Everything Lane Kiffin Said About LSU's Slow Start in Win vs. Louisiana Tech

LSU coach Lane Kiffin wasn't happy with his team's slow start to a Saturday matchup against Louisiana Tech.

The Tigers went into halftime with just a three-point lead over the Bulldogs before pulling away in the final two quarters of a 45-14 win.

"Turn the ball over four times in the game... really disappointing, there," Kiffin told reporters after Saturday's win. "Credit to LA Tech. Those guys did a really good job defensively, of playing really hard."

Kiffin continued, "We've got to execute better. Sam's got to do a better job of taking care of the ball."

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt led the Tigers on a field goal and touchdown drive in the first quarter before losing control of a disastrous second.

Wide receiver Tre Wilson III lost a fumble on the first offensive drive of the quarter. Leavitt ended LSU's next three possessions with a trio of interceptions, one of which was returned for a 100-yard pick six.

"It's hard, because he's very competitive," Kiffin said about Leavitt. "You can see that, in some plays, trying too much there because we're not doing well."

When asked what his message to the locker room would be at halftime, Kiffin said, "Taking care of the ball on offense."

LSU outscored the visitors 35-7 in the second quarter to close out the victory. Leavitt finished the game having gone 25-for-38 with 344 passing yards and four total touchdowns to go along with the three interceptions.

"Maybe it was perfect for us, that we needed something like that, because if we played good on offense, and the game was 70-7 or something, then we don't have their attention," Kiffin said. "So, maybe it's what we needed. And we're in a good place.

"We're winning by 31 points and we're really upset. We've got a good standard going... second half was 35-7. That's a lot of people doing things right."

LSU has just one week to bounce back from Saturday's shaky start before one of the biggest matchups of the season.

The Tigers are slated to face Ole Miss, Kiffin's former program and their first SEC opponent of the season, on the road next Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.