LSU freshman RB Kaleb Jackson levels defender with epic hit

Alex Weberby:Alex Weber09/16/23

During Saturday’s beatdown of Mississippi State, freshman Tiger running back Kaleb Jackson demolished a Bulldog defender as he ran for a first down.

With LSU up 34-7 and driving to try and increase their lead on the road, the true freshman Jackson got an opportunity to take some carries. On a second-and-11 run, Jackson stiffed arm an MSU defender, bounced to the outside and sprinted past the first down marker, where he trucked another Bulldog and went out of bounds.

Check out this gnarly run from the rookie:

Brian Kelly explains long touchdowns to Malik Nabers

LSU came out and absolutely handled Mississippi State in the first half, and Brian Kelly credits the Tiger offense for making plays against MSU’s aggressive defense.

At the half, Coach Kelly was asked about the connection between QB Jayden Daniels and top wideout Malik Nabers, who combined for two impressive scores in the first 30 minutes.

“Yeah, obviously we’re taking advantage of some, you know, one on one matchups,” answered the LSU coach, explaining how the Bulldog defense forced them to take some deep shots.

“They got over-aggressive on the last play. And, you know, you have to do this. It’s an aggressive defense and they’re giving us some one-on-one matchups.”

After Daniels passed for 255 yards in the first half, Brian Kelly vowed to run the ball more in the second half if Mississippi State adjusts the defense and drops more defenders back.

“We’re gonna start running the football too if they get into some double-zones.”

Lastly, despite the three-possession lead, Kelly was still upset over the touchdown drive and long run from Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks that the defense gave up late in the second quarter.

And you know, disappointed we gave up a long run on just a simple crack replace by our corner. We just got to do the little things the right way.”

Despite botching a fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with a false start, the Tigers have still managed to pour on points in a hurry.

“We’ve got off to a good start,” Kelly had told ESPN sideline reporter Katie George after the first quarter ended. “Obviously the penalty there on third down forces us to kick a field goal. Fourth down. That was unfortunate. I mean could go either way, but the guys are playing well.”