaughter of the Wildcats should change some minds.

Kentucky is inferior to Ole Miss at every position, and the Rebels are more experienced than the young Tigers. Yet LSU will be at home, and the defense is starting take form. Chavis will need to have his unit ready for quarterback Bo Wallace, who has thrown for 656 yards in his past two games combined against the Bayou Bengals. 

Jennings will need to continue his mistake-free football against the dangerous defense of Ole Miss, which has unquestionably been the best of the conference. The LSU offensive line will need to be up for the challenge against the formidable Ole Miss front. 

The key will ultimately be Miles. Ole Miss nearly defeated LSU two years ago in Tiger Stadium. Last season, the Rebels were triumphant despite missing six defensive rotation players. Miles cannot be outcoached by Freeze again and expect to win. 

Ultimately, the Tigers' beatdown of Kentucky does not mean they will beat the Rebels. But it does give LSU hope for next Saturday's affair and beyond. 

Stats, rankings and additional information provided by CFBStats.com and LSU Sports Information. Recruiting information provided by 247Sports.

Quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow me on Twitter @CarterthePower.