LSU Football: Report Card Grades for the Florida Game

We got what we expected in Baton Rouge as the Tigers handed the Gators their second straight loss 41-11. The Gators gave everyone a shock when they started true freshman Jacoby Brissett at quarterback instead of Jeff Driskel.

Driskel was unable to go due to a sprained ankle suffered against Alabama last week. Brissett became the first true freshman to start a game for Florida without ever taking a prior snap, and his inexperience showed as he threw two interceptions and frequently missed his targets.

The Tigers cliqued on all levels and proved to us once again they are the best team in the nation. Their offense was smooth, defense powerful and coaching on-point.

Offense

LSU came out firing right from the start. Prior to this game, Florida had only allowed 13 first-quarter points all season, and LSU scored 14 points on the first two drives. Spencer Ware pounded the ball up the middle with authority and made the Florida rush defense look weak.

Ware ended up with 109 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Tigers' 238-yard rushing performance. Alfred Blue put in a late run for the icing on the cake.

The passing game was on as Jarrett Lee connected on a huge 46-yard touchdown to his favorite target Rueben Randle on their first drive. He only had to throw 10 passes on the day and completed seven of them for 154 yards. We didn’t see much of Jefferson until the second half, but he did make his presence felt. He threw for 61 yards and a touchdown and added seven yards on the ground.

Grade - A

Defense

The LSU defense prepared all week for true freshman Jeff Driskel and got true freshman Jacoby Brissett. The change under center did not require much of a defensive adjustment, and the Tigers adhered with ease.

Brissett was able to showcase his arm strength but could never get going. He threw two interceptions on the day and frequently over and under threw his targets. Tyrann Mathieu got his name in the highlight reel again as he made an excellent interception on a deep pass by Brissett.  

LSU became the second straight defense to hold Chris Rainey in check. He had three consecutive 100-yard games before he was shut down by the Alabama defense last week. LSU was able to duplicate the Crimson Tide’s shut-down defense on Rainey and held him to 52 yards rushing. Jeff Demps gave his ankle a try early on but could not play through the pain.

The Tigers held the Gators to 213 total yards on the day and 2-of-11 on third-down conversions.

Grade - A

Special Teams

Punter Brad Wing was the culprit of the NCAA’s newest rule. His premature celebration 10 yards outside of the end zone negated a “dagger-in-the-heart” touchdown for LSU on a 4th-and-15 fake punt. He redeemed himself on his next punt by pinning Florida on their own 2-yard line.

Overall, it was an easy day for the special teams. Brad Wing only punted three times, and Drew Alleman connected on both field goal attempts and all five extra points.

Grade – B

Coaching

Les Miles was not tested today. His traditional big-game calls were not necessary, and the Tigers made quick work of the Gators. The question on everyone’s mind was whether or not we’d see a true two-quarterback system and he didn’t let us down.

Jefferson came on in the second half and threw for a touchdown. It will be interesting to see how he gets Jefferson snaps when Jarrett Lee is playing so well.

Grade – A

Looking Ahead

LSU travels to Knoxville next week to take on Tyler Bray and the Volunteers, and while you can’t take the Vols lightly, LSU may be looking ahead to the next game against Auburn. They will be eager to avenge a loss last season at the hands of Cam Newton and his 217-yard rushing performance.

Derek Dooley will need to do his homework in this one as the Tigers have now shut down four Top 25 teams offenses this season.