New coach, new athletic director, new quarterback, but same story for LSU (5-4, 2-4).
After two weeks of chaos off the field, LSU traveled to Tuscaloosa under new leadership Saturday to face off against Alabama (8-1, 6-0). LSU’s defense kept the game close, but in familiar fashion, LSU simply couldn’t get the ball in the endzone as the Tide rolled LSU 20-9.
LSU interim coach Frank Wilson appeared to pump some energy into the team early on, but it certainly wasn’t enough to overcome LSU’s offensive woes as the Tigers have yet to score more than 25 points in an FBS game this season.
"I told the team pick your heads up,” Wilson said. “You fought. You competed. There's no moral victory. But there is a lot to be said for how we played the game."
LSU was outgained 344-232 and failed to score a touchdown in four redzone visits.
Garrett Nussmeier started at quarterback, but for the first time in his career, did not get to finish. Looking at his statline alone will leave you curious as to why.
Nussmeier completed 18 of his 21 passes for 121 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
However, there was visible frustration from coaches at his lack of pocket maneuverability and ability to read the field and find open receivers. He took two sacks, including one very costly sack in the redzone.
So LSU turned to backup quarterback Michael Van Buren who added an element of mobility.
However, just like with the coaching changes, the results were the same.
Van Buren completed five of his 11 passes for 52 yards and mustered just three points in his four drives.
Their favorite target was Zavion Thomas with five catches for 49 yards.
Among the lone bright spots for LSU’s offense was freshman running back Harlem Berry with 66 yards on 12 carries.
Defensively, LSU did all it was capable of to slow Alabama’s dynamic passing attack, limiting quarterback Ty Simpson to 21-35 for 277 yards and a touchdown.
Harold Perkins was the leading tackler with 9 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
