4 takeaways from another season-opening loss by the LSU Tigers

Sunday’s game between LSU and USC had lead changes, exciting plays and a dramatic finish before a record crowd. Here are four takeaways from another Week 1 loss for the Tigers.

Garrett Nussmeier is a rising star

In his second collegiate start, Nussmeier looked like a seasoned veteran. LSU allowed zero sacks as Nussmeier completed 75 percent of his passes, picking apart the Trojans’ pass coverage like throwing darts at the bullseye. He looked confident in the pocket and eased the pain of losing a Heisman -winning quarterback to the NFL.

Issues scoring touchdowns in the red zone

In the red zone, LSU turned the ball over on downs and was forced to settle for two field goals. Nussmeier missed on a connection in the endzone with wide receiver Kyren Lacy that was out of bounds. Lacy had 7 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown in the first half but was a non-factor in the second half.

LSU could not limit the explosive plays

While at times the LSU defense imposed their will on the Trojans with 2 sacks and 7 tackles for loss, they could not stop the explosive plays. A screen pass on second down for 19 yards here, a spectacular one-handed catch for 24 yards there, a 46-yard kickoff return and a 38-yard completion that led to 3 points, to mention a few.

Missed opportunities to possess the football

At the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter, the Tigers’ defense batted three passes in the air that came within a lace of the football of being intercepted but fell to the ground incomplete. The third such play kept the final drive alive for the Trojans on their way to the game-winning score.

In his post-game press conference, LSU coach Brian Kelly said “It’s unacceptable for us not to have found a way to win this football game. It’s ridiculous.”