Eastern Michigan vs. LSU: Game Grades, Analysis for the Tigers

It was not a typical tuneup home game, as the ninth-ranked LSU Tigers got everything they asked for in a 44-22 win over Eastern Michigan in Baton Rouge on Saturday.

LSU boasted the highest point spread of any team in college football on the day as a 44-point favorite, via Odds Shark. Then, the Tigers entered the fourth quarter with an eight-point lead.

So what went wrong? And what saved the day? Take a look below to find out.

LSU Game Grades vs. Eastern Michigan

Unit	First-Half Grade	Final Grade
Pass Offense	F	F
Run Offense	B	A-
Pass Defense	B-	B-
Run Defense	C+	C+
Special Teams	B-	C+
Coaching	C+	B-

Pass Offense: For all the promise he's shown in the opening three games, Brandon Harris came crashing down to earth Saturday. He completed just four of his 15 passes for 80 yards with an interception, and 74 of those yards came on three passes. Even with the run game as stout as ever, Harris couldn't deliver aerially.

Run Offense: Leonard Fournette had another big day, rushing 26 times for 233 yards and scoring three touchdowns. The Tigers may not have gotten over the hump without his 75-yard touchdown on the first play of the second half, and 89 yards from Darrel Williams was a nice addition. Ross Dellenger of the Baton Rouge Advocate noted Les Miles' thoughts on Fournette:

Pass Defense: EMU quarterback Brogan Roback (what a name) had a strong day moving the ball down the field, completing 17 of 24 passes for 161 yards and a score. But the LSU secondary forced three interceptions and made big plays in the red zone.

Gerald Herbert/Associated Press

Run Defense: The Eagles averaged less than three yards per carry, which is strong considering Darius Jackson had scampered for an average of 100 per game before Saturday. LSU's defensive front was far from perfect in giving up two touchdowns and allowing EMU's backs to move the chains, however.

Special Teams: The only good that came from the Tigers special teams was a trio of field goals from Trent Domingue, one from 45 yards out. But LSU's woes on kickoff coverage exposed themselves again, as the unit allowed 149 yards on seven returns.

Coaching: Miles and Co. did the right thing by leaning on Fournette early in the second half, which was practically the difference in the game. But offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was way too intent on establishing the passing attack, which allowed EMU back into the game.

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