A disastrous fourth quarter eruption from Vanderbilt exposed LSU's offensive line struggles and defensive lapses, ultimately costing them the game.
The LSU Tigers are now 5-2 on the year as they fell 31-24 to the Vanderbilt Commodores after a gutsy performance from Diego Pavia and a nightmare performance from the Tigers.
LSU's offensive line had one of its worst performances of the year, and it came during Garrett Nussmeier's best. The early injury to Tyree Adams at left tackle didn't help, but that's not all that they can blame.
One crucial drive comes to mind down the stretch, where the offensive line struggles came to a head down 31-24 in the fourth quarter. DJ Chester, who was stepping in on the left for Adams, was beaten on a sack that set up 2nd and 20. Then, the first down was picked up on third down, but a holding penalty on Weston Davis brought it back to 3rd and 26. The Tigers had to punt.
The LSU defense was able to come up with a big stop on the very next, but the next offensive drive was maybe worse. This time the blame can be traced back to Joe Sloan and the offensive playcalling.
It is inexcusable to be down by one touchdown with less than five minutes left, have two straight completed passes, only to face a third and eight situation. The pass did get past the line to gain, but was dropped.
Many of the poor offensive performances this season can be put on the shoulders of Nussmeier and his apparent injury, but this was not one of them. It was a hard fought day for the quarterback, but wasn't enough to come out on top over the rest of the team struggling.
The most disappointing part of this game, however, was the Tigers' defense. They were without two starters in Whit Weeks and Bernard Gooden, but that doesn't excuse all of the poor play.
Harold Perkins, in particular, was a frequent target of the Commodores' playcalling. He looked a step slow in this one and had one of his weaker performances at LSU.
Pavia was able to get whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. Even when the Tigers did come up with pressure, he broke tackles with ease. He had 17 carries for 86 yards and two scores.
Vanderbilt's rushing attack defined this game. They had 239 yards on 45 carries with three total touchdowns. Makhilyn Young beat LSU on the outside a couple of times.
The Commodores rarely tried to attack the elite corners that the Tigers have, instead focusing on the middle of the field.
All of these thing could come back to haunt LSU again next week as they prepare to take on the Texas A&M Aggies and Marcel Reed. There is plenty to work on and little room to work with, as two losses puts their season on the line each week moving forward.