Tigers Bounce Back Against Vandy Win 41-7

LSU came into the game looking to bounce back after a record setting loss. Vanderbilt was looking to prove that their defensive showing last week against Texas A&M was not merely a fluke. The Tigers have not lost back-to-back games since 1991, and have won 8 consecutive games against the Commodores coming into tonight’s game.

The Commodores received the opening kick-off, and went three and out. The Tigers defense looked completely different from last weeks. Having a certain defensive back in the #24 jersey seems to make everybody on defense play loser and with more confidence.

Photo credit SEC media

Defensive ends Ali Gaye and Andre Anthony harassed Vanderbilt quarterback Ken Seals all night. Flushing Seals from the pocket multiple times, causing several hurries on the quarterback and getting a sack as well.

On offense for the Tigers, quarterback Myles Brennan continues to build on his decision making skills. Brennan looked more confident in the pocket tonight as he was able to get his passes off quicker than last week, and connect with his receivers. Brennan finished the night 23/37 for 337 yards with 4 TDs and 1 interception. The play of the offensive line also had something to do with this. They gave up zero sacks tonight, and allowed Brennan to move around in the pocket.

Running back John Emery had a career rushing night. “We’re going to go with the running back with the hot hand,” said Ed Orgeron earlier in the week. It appears that Emery definitely had the hot hand rushing for 103 yards on 12 carries and a score. Also averaging over eight and a half yards a carry.

Wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. continues to shine. Marshall had two touchdowns on two receptions and 67 yards receiving on the night. Including a slant that Marshall took for 51 yards after the catch and score.

The Tigers controlled this game from the very get go. Scoring on drives in less than two minutes, and then when they needed to slow things down, they were able to run the ball with success.

Defensively the Tigers were a different team than last week. Having Derek Stingley on the field seemed to help make a difference. Jacoby Stevens put the secondary on “punishment” this whole week as well. “I put us all on punishment,” Stevens said. “We were on punishment for how we performed last Saturday, and it worked out.” They weren’t allowed to watch any football, not even Monday night. Just the film for the Vanderbilt game.

Elias Ricks had his second interception on the year, but with the poor performance last week, Jacoby Stevens had some words for the young safety. “This interception counts,” said Stevens. “The last one didn’t count because of how bad we played. So now we can celebrate Eli’s first career interception.”