LSU blasts Vanderbilt 41-7
LSU bounced back from an opening week loss to claim its first victory of the season over Vanderbilt 41-7.
LSU had a bit off a sluggish start but managed to capture a 14-0 lead in the second quarter following a pair of touchdown passes from Myles Brennan to Jontre Kirklin and Terrace Marshall.
Vanderbilt responded with an 8-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ken Seals, but from that point on, LSU never looked back. LSU cruised on to score 27-unanswered points capped off by a 12-yard sweep for a touchdown from running back John Emery Jr.
Coming into the game, all eyes were on LSU’s defense after yielding 44 points and 623 passing yards to Mississippi State in its opener. For the most part, the defense responded admirably allowing just 266 total yards while limiting Vanderbilt quarterback Ken Seals to 11-25 for 113 yards and a pair of interceptions.
LSU’s senior leader, defensive back JaCoby Stevens lead the way for the defense with 11 tackles. LSU defensive backs Todd Harris and Elias Ricks each came away with an interception.
“I told the defense we are all on punishment after last week, and look how it paid off,” Stevens said.
Certainly, the addition of LSU’s All-American cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. aided the previously struggling defensive backfield. He added 6 tackles in the game and prevented a touchdown pass late in the game.
"Derek (Stingley Jr.) makes a huge difference,” Stevens said. “He's the best corner in the nation. Guys think twice about throwing the ball his way, and that hesitation gives our front four times to get there."
Offensively, LSU turned out a much-improved performance despite the absence of starting running back Chris Curry.
LSU quarterback Myles Brennan turned out his best performance as a Tiger going 23-37 for 337 yards with four touchdowns and an interception.
“We took it a day at a time,” Brennan said. “We improved on something every single day."It wasn't perfect by any means, but I definitely saw improvement."
“He made some plays, he missed some plays, but he played very well.,” LSU coach Ed Orgeron said, “Tonight, he stepped up in the pocket. He didn't try to scramble to the right like he did in the first game. He stayed patient."
LSU running back John Emery Jr. also showed out for his best performance yet as a Tiger. In Curry’s stead, he saw an increased workload and ran the ball 12 times for 103 yards and a touchdown. He also caught the ball three times for 21 yards.
"John (Emery) has grown up,” LSU coach Ed Orgeron said. “He's gotten bigger. I was joking with him earlier. He's got a big chest on him now. He didn't have a chest when he got here. He's been working with Tommy Moffitt."
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