2. Scrutiny for the running game

The other big question entering the game: Would LSU be committed to running the ball and how effective would the Tigers be? It was clear from the start LSU put an emphasis on running more. Nussmeier had 21 pass attempts at halftime and LSU had 18 running plays. Ju’Juan Johnson’s fumble at the South Carolina goal line for a touchback was a glaring error, but the Tigers did manage a season-high 166 yards rushing on 30 attempts. Nussmeier took a knee twice at the end of the game.

3. And the defense?

The Tigers were mostly in bend-but-don’t-break mode except for a huge bust in the first quarter, when South Carolina running back Matt Fuller broke contain on a 72-yard touchdown run. But the Tigers also kept Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers under constant pressure, forced him into two turnovers, two intentional grounding passes and held the rope until the LSU offense could get its act together with a big Nussmeier-to-Kyle Parker touchdown pass in the third quarter.