REPORT CARD: The Grades Are In…

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Tiger Rag issues the grades on LSU’s 35-10 win over Tulane

by Matt Deville
Tiger Rag Senior Editor

(At left) Rahim Alem forced this fumble that led to a Tiger touchdown (Photo by Steve Franz/LSU)

What did you expect really?

LSU got back to basics in taking care of business versus Tulane in Tiger Stadium Saturday night. Coach Les Miles kept things quite simple in the Tigers’ game plan in hosting the overmatched Green Wave.

The game, while close for a while as Tulane trailed just 7-3 midway through the second period, was never really in doubt. The plan was to get plenty of work for LSU’s running backs and try to shore up some problems on defense.

Overall, it was a pretty bland performance that left a crowd much smaller than the announced 92,134 heading to the exits by halftime.

The game was far from flawless and Jarrett Lee’s interception return for a touchdown, the fifth of the season, drew groans from the fans remaining in the stands at that point.

Miles summed it up best afterwards.

“It’s victory,” Miles said. “We have some work to do and things to accomplish. With the current score in Texas, we might welcome the No. 1 team in the country here next week and we look forward to playing them.”

Here is Tiger Rag’s postgame report card:

Quarterbacks
The LSU Tigers made it clear they were going to keep it simple against the Green Wave. There were just eight completed passes in the game by Jarrett Lee for 99 yards. While Lee did throw a touchdown pass to Brandon LaFell, he also threw his fifth, pick-six in six games in the fourth quarter. Also, Les Miles said freshman Jordan Jefferson would play in the game. Jefferson did get into the game, on the final possession with four minutes left in the game? Plus, he didn’t even attempt a pass.
Grade: D+

Running Backs
Charles Scott continues to climb the LSU and SEC rushing charts with his sixth 100-yard rushing performance of the season. Scott ran 12 times for 114 yards and scored his 11th touchdown o the season before leaving the game with a tweaked ankle.
Grade: A

Wide Receivers
Considering only eight passes were thrown on the mark in the game, it was hard for the receivers to get into the action. Brandon LaFell caught a pass in his 23rd straight game and snared his sixth touchdown of the season.
Grade: A

Offensive Line
Ever since a pitiful showing at Florida, the LSU offensive line has really stepped up. The hog mollies paved the way for a 231-yard performance by the LSU running backs. However, Jarrett Lee did get sacked twice.
Grade: B

Defensive Line
Kudos to Rahim Alem for making another big play on defense. Alem sacked Tulane quarterback Joe Kemp in the second quarter, forcing a fumble that Chris Hawkins returned for a touchdown. LSU’s defensive line accounted for two sacks, one by Alem and another by Kirston Pittman. Pittman also led the team in tackles with eight stops.
Grade: A

Linebackers
LSU’s linebacking corps combined for 15 total tackles with Perry Riley leading the way with five stops. Darry Beckwith and Kelvin Sheppard each had four stops while Jacob Cutrera logged two tackles. Also, the LSU defense held Tulane to just 72 rushing yards.
Grade: B+

Secondary
Considering Tulane played a true freshman at quarterback most of the night, it was no surprise the Green Wave only passed for 91 yards. But the secondary played well and Hawkins pitched in a touchdown.
Grade: B

Special Teams
Brady Dalfrey shined on special teams punting four times for a 46.5 yard average. He also had along punt of 55 yards and dropped three others inside the Green Wave 20. Colt David continues to add to his all-time scoring lead with five more PATs.
Grade: A