The Tigers pull away after halftime, but offensive mistakes leave Lane Kiffin with corrections to make before Ole Miss.
BATON ROUGE — LSU’s defense gave its offense time to recover Saturday night. Eventually, the Tigers made that protection count.
No. 8 LSU defeated Louisiana Tech 45–14 at Tiger Stadium, overcoming a turnover-filled opening half before taking control after the break. A game that stood at 10–7 at halftime ended with a comfortable margin, although the path there exposed problems the Tigers cannot afford to carry into tougher matchups.
LSU committed four first-half turnovers, including three interceptions by Sam Leavitt. Louisiana Tech stayed close despite finishing the opening half with zero total offensive yards. LSU Athletics
The most damaging mistake came near the end of a lengthy LSU possession. Jordan McRae intercepted Leavitt and returned the ball 100 yards for a touchdown, transforming a potential scoring opportunity for the Tigers into Louisiana Tech’s first points. Another interception followed before halftime.
For an offense moving the football, the issue was finishing possessions without giving it away.
Leavitt helped change the game after the break. A third-quarter rushing touchdown created breathing room, and his connection with Eugene Wilson III for a 53-yard gain helped set up another touchdown run early in the fourth. Leavitt later found Trey’Dez Green for a 10-yard score. LSU Athletics
Leavitt finished 25-of-38 passing for 344 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions while adding three rushing scores. Green caught six passes for 104 yards and a touchdown, and Wilson contributed six receptions for 93 yards. LSU produced 528 total yards.
Those numbers show why the offensive evaluation requires more than a glance at the final score. The Tigers generated substantial production, but giveaways repeatedly reduced its value.
Defensively, Princewill Umanmielen recorded three sacks and four tackles for loss. DJ Pickett added an interception, and LSU recovered two fumbles. Louisiana Tech finished with minus-3 rushing yards. Its offensive touchdown came on a 67-yard reception by Jalen Mickens in the fourth quarter. LSU also committed 10 penalties for 101 yards. Crescent City Sports
The defense’s ability to erase possessions was the foundation of the victory. It kept LSU ahead while the offense struggled, then helped prevent Louisiana Tech from answering once the Tigers began separating.
The next step is making that support less necessary. Ball security, cleaner blocking and fewer penalties would allow LSU’s offensive production to translate into control earlier in games.
Next comes a September 19 trip to Ole Miss, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Central. LSU Athletics
LSU leaves this matchup with a decisive win and specific problems to solve. Against Ole Miss, the Tigers will need the offense to protect the opportunities their defense creates.
