LSU Defeats Towson, 38-22: Fan's Reaction

The No. 3 LSU Tigers defeated Towson, 38-22, on Sept. 29 at Tiger Stadium.

LSU Sloppy, Uninspired Early

In soggy conditions, the LSU Tigers did not appear to want to win the game as much as the FCS Towson Tigers. Early on in the contest, the difference in effort really showed when Towson took a 9-7 lead in the second quarter after a fumble by LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger gave Towson the ball in LSU territory. Our Tigers scored the next 24 points in the game to put it out of reach. However, LSU was sloppy in the game, fumbling five times (most LSU fumbles since 1997) and losing three fumbles. The struggles in the red zone continued for LSU with two touchdowns in four trips and another turnover. The Tigers also committed 10 penalties for 69 yards against Towson, which marks the second straight game with 9+ penalties for at least 69 yards for LSU. If the voters decide to drop LSU again after this performance, it would be hard to blame them for it.

LSU Defense Gives Up Most Points Of 2012

The LSU defense surrendered more points against Towson than in any of its other games this season. The Tigers also gave up 4.0 yards per play and 188 yards rushing to Towson. LSU had only given up 227 rushing yards through the first four games of the season. While the Tigers did get to Towson dual-threat quarterback Grant Enders for three sacks, Enders led Towson with 86 rushing yards and he threw a touchdown pass.

LSU Offense Finishes Strong After Slow Start

After scoring two touchdowns and a field goal on their first 11 drives, the LSU offense finished with three straight touchdown drives before two kneel downs to run out the clock. LSU was 0-for-6 on third downs in the first half but was 5-of-6 on third downs in the second half. While it was good to see the offense bounce back after the turnovers, it is too late in the season to be trying to clean up the mistakes. In addition, the LSU starters had to play for far too long in a game that should have been decided at halftime. LSU cannot afford to start slow on offense any more with only SEC competition remaining on the schedule.

As an LSU fan, I don't want to doubt the Tigers, but the flat performance against Towson makes me nervous about the rest of the season.

More from Patrick Johnston:

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LSU to play TCU at Cowboys Stadium to start 2013 season

Source:

Stats from LSU Sports.net