LSU lucky to escape South Carolina, but Tigers facing deeper disconnect: What's not adding up?

The Tigers will be glad to get out of Columbia with a win, but something's not right with Brian Kelly's program

By John Talty Sep 14, 2024 at 8:42 pm ET• 4 min read

If all that matters is the final score, LSU did what it had to.

LSU beat South Carolina, 36-33, and is still very much in the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff hunt. 

If we're allowed to dig a little deeper, there are quite a few reasons to be concerned about the Tigers' outlook for the remainder of the 2024 season. 

LSU survived more than anything against South Carolina, bailed out by multiple questionable officiating calls and Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers not playing in the second half because of an ankle injury. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is very lucky that two pick-sixes got called back because of penalties, the second an especially egregious interception in the red zone when the Tigers were still down four points.

Everyone knew the offense would take a step back this season without Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, but the offensive play-calling and decision-making against South Carolina left a lot to be desired. Never was that more apparent than on a second-half 1st-and-goal on South Carolina's two-yard line that resulted in zero points.