Chad Jones returns a punt for a touchdown

The Mississippi State Bulldogs had a first and goal on the LSU 2 in the final two minutes trailing by six points. Two yards was just too many to gain for the Bulldogs as they were stuffed on 4th and goal at the one yard line, securing a victory for #7 LSU.

That wasn’t the first goal line stand of the season this year for the LSU defensive line. They had a goal line stop in their previous game vs. Louisiana-Lafayette.

The second big play was the 93 yard punt return for a TD by Safety/Pitcher/Punt Returner Chad Jones. Jones keeps making big plays for the Tigers. So far this season he has two Interceptions, a punt return for a TD and a deflection of Bulldogs QB Tyson Lee pass on 3rd down as part of the LSU’s goal line stand.

The other big plays came in the passing game for LSU. Jordan Jefferson connected with Brandon LaFell 6 times, including twice for touchdowns, one of 4 yards, the other of 58.

Aside from the big plays, LSU lost this game. A few notable numbers, LSU was outrushed 151-30, and LSU committed 8 penalties to MSU’s 2. The LSU defense failed to sack Lee and the LSU offense converted 2 of 13 opportunities on 3rd down.

This was an ugly game for LSU against a weak SEC opponent. LSU came into the game ranked #7, but with losses by #4 Ole Miss, #5 Penn State and #6 Cal, it’s possible LSU could move up to #4 in the country when the next AP Polls are released.

By no means is this team the 4th best team in the country. They may not be the fourth best team in their own conference! Florida, Alabama, Ole Miss and Georgia may all be stronger.

My concern with this team is the same as it has been all season; how effective will LSU’s offense be and is the defense good enough to bail out the less-than-elite offense. Also the Tigers need to get some consistency in the running game. They have plenty of weapons with Russell Sheppard, Trindon Holliday and workhorses Charles Scott and Keiland Williams.

LSU’s toughest game so far will be next Saturday vs. the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens. The previous LSU-UGA game in Georgia gives me chills just thinking about it. It was 2004, Bulldogs QB David Greene embarrassed the LSU defense and kick returner Xavier Carter took a knee on his own one yard line on a kick off as part of a 45-16 thumping.

LSU is 2-6 in their last 8 games vs. Georgia and haven’t defeated the Bulldogs in Georgia since 1987. LSU may be #4 in the country entering that game; but I will be concerned about an upset.