LSU vs. Tennessee: Grading the Tigers' Victory

The Bayou Bengals started out a bit slow as they were unable to score in the first quarter, but LSU dominated at the line of scrimmage for four quarters in a 38-7 victory over Tennessee on Saturday.

The Tigers have continued to just wear teams out in the second half, but there were other phases of the game that LSU has continued to improve in. 

I mark my grades on today's performance and look ahead toward their Nov. 5 date against Alabama.

Offense

This smash mouth football has been a joy to watch this season for the Tigers. Jordan Jefferson was used several times in running packages and dominated.

Jefferson toted the pigskin 14 times for 73 yards and a touchdown. While he only went 1-of-3 for eight yards, the running game was called upon and answered the bell all game. 

Spencer Ware played like a man possessed rushing for 80 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. He has been consistent all season and with the likes of Alfred Blue and Michael Ford, there are no needs to worry.

The starting quarterback Jarrett Lee went 10-for-14 with 115 yards and two touchdowns while once again throwing zero interceptions. Reuben Randle hauled in a 45-yard catch in the ball game and found the end zone to give the Tigers a quick 7-0 lead to start off the second quarter.

Odell Beckham has been a pleasant surprise all year with the suspension of Russell Shepard, who has been back since the West Virginia game. 

The team is loaded with explosive playmakers and it really has just been about spreading the wealth early on in the season. Randle is one of the better receivers in the SEC and will continue to come through in the passing game.

Continual development will be the key for this team offensively and as long as they take care of the ball, they may not be stopped. 

Grade: A 

Defense

The Vols were without their starting quarterback Tyler Bray and they could not find many open receivers.

The LSU secondary just covered Tennessee like a blanket all game along as backup signal caller Matt Simms could only complete six passes.

Eric Reid and Mo Clairborne were both able to come away with critical interceptions and it gave the offense great field position.

There are so many defensive studs for LSU that they are as big of a threat to score on defense then they are on offense arguably.

We know how deep the front four is rotating so many different players in-and-out. However, Tennessee found a few holes in their running game.

After being held to negative yards against the Georgia defense, they were able to run for 111 yards on LSU's mighty defense.

They could only average 3.8 yards per carry since they ran it 29 times but the Tigers gave a up a few long plays to Tauren Poole and receiver Marlin Lane.

There is no cause of concern, but there is always something that Les Miles and his staff will look to improve upon before their game with Alabama.

Make no mistake about it, this defense swarms as good as any team in the entire nation and the scary part is that they will only get better.

Grade: A

Special Teams

The special teams has superb under Les Miles in year though things are always a bit spicy so it seems.

Drew Alleman and Brad Wing are among the better units in America and they showed it against Tennessee.

A field could literally turn sides with the leg of Wing and the offense is always in great hands with the right foot of Drew Alleman.

The returners in Tyrann Mathieu and Odell Beckham are dynamite and there are not many teams that possess the speed, smarts and skills that LSU has.

The "Honey Badger" is a legit All-American in all facets of the game and the team just thrives under the energetic sophomore.

Grade: A

Overall

The Tigers may give up a big play every blue moon, but overall they are stacked with loads of talent. 

Can anybody even test these Tigers or are we on a collision course for a November 5th date with Alabama in Tuscaloosa?

Arkansas in my eyes could challenge this team with all their options at receiver. However, LSU's defense has not allowed much yardage let alone points.

Overall, Tiger nation has to be thrilled with the way this team is currently playing. They have been injury free and if they remain near 100% heading into the Alabama game we might just have another BCS National Championship appearance in the near future.  

Grade: A