Week 9 SEC Football Letter Grades: LSU Through Oklahoma
By Tucker Harlin
LSU: C-
Brian Kelly was once again a deer in headlights in LSU’s 38-23 loss at Texas A&M.
LSU led 17-7 at half.
The Tigers scored their first touchdown on a 21-yard drive set up by a fumble recovery. The second touchdown was a highlight reel catch and run from wide receiver Aaron Anderson, one of the prettiest looking plays you’ll see from a receiver all season.
Too bad it was all for nothing.
Texas A&M made a quarterback change three possessions into the third quarter and LSU made zero adjustments. Texas A&M only threw the ball twice with Marcel Reed and the Tigers had no answer for it.
Offensively, the line caved in and allowed a pair of sacks while Garrett Nussmeier threw three interceptions.
LSU is more than capable of bouncing back with the remainder of the schedule, but the loss of an opportunity to take the lead in the SEC standings stings.
MISSISSIPPI STATE: F
Look, I’ve been kind to Mississippi State in most of these SEC letter grades but I just can’t this week. This bunch is spirited for how bad this season has gone, but Jeff Lebby needs at least another season to get the program on the right track.
Outside of an interception when it trailed by 24, Mississippi State couldn’t stop the Arkansas offense.
The Bulldogs allowed the Razorbacks to score on all but three possessions, one of which was in the closing minutes of the game. They were dominated both on the ground and in the air as Arkansas had over 300 yards both passing and running the football.
The offense is still playing loose, but turning the ball over five times comes with a cost.
MISSOURI: F
It was hard to envision a positive outcome when Brady Cook was at best going to suit up at 35% for Mizzou.
The Tigers did their best on defense in the first half, but the seal is going to break if the offense is unproductive. That’s exactly what happened in the second half of the 34-0 loss.
Drew Pyne was the quarterback when Mizzou made its only red zone trip of the afternoon, which of course was in the closing minutes of the game.
You know you’re down bad when your coach is running his mouth at opposing players and telling them the situation would be a lot better if he had his quarterback.
OKLAHOMA: C
The Sooners were in the fight for at least three quarters at Ole Miss, something they didn’t come close to against Texas or South Carolina.
Jackson Arnold is obviously the best choice at quarterback and the Oklahoma defense continues to showcase itself as the strongest part of the team.
Unfortunately for the Sooners, problems that weren’t quarterback play were present on offense. The offensive line surrendered 10 sacks in Oxford, something you only see from the very worst offensive lines.
The Sooners didn’t have an offensive possession that went for more than seven yards in the second half, something you can’t afford when leading by a score on the road at halftime.
The road to 6-6 is an uphill climb in Norman.
