By: Colton Towns
(Photo/Joseph Chinn-The Mojo Network)
No. 8 LSU improved to 2-0 on the season Saturday night, defeating Louisiana Tech 45-14 in front of more than 102,000 fans inside Tiger Stadium. While the final score looked like a comfortable victory, the Tigers had to overcome a frustrating first half before taking control after halftime.
LSU jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, but the offense struggled to find its rhythm from there. Quarterback Sam Leavitt threw three interceptions, including a 100-yard pick-six by Louisiana Tech's Jordan McRae that brought the Bulldogs within three points. LSU carried a 10-7 lead into halftime despite the offensive struggles.
Whatever was said in the LSU locker room at halftime clearly worked.
Leavitt bounced back from his early struggles in a big way. The LSU quarterback finished with 344 passing yards and a touchdown through the air while adding three rushing touchdowns. His ability to make plays with his legs became a major difference-maker as the Tigers took control in the second half.
Trey'Dez Green was another standout for LSU, finishing with six receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. Dilin Jones led the Tigers on the ground with 66 rushing yards.
While the offense had its struggles, LSU's defense once again showed why it could be one of the team's biggest strengths this season. The Tigers held Louisiana Tech to just 140 total yards, including negative three rushing yards, while recording seven sacks and forcing three turnovers.
The victory keeps LSU undefeated heading into what could be the most emotional game of the season.
Next Saturday, Lane Kiffin will return to Oxford for the first time as LSU's head coach when the Tigers travel to take on his former team, the Ole Miss Rebels.
After dominating Clemson in Week 1 and surviving a scare from Louisiana Tech in Week 2, LSU now heads into Oxford at 2-0 with one of the biggest games of the young college football season waiting on the other side.