LSU Football: Grading the Tigers Game vs. Florida

LSU took on the challenge of defending its No.1 ranking in the country, and they proved to Florida just how worthy they are of that ranking with a 41-11 dominant victory over the Gators on Saturday afternoon

The defense was great as always, the rushing attack was outstanding, and the quarterback duo of Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson managed the game and did just what was asked of them.

Let's break down this SEC smack down and hand out some report to grades to the Tigers for their big win.

Quarterbacks

Yes, quarterbacks plural, not singular.

Both Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson played in this game, and both senior quarterbacks played well.

Lee started the game and played the majority of the offensive snaps, completing 7-of-10 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. Jefferson, on the other hand, completed 3-of-4 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown, while also adding seven rushing yards.

Lee hooked up with Rueben Randle on a 46-yard bomb on the Tigers' first possession and that set the stage from there on out.

Overall, the numbers don't jump out at you, but again, a perfectly managed game from two really good quarterbacks.

Grade: B+

Running Backs

Spencer Ware is back ladies and gentlemen.

The Tigers' sophomore back was dominant in this one, carrying the ball 24 times 109 yards and a two touchdown scores, both of which came in the fist half and helped break this game open.

We have seen a heavy load from Michael Ford in the past, but this game featured a heavy dose of Alfred Blue, similar to what we saw in last weeks win over Kentucky. Blue ran for 70 yards on 14 carries and added a touchdown.

Overall, as a team, the Tigers outrushed the Gators 238-113, which proved to be the determining factor in the outcome.

If LSU can continue to run the ball like this, they shouldn't lose all year.

Grade: A

Wide Receivers

Rueben Randle was absolutely spectacular in this win over Florida.

The junior wideout hauled in four catches for 127 yards, including a 46-yard TD reception early in the game and a 57-yard deep reception later on.

Outside of Randle, not much action here from LSU's receiving core. Russell Shepard only caught two balls and freshman sensation Odell Beckham was a non-factor in the win.

Shepard was great, but they need to see more consistency out of the other receivers.

Grade: B-

O-Line

It seems like this young offensive line seems to get better every game that they play.

The running backs were good, but it was the offensive line that deserves the credit with paving the way for 238 yards on the ground. That type of production doesn't happen without this performance the O-Line put on in this one.

The group was also exceptional in pass protection as Lee looked like he had all day to pass against a Florida defense that is supposed to have several NFL prospects.

Another great showing for this line.

Grade: A+

D-Line

LSU's defensive line played fast, and they played fierce in this one.

The line got a ton of pressure on Florida freshman quarterback Jacoby Brissett, forcing him into throwing two interceptions and failing to pass for over 100 yards in this game.

In addition to that, the defensive line made life miserable for Florida running backs, and everyone knows that this Gators team lives by their running game. The Tigers held Florida to just 113 yards total on the ground, including limiting the explosive Chris Rainey to just 52 yards and 14 carries—an average of four yards per carry.

Grade: A-

Linebackers

Florida is well known for constantly being one of the top rushing teams in the SEC.

With two elite backs in Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps, some might have thought that LSU's linebackers would have their hands full in this one. Well, it turned out that was not the case at all.

The Tigers shut down both Rainey and Demps. In fact, Florida finished the game with just 213 total yards of offense. Part of that was playing with a true freshman at quarterback, but a larger part was the play of this defense and those linebackers.

Grade: A-

Secondary

I wrote an article earlier last week about how LSU's defensive backs, Tyrann Mathieu and Mo Claiborne could start right now for at least 10 different teams in the NFL.

This secondary sure made me look smart in writing that article after their performance here against Florida.

The Tigers' secondary forced two interceptions, one by Mathieu and one by safety Brandon Taylor. They held Florida freshman quarterback Jacoby Brissett to just 8-of-14 passing for 97 yards and no touchdowns.

This unit just continues to impress.

Grade: A

Special Teams

LSU freshman punter Brad Wing is making quite the impression on the college football world in his first season on campus.

Late in the first quarter, LSU faked a kick, and Wing ran 52 yards, but he raised his arms moments before crossing the goal line, which in return drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that took the score off the board. Nonetheless, this was one of the most exciting plays of the week in college football.

But outside of that, nothing too exciting here. Wing was great in the punt game, and Drew Alleman was solid in the kicking game, hitting both of his field goal attempts and going a perfect 5-of-5 on extra points.

A big return could have boosted this grade, but still, nothing to complain about.

Grade: C+

Coaching

Les Miles had a solid game plan for this one, which obviously focused on establishing the running game and shutting down Florida's ground attack, both of which the Tigers were able to do.

That fake punt attempt was pretty tricky and just adds more reason to why Miles is known as the mad hatter.

Overall, solid game plan, solid execution for Miles and the Tigers.

Grade: A

Intangibles

Tiger Stadium was rocking for this SEC showdown with over 90,000 fans on hand to see this one.

An interesting fact from the game is that LSU has beaten Florida all three times it's faced the Gators while ranked No.1 in the country.

Overall, another solid showing and another reason to believe that this team is worthy of that No.1 ranking in college football.

Overall Grade: A-