Grading LSU football after heartbreaking loss to USC in Las Vegas to open season
LAS VEGAS — LSU football had its chances against USC in the season opener at the Vegas Kickoff Classic in Allegiant Stadium.
The No. 12 Tigers (0-1) let a 17-13 fourth quarter led slip away as the No. 23 Trojans scored the go-ahead touchdown with eight seconds left to put the game on ice.
Here's how we graded the Tigers in the tough loss to the Trojans on Sunday night in Las Vegas.
LSU football offense: B-
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Garrett Nussmeier is going to be fine at quarterback. Kyren Lacy and Mason Taylor are going to have big years. The worry lies with LSU's run game and if there's enough for consistency there.
Defense: C+
LSU's defense looks to still be very much a work-in-progress under first-year defensive coordinator Blake Baker. Star linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. blitzing off the edge on third down is a plus, but the secondary still has holes and the defensive front struggles to apply consistent pressure.
Special Teams: B+
LSU caused a missed field goal as time expired in the first half. Freshman kicker Aeron Burrell also had a touchdown-saving tackle. Also, no muffed punts.
Coaching: B-
Going for it on fourth-and-goal on the first drive was a questionable call. Penalties were a massive issue for the Tigers, who racked up 10 for 99 yards.
Overall grade: B-
LSU couldn't string enough plays together and really couldn't get out of its own way. USC took advantage of several LSU miscues and it wasn't able to rebound.
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Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: LSU football report card: Did Tigers get a failing grade for USC loss?
