Game MVP: LSU vs Clemson

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LSU had the most impressive win of Week 1, and a lot of people are starting to shift their narratives about how good the Tigers are and how good this team can potentially be after the showcase against Clemson. There are a lot of players who need to be highlighted after a performance like that, but instead of having just one game MVP, there had to be two.

Defensive MVP:

Jordan Ross was the defensive game MVP.

Ross came to LSU after a lackluster start at Tennessee. The former five-star high school prospect was beginning to be viewed as a potential flop, and even throughout camp, there were some starting to say that maybe Dylan Carpenter could be pressing Ross for the starting defensive end spot opposite Princewill Umanmielen.

Ross came out in Week 1 and quickly lived up to the expectations. Ross finished with four total tackles, two solo tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and a pick-six that set off the Richter scale on campus.

Ross was electric, and his play was rewarded by being named SEC Defensive Player of the Week. Having a player of Ross’ caliber will only unlock this defense even further.

Offensive MVP:

The offensive game MVP was quarterback Sam Leavitt.

Leavitt did have a slow start, beginning the opening drive with an interception, but he finished the game so strong. Leavitt went on to lead LSU to 44 unanswered points while finishing with 230 passing yards, 113 rushing yards and three total touchdowns before leaving the game midway through the third quarter.

Leavitt was also honored with being named as the SEC Offensive player of the week.

Leavitt showcased exactly why he was the No. 1 quarterback in the portal and answered any doubts surrounding his injury. Leavitt was not holding back at all to protect his foot and had no hesitation when making decisions about when, or if, he should leave the pocket. He was making people miss in space and was able to break away from defenders as well.

Now, the passing game needs to improve a little. The timing with the receivers and the dropped passes have to be corrected, but all of those things should get better as this group plays together more at game speed.

The fact that Leavitt has the special ability to be a difference-maker in the running game when the passing lanes are not available adds another dimension to this offense. LSU has not had a quarterback with this type of dynamic playmaking ability since the last Arizona State quarterback transferred to Baton Rouge a little less than five seasons ago.

LSU has Louisiana Tech next, and it will be interesting to see how Lane Kiffin and his staff approach this game. Will they play the starters a heavy dose based on a predetermined amount of time, or are they looking for certain plays to be made and areas to improve before they feel comfortable pulling the starters?

Who are your MVPs of this game? What do you think the plan will be going into the Louisiana Tech game? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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