LSU coach looks to Sam Leavitt after loss: “Everybody wants to blame the quarterback”

Lane Kiffin isn’t putting LSU’s loss to Ole Miss solely on Sam Leavitt.

The Tigers fell 32-24 in Oxford on September 19, handing Kiffin his first loss as LSU’s head coach against his former program. Leavitt attracted plenty of criticism afterward, particularly for his struggles during the first half and his performance on LSU’s final possession.

On Thursday, Kiffin defended his quarterback during The Lane Kiffin Show, pointing instead to problems in front of him.

“Well, we’ve got to play more consistently in the offensive line. You know, in the pass protection, Everybody wants to blame the quarterback,” Kiffin said.

“But when the quarterback can’t set his feet, or he’s getting hit early, especially on the road in the SEC, you know, he’s not the first quarterback to have numbers like that.

“They happen. So, a lot of that’s what happens in front, so we can step into throws and make the throws, and so that’s part of it.”

That context mattered against Ole Miss. Leavitt completed 16 of 27 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown, while adding 63 rushing yards and another score. LSU trailed 24-7 at halftime before mounting a comeback and eventually tying the game.

The quarterback still had difficult moments. Late in the contest, Leavitt missed tight end Zach Grace near the goal line. A fourth-down pass was then tipped and intercepted, ending LSU’s opportunity to complete the comeback.

The criticism has been significant. Skip Bayless questioned Leavitt’s pocket play following the defeat, while ESPN’s Jordan Rodgers argued that the quarterback needed to get the ball out of his hands faster. Those comments have added to the attention surrounding LSU’s passing attack.

Kiffin wants more balance from LSU’s offense

Kiffin’s defense of Leavitt also comes as LSU works through a larger offensive problem. Entering Week 4, the Tigers had completed 65 of 104 passes, with Leavitt throwing five interceptions. Meanwhile, the running game had been much more productive, averaging 209.3 yards per game, 4.4 yards per carry and 10 rushing touchdowns.

Kiffin acknowledged the contrast. LSU supporters had spent much of the offseason asking him to improve the rushing attack, but the Tigers now need greater consistency through the air.

He said LSU must cut down on incompletions and make the passing game complement what has been an effective ground attack.

Leavitt’s season, however, can’t be judged entirely by his showing against Ole Miss. Against Clemson, he completed 16 of 28 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 113 yards and two scores in LSU’s 51-10 victory.

He also threw for 344 yards against Louisiana Tech, although three interceptions hurt his overall performance. His six rushing touchdowns have made his mobility an important part of LSU’s offensive identity.

On the other side, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss produced a standout performance in Oxford. He threw for 363 yards and two touchdowns before adding the decisive fourth-quarter rushing score. His ability to make timely throws and create plays with his legs helped the Rebels hold off LSU.

The Tigers now turn their attention to Texas A&M, with both teams entering the matchup at 2-1.