LSU needs to find more improvement with trip to Starkville this week

It was a solid performance, acceptable to more than acceptable on many levels. The fact that LSU beat Grambling State 72-10 is no surprise whatsoever since this battle of Tigers was never going to be one.

Early on, there was still some apprehension on behalf of LSU fans, watching Grambling operate at a rapid pace with success and move the ball against LSU.

After one quarter, it was 14-10 LSU while Grambling had amassed 163 yards on scoring drives of 83 yards in seven plays for a touchdown and 80 yards in 12 plays for a field goal.

The defensive play of LSU was poor while the offensive play of the Bengal Tigers was excellent.

The second part of the equation continued throughout the game. The first part of that equation changed.

LSU pitched a shutout the rest of the way, allowing just 157 yards to Grambling after the discouraging start.

Jayden Daniels was simply outstanding, as his 18-of-24 for 269 yards and five touchdown and five carries for 29 yards performance indicated. Garrett Nussmeier got playing time and was solid and freshman Rickie Collins got a few snaps and completed both of his pass attempts.

LSU committed no turnovers and forced a pair of turnovers.

The presence of Logan Diggs was a welcome sight and a clear boost to the LSU run game.

Diggs has the size, speed and power that other Tiger backs lack. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield.

With John Emery set to return, LSU has a pair of backs that have the measurables and the ability to make the plays needed to win SEC games.

Diggs and Emery are the most talented backs.

Kaleb Jackson has a very good future. He may be the third best of a crowded lot at the position already. Like Diggs and Emery, he has the size and speed to make a difference.

That is not to slight Josh Williams, Noah Cain, Tre Bradford or even Trey Holly.

Zy Alexander had a solid game in the secondary with six votes and defended a pair of passes. The secondary remains a primary concern moving forward. True freshman Ashton Stamps could figure prominently moving forward.

A concern had to be the pass rush, which produced just one sack against an overmatched Grambling offensive line.

The Tigers must find a way to get Harold Perkins going.

In two games, Perkins has just six tackles, two passes defensed and no sacks.

Perkins was as difference maker a year ago and LSU needs him to be a difference now.

Maason Smith returned Saturday. He was in on one tackle. His presence will help in the rotation but he must be more of a force.

Mississippi State lurks this coming Saturday in Starkville.

The Bulldogs won 31-24 in overtime over a mediocre Arizona team this past weekend. Mississippi State forced five turnovers.

Will Rogers passed for three touchdowns and Jo’Quavious Marks rushed 24 times for 123 yards and a touchdown. Lideatrick Griffin had five catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Former St. James star Shawn Preston Jr. was a standout on defense with seven tackles, a forced fumble and an interception.

The Wildcats gashed the Mississippi State defense for 431 total yards, including 340 yards passing.

The Bulldogs were penalized nine times for 90 yards.

LSU heads to Starkville as a 9.5 point favorite in the 11 a.m. brunch special contest.

The Tigers have won their last two games in Starkville and LSU has won 10 of the last 11 games at Davis Wade Stadium.

We are still not sure just who this LSU team is or what it can be.

What we do know is that Florida State was better than LSU and the Seminoles are a genuine national championship contender.

We know that Alabama is again beatable and that the SEC West is not that good. Ole Miss is solid but beatable. Texas A&M lost at Miami. Arkansas and Auburn are solid but beatable. Mississippi State is in the same boat.

The Tigers must generate a pass rush and must improve in the secondary.

If those things occur, LSU has a real shot at repeating as SEC West champion but that cannot happen without a win at Mississippi State.