The LSU Tigers came into Arlington and handed it to the Miami Hurricanes early.
For the LSU Tigers, the first week of the season was a statement. As three-point underdogs, they strolled into AT&T Stadium and beat up on a top-10 team, despite The U’s last ditch efforts. The Tigers were dominant at times in their opening game on both sides of the ball. They held the Miami Hurricanes offense to two touchdowns and forced two turnovers. On offense, their running game was able to control play while the quarterback did just enough. Dave Aranda’s defense pinned their ears back and dialed up blitzes to rattle Malik Rosier early.
LSU has struggled with its quarterback play for what has felt like a very long time. With Ohio State transfer quarterback Joe Burrow under center, that may not be an issue much longer. Burrow, after a shaky start, settled in and was able to do much more than his pedestrian stat line shows. Despite finishing 11-for-24 with 140 yards and no touchdowns, he showed an understanding of a new offense and ability to make the smart play, time and time again.
The running game was there for the Tigers. Nick Brossette was one of three running backs to get carries but was clearly the best of the bunch. His two touchdowns and almost six yards per carry were keys to the Tigers victory.
On the other sideline, Miami’s quarterback Rosier unfortunately looked like the same player the country saw to end the 2017 campaign. Rosier hit two throws early and then was erratic at best the remainder of the night, despite a late surge by UM’s offense. He did score both of Miami’s touchdowns, including one on a designed run,. The quarterback showed the good side of his game with two nice deep throws, one being the team’s second score. His poise with the big deficit is certainly why Miami coach Mark Richt should stick with Rosier.
Sophomore receiver Jeff Thomas was the star offensively with over 100 receiving yards. Richt went to the deep ball often, Thomas’ bread and butter, but Rosier’s inconsistency with ball placement really showed. His two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, helped LSU develop its early lead.
The Tigers defense let up later in the game and gave fans a scare. Miami put up a fight with two consecutive touchdown drives in the middle of the second half, but Burrow and crew were able to grind the game down and methodically put it away. LSU’s defense did just enough to hold UM at bay. Talk of a down year for the Tigers was silenced and the team put up a confident opening performance for coach Ed Orgeron.
Here are three takeaways from the game:
3. LSU’s defense is dominant
Once again the LSU Tigers boast a physical, and fast defense that is capable of controlling games. The team is always known for its defense ,and this year looks like more of the same. Star linebacker Devin White and company shut down the Hurricanes in every facet.
Miami was unable to get anything going on the ground, even when trying to spread out the middle of the Tigers defense. When it looked like Miami was driving, LSU would step up and pressure Rosier. That constant pressure was a big part of the Tigers’ victory. With Rosier unable to unleash the deep shots that make the Hurricanes offense click, their game plan was stymied. They fought through injuries and put up an impressive performance.
2. Malik Rosier looks like the same player from a year ago
Miami relied on its defense and run game more than most realized a year ago during its 10-game winning streak. Rosier will always be remembered for two game-winning throws, but he was up and down most of the season. That was evident in the final three games, all Miami losses, when Rosier was erratic, inconsistent and turnover prone.
Tonight was more of the same from Rosier, who looked baffled by the Tigers defense most of the night. Facing pressure, he was always looking to tuck and run. When he did have time, Rosier uncorked balls all over the field, forcing the receivers to make impressive grabs just to bring them in. The second Miami touchdown and the play leading up to it were examples of the good Rosier where he threw two beautiful deep balls. The Hurricanes are at their best when the athletes that play the skill positions get the ball in their hands in space and make a play. But Rosier’s inconsistency can once again limit the team’s ceiling.
Miami was missing second string quarterback N’Kosi Perry, who was suspended for violating team rules. It is curious to think if Richt may have pulled Rosier if Perry was standing on the sideline after a terrible first half for the starter.
1. Nick Brossette is next in line at running back
Star in the making Brossette ran away with the running back job. LSU entered the game completely prepared to give three or four running backs carries in this game. Only Brossette, of the three, was able to find the end zone. His final stat line was 22 carries for 125 yards and two touchdowns. The LSU line opened up holes and Brossette showed excellent vision and burst to attack a fast Miami defense.
With qBurrow looking like exact type of quarterback this team needs to lead it going forward, Brossette is the next stud for the Tigers backfield. As a senior, he has been stuck behind Darius Guice, Darryl Williams and Leonard Fournette, all NFL running backs. This was his time to shine, and he made the most of it with a fantastic game and a big win.
This is a great start for an LSU team with playoff aspirations. A tough schedule lies ahead, but this game provided answers. Coach Ed Orgeron’s seat is cooler than ever.