The LSU Tigers found themselves in a challenging position going into Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt, coming off a three-game losing streak and facing uncertainty after the departure of a key commitment. Recent instances of blowing leads and emotional outbursts on the sidelines led to doubts about the players’ loyalty to the program. However, all concerns were alleviated after a hard-fought 24-17 win against Vanderbilt (6-5), which underscored the players’ dedication to the coaching staff and revitalized optimism in Baton Rouge.
LSU’s Quick Recovery
Despite a shaky start with an early touchdown from Vanderbilt, LSU quickly found its rhythm on both offense and defense. For the first time, the defense effectively contained mobile quarterbacks and a shotgun-oriented triple-option offense, limiting Vanderbilt to just 308 total yards. The Tigers successfully forced the Commodores off the field, allowing only 2 of 10 third-down conversions. It’s promising that the plays LSU surrendered were mainly due to execution issues rather than discipline problems, suggesting the players are responsive to coaching.
Tense Moments
Though the mood was predominantly positive, there were some anxious moments. Vanderbilt executed a flawless fake punt late in the fourth quarter, leading to a touchdown that narrowed LSU’s lead to 24-17, which raised concern among Tiger fans. With just a one-possession lead and 5:47 left, LSU needed to score or run down the clock. The Tigers managed to secure five first downs on a single drive, notably featuring Aaron Anderson’s impressive moves after a catch.
Garrett Nussmeier capitalized on solid protection, showcasing throws that highlighted his NFL potential, completing 76% of his passes. He remained composed despite facing boos during his pregame introduction and displayed the poise to take checkdowns when necessary instead of forcing big plays.
Rising to the Occasion
Running back Josh Williams faced criticism toward LSU’s rushing performance this season, but he responded emphatically with 90 yards on over six yards per carry, along with more than 60 receiving yards. Whether running or catching, he rarely went down on first contact, demonstrating his ability to evade or power through defenders.
A Shift in Momentum
While a seven-point home victory against Vanderbilt might usually cause concern, this year’s context is different. The Commodores are already bowl-eligible, having defeated teams like Virginia Tech, Alabama, and Auburn. Given the Tigers’ recent struggles, confidence wasn’t high against even lesser-ranked teams. Nevertheless, LSU played well, marking a significant win against a formidable opponent.
Criticism of LSU’s 2024 season may still arise, but this victory refuted the notion that Brian Kelly had lost the locker room. Furthermore, Florida’s win over Ole Miss may have led to the perception that the Gators are better than their record suggests, highlighting the unpredictable nature of college football today.
While LSU’s midseason winning streak might have fostered an unwarranted sense of belief, the team has shown resilience and effort regardless of its postseason aspirations. This win was fueled by pride, determination, and commitment. Having secured a victory, LSU is now poised to end the season positively against Oklahoma next week. While no outcomes are certain, a win coupled with a strong recruiting class could improve the outlook for the program’s future stability.
