Five takeaways from LSU football's Week 2 win over Louisiana Tech

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LSU football beat Louisiana Tech 45-14 on Saturday night. The Tigers' offense played an ugly first half, but LSU figured things out and pulled away in the second half.

LSU finished the game with 528 yards of total offense, while holding Louisiana Tech to just 140. LSU's defense was dominant, as Louisiana Tech was just three of 14 on third down and had -3 yards rushing thanks to yards lost on sacks.

The score would have been more lopsided if LSU didn't turn the ball over four times. The most crucial turnover was a pick-six thrown by Sam Leavitt as LSU was inside the Louisiana Tech five. That turned out to be a 14-point swing. If LSU scores there, this game ends something like 52-7.

A trip to Ole Miss awaits LSU in Week 3, but first, let's look at five takeaways from LSU's Week 2 win.

LSU QB Sam Leavitt was inconsistent

It wasn't the cleanest night for LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt. Leavitt threw three picks and has now thrown four interceptions through his first two games in an LSU uniform. LSU's passing game struggled to find a rhythm in the first half. Leavitt made some questionable decisions and the unit looked disjointed.

However, Leavitt settled in and finished the game with 344 passing yards while averaging 9.1 yards per attempt. Despite the three interceptions, PFF only credited Leavitt with three turnover-worthy plays.

There are some questions about LSU's run game

Much like the passing game, the LSU run game struggled in the first half before eventually figuring it out in the second half. Adjusting for sack yards, LSU ran the ball for over 200 yards. Dilin Jones led the way with 18 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown. Sam Leavitt carried it six times for 50 yards.

But in the first half, LSU only averaged 3.37 yards per carry. Head coach Lane Kiffin talked about it after the game, blaming LSU's red zone struggles on the Tigers' inability to run the ball.

A lack of a run game killed LSU's offense in 2025. Fixing it was the top priority for Kiffin and staff upon arriving in Baton Rouge. The unit looked good vs. Clemson in Week 1, but Louisiana Tech's aggressive defense proved to be a challenge. LSU can expect Ole Miss to try some of the same looks that Louisiana Tech offered.

Defensive tackle Deuce Geralds looks like a future star

True freshman defensive tackle Deuce Geralds had a night. Geralds has generated buzz since arriving on campus in the winter. Early on, it was clear the talented lineman would make an immediate impact. The talent was on display Saturday.

Over the first two weeks, PFF grades Geralds as the No. 4-rated defensive tackle in the SEC. Geralds racked up four pressures, a sack, and forced a fumble vs. Louisiana Tech. Yes, it was a lesser opponent, but Geralds looks to have the size and speed to compete in the SEC. Expect a big year from the true freshman.

Trey'Dez Green has a chance to be a 1,000-yard pass catcher

After a 106-yard performance, LSU tight end Trey'Dez Green looks to have a shot at a 1,000-yard season. Green is the best player on this offense, and his target share will reflect that. When LSU needs a first down, it looks for Green. When LSU needs to kick-start the offense, it looks for Green. When LSU is in the red zone, it looks for Green.

Per PFF, Green is the No. 8-rated WR/TE in the SEC through the first two weeks. He's caught 10 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. Green is a matchup nightmare for defenders. There's only a handful of defenders in the country with the physical tools to cover LSU's 6-foot-7 tight end.

The LSU defense is elite

Through the first two weeks of 2026, LSU has only allowed 285 yards of total offense. It's hard to imagine a more dominant start for Blake Baker's defense.

On Saturday, LSU held Louisiana Tech to an EPA/play of -0.65 and a success rate of 18%. Both are among the best marks ever posted by an LSU defense.

LSU is playing elite football on all three levels of the defense. Up front, Princewill Umanmielen is leading an uber productive defensive line. TJ Dottery and Whit Weeks are elite at the linebacker position. In the secondary, LSU has a plethora of stars with Ty Benefield, DJ Pickett, and PJ Woodland.

LSU will be tested at Ole Miss, but so far, so good for Blake Baker's unit.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Five takeaways from LSU football's Week 2 win over Louisiana Tech

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