LSU vs South Alabama Week 5 Review

Erik Trosclair • September 30, 2024

Let's get into it!

The Tigers had a confidence boosting win Saturday. Let's talk about it.


The Tigers received the opening kickoff in this one, and on the 1st play from scrimmage, Caden Durham took a 71 yard catch to the house. LSU 7-0. South Alabama punts on their opening possession. On the Tigers next possession, Caden Durham breaks off an 86 yard run, and Garrett Nussmeier took it in from 1 yard out on the next play. LSU 14-0. South Alabama has a 3 and out. LSU goes on an excellent 11 play 79 yard drive that was capped off by a Caden Durham 8 yard rush. LSU 21-0. South Alabama puts together a 10 play 44 yard drive that was capped off by a 49 yard field goal. LSU 21-3. LSU goes on a 5 play 60 yard drive; Garrett Nussmeier takes it in from 5 yards out for a score. LSU 28-3. Both teams punt on their next possession. South Alabama punts again. LSU goes on a 4 play 69 yard drive, and Nussmeier finds Aaron Anderson for a 23 yard touchdown reception. LSU 35-3. South Alabama punts, LSU throws an interception, and the clock runs out on South Alabama to end the 1st half. South Alabama puts together a 9 play 75 yard drive to open the 2nd half that was capped off by an Anthony Eager 27 yard touchdown reception. LSU 35-10. LSU was putting together a nice drive to open the 2nd half before Garrett Nussmeier was intercepted by Jaden Voisin. South Alabama puts together a very good drive, but LSU has a goal line stand. LSU puts together a great 12 play 99 yard drive that was capped off by a Josh Williams 10 yard touchdown run. LSU 42-10. The teams trade punts on their following possessions. South Alabama turns it over on downs. The clock runs out on LSU's next possession. Tigers W! LSU 42 - South Alabama 10.


TAKEAWAYS


- This defense really played an impressive game. These guys looked motivated and ready to rock and roll out there. It was refreshing to see this.

- Garrett Nussmeier is having an excellent season. Nuss is currently 4th in the nation in passing yards, 2nd in QBR, and 3rd in TD passes.

- Caden Durham will be fun to watch for the next few years. This guy is a true playmaker. It was great to see his number get called time after time in this game.

- Wide receivers Aaron Anderson and Kyren Lacy are having solid seasons. Both of these guys are in the top 45 in the country in receiving yards.

- Bradyn Swinson and Saiv'ion Jones are still in the top 10 in the nation in sacks this season.

- This was a perfect game to take the Tigers into the bye week.


AWARDS

- Offensive MVP - Caden Durham - 217 yards from scrimmage and 2 TDs as a true freshman is awesome!

- Defensive MVP - Greg Penn III - 14 total tackles on the night. After so many questions surrounded this linebacker room, it was great to see!


LSU is heading into the bye week on a high note.


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Tulane Green Wave PWO Commit: Brett Paukstis

By Patrick Harkness • July 30, 2026
Class of 27 QB Brett Paukstis 6-0/185 Washington, DC He trains with QB Factory and is positioned for a big senior year that could elevate his stock further. Arm Talent & Passing Ability (Strong for regional level): Paukstis possesses legitimate arm talent with velocity, spin, and the ability to drive throws downfield (including 50+ yard air yards). He makes all the throws, short, intermediate, and deep, with good touch and anticipation. Off-platform accuracy stands out; he can throw receivers open while scrambling or from awkward arm angles. Ball placement is precise, and he layers passes over defenders effectively. Accuracy & Mechanics: High completion rate (mid-to-high 60s) reflects sound mechanics, timing, and decision-making. Quick release and consistent footwork allow him to get the ball out cleanly. He goes through progressions with high football IQ and makes correct reads quickly. Velocity and arm strength continue to improve. Mobility & Playmaking: True playmaker who keeps plays alive when protection breaks down. Excels extending downs outside the pocket, using mobility to create space before delivering accurate downfield throws. Capable of off-platform creativity and arm strength on the run. Not a designed-run heavy QB but adds a valuable dimension through scrambles and creating opportunities in high-leverage moments. Decision-Making, Poise & Leadership: Poised and confident in the pocket with excellent command of the offense. High football IQ, precise decisions, and the ability to spread the ball around. Described as a great leader who elevates those around him; two-time All-Conference performer who has “breathed life” into the program through production and intangibles. Low turnover stretches (e.g., zero in key late-season games) show growth. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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Transfer Portal Spotlight: Dawson Johnson

By Patrick Harkness • July 30, 2026
TE Dawson Johnson- ODU @DawsonLJ_ 
Dawson Johnson fits Tulane as a 6’3”, 230-pound modern hybrid tight end with proven college receiving production, reliable hands and route-running, functional blocking, and positional versatility (inline, slot, H-back) who immediately adds depth, competition, and mismatch upside to a depleted TE room alongside Vance Bolyard. 
He’s a redshirt sophomore transfer from Old Dominion (Sun Belt) who committed on January 9, 2026, via the portal (entered late December 2025). Originally a three-star high school recruit out of Cherry Creek HS (Englewood/Denver, CO), he signed with Florida as a true freshman (2024, redshirted with no appearances) before moving to ODU. He has three years of eligibility remaining (#19). 
Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit: Tulane’s offense (under head coach Will Hall) emphasizes tight ends who can contribute in 12 personnel packages, sealing edges in the run game while creating mismatches in the passing game through play-action, bootlegs, and option routes. Johnson is an ideal modern hybrid fit 
• Movement and receiving traits: Smooth mover for his size with good speed to threaten vertically, reliable hands on short-to-intermediate concepts (stick routes, seams), and the ability to flex out or operate in space as a chain-mover and safety valve. Early ODU usage (including a TD vs. ranked James Madison) highlighted his comfort getting open quickly against linebackers. 
• Blocking and physicality: Willing, technically sound functional blocker who’s not yet a dominant in-line mauler but stays on the field in multiple groupings, perfect for supporting Tulane’s run game while developing into a complete TE. 
• Versatility and intangibles: High football IQ (346 offensive snaps as a redshirt freshman) and multi-positional value (inline/slot/H-back). Comes from an athletic family (brothers played D1 lacrosse/football). Tulane targeted portal TEs with immediate production potential to complement bigger in-line types like Bolyard. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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