LSU drops opener to Florida State 45-24
LSU lost its fourth consecutive opening game after Florida State dominated the second half to secure a 45-24 victory over the Tigers.
This game was the tale of two halves with the Tigers getting off to a hot start taking a 17-14 halftime lead and outgaining the Seminoles 293-213. LSU missed opportunities to extend that lead but failed to convert on fourth down twice in the red zone.
However, none of that would matter as Florida State dominated the second half scoring 31 points before allowing an LSU score.
“We have to do a much better job of developing our football team,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said. “I take full responsibility for our team not playing the kind of football I thought they would.”
LSU had no answer for Florida State’s passing attack led by quarterback Jordan Travis who completed 23 of 31 passes for 342 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. His favorite receiver on the night was none other than Louisiana native Keon Coleman who snagged nine catches for 122 yards and three touchdowns.
Although the total yardage was close with the Noles outgaining LSU 494-460, and first downs being tied at 22, Florida State was able to capitalize on timely plays far more often. LSU was 3-10 on third down and 0-3 on fourth down. Meanwhile, Florida State went 9-14 on third down and converted its lone fourth down try.
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels had more than 400 total yards in this game. He completed 22 of 37 passes for 347 yards with a touchdown and an interception including a 75-yard touchdown to receiver Brian Thomas with 1:15 left in the game. He also led the Tigers in rushing with 64 yards on 15 carries.
“Being the leader, the quarterback of the team, I've gotta get the guys going,” Daniels said. “I've got to set the urgency, and I've got to set the tempo.”
Thomas was LSU’s leading receiver with seven catches for 142 yards and the aforementioned touchdown.
Defensively, linebacker Omar Speights and safety Major Burns led the Tigers in tackles with eight each. LSU’s star linebacker Harold Perkins had five tackles and no quarterback hurries in his new middle linebacker role.
He's playing a position for the first time, so there's a learning curve there,” Kelly said of Perkins.
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