by Dylan Brossette (Special to ESPN 1420)

Okay everybody, hold your horses. Yes, our beloved Tigers thrashed the consument little brother at home Saturday night and crept back into the top 25, but I’m not yet fully sold on this team following their 41-3 dismantling of the Kentucky Wildcats.

Go ahead. Call me crazy. However, two wins over subpar opponents do not have me convinced the Tigers are still fulfilling their potential to this point—although after the way Texas A&M was throttled by Alabama, the Tigers and Aggies may be more evenly matched than I originally believed.

After what numerous on-lookers believed to be the beginning of a new season for Leonard Fournette last week at Florida, (myself included, guiltily) the diaper dandy came back to Earth this week with a mere 40 yards on 15 carries. No worries, Leonard, they won’t all be gems. I still think you’re going to be the answer going forward. Honestly, Fournette’s contributions last week, to me, validate his hype as a true freshman.

The resurgence of the Tiger defense is what I’m hoping will carry them going forward, as the unit was brilliant for the second straight week in the wake of another weak offensive showing that boasted only one highlight with Terrance Magee’s 127 yards.

The defense limited the Wildcats to 217 total yards, and Jermauria Rasco has, for the first time in his career it seems like, strung together two fabulous games from his defensive end spot. It should also be noted that Kendall Beckwith recorded a team-high 9 tackles in the game, jumping to fourth on the team. The pieces are finally there on defense, though I hope they weren’t constructed too late in the season.

That brings me to my original point. With the inconsistent performances at running back, consistently bad quarterback play and a defense being forced to quickly gel together, are the Tigers strong enough to run the table to close out the year?

Survey says no, although plenty of people are saying yes. I think ‘Bama is going to be too strong for the Tigers this season, and Ole Miss looks like they won’t lose until sometime next year. Did I say I’m really, really excited for the Egg Bowl this year? Because I am.

Arkansas and A&M look like toss-ups at this point, but wunderkind Kenny Hill has shown he can dominate games when he’s in his element.

I don’t want everyone to think I’m down on LSU because it’s fashionable right now. It’s just that there have been times when they have looked really, really bad in SEC play, and the prospects of the light coming on in the next stretch of games seems like a far reach. I honestly do hope I’m wrong and these Tigers can find a way to break through barriers and finish on a high note.

LSU hasn’t won my trust back quite yet. They’re getting there. Ole Miss is going to be the bar by which the rest of this season is measured for me. Right now I will take solace in being bowl eligible, and will savor each win going forward.

 

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