| LSU fans, how are you feeling about your Tigers two weeks into the 2021 campaign? The Tigers picked up a 34-7 victory over McNeese State in the home opener at Tiger Stadium, but it’s hard to see the faithful being at ease with the state of the team following Saturday’s game. A dominant performance was a step forward for the defense, holding McNeese to just 1.7 yards a play in the first half. The LSU defense didn’t take it easy on McNeese State and QB Cody Orgeron, son of the one and only Ed Orgeron. The Cowboys mustered 142 yards total and LSU tallied eight sacks of Orgeron. On offense, there were no real signs of progress following the season-opening 38-27 loss at UCLA. A 306-yard showing against FCS competition is nothing to brag about. The offensive line was playing without three starters, and their absence was obvious with McNeese State getting pressure on QB Max Johnson at various points throughout the game. As a whole, LSU took the field without a whopping 22 players. Quarterback Myles Brennan was out there chunking the ball around prior to the game, but there’s no telling when he’ll return to the fold. Ed Orgeron’s squad will play another non-conference game at Tiger Stadium next week, but it will be a significant step up in competition against Central Michigan, which is 1-1. The Chippewas gave Missouri issues in a 34-24 win for Mizzou to open the season. If Orgeron is to keep his job, he’ll have to have a much improved squad headed into the SEC slate, which starts at Mississippi State on Sept. 25. It’s fair to assume several of the players who sat out Saturday will return, but will that be enough to beat the currently undefeated Bulldogs (2-0)? Here's a rundown of all our coverage of Saturday's game against McNeese State. THREE TAKEAWAYS: There were signs of progress against McNeese State, but there was one red alert that was flashing throughout the course of the game. SCOTT RABALAIS: With its offensive line struggling, the foundation of success for the LSU football team is in danger of crumbling quickly. DEFENSE GIVES SOME CAUSE FOR HOPE: Wilson Alexander goes in-depth about the underlying issues that showed themselves during Saturday's win. THE DEFENSE BOUNCES BACK: Sheldon Mickles highlights the obvious bright spot for LSU leaving Saturday night's home opener in Baton Rouge. ESPN GAMEDAY CREW UNIMPRESSED WITH LSU: The ESPN Gameday crew did not hold back in their criticisms of LSU headed into Saturday's game against McNeese State. They were clearly uimpressed by what they saw in the opener against LSU. Next up, Central Michigan. Have a nice Sunday! | 
