FORMER LSU PLAYER WARNS LEAVITT COULD COST TIGERS SEASON

No. 11-ranked LSU beat the McNeese Cowboys 63-14 on Saturday, with head coach Lane Kiffin declining officials' offer to shorten the second half, a report said. The Tigers scored at least 14 points in every quarter as quarterback Sam Leavitt delivered an efficient performance. Former LSU and Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko said afterwards on social media that Leavitt's play would cost LSU its season at some point. Fehoko, who was part of LSU's 2019 national championship team, has criticised Leavitt's quarterback play several times this season.

Fehoko's criticism began after LSU's 45-14 win over Louisiana Tech, in which Leavitt threw three interceptions, including one returned 100 yards for a touchdown, as LSU conceded four turnovers in the first half. He also threw for 344 yards and four touchdowns, three of them rushing, in that game. Before LSU's loss to the Ole Miss Rebels, Fehoko said he had seen enough of Leavitt's play to predict he would cost LSU games this season, and suggested LSU give Landen Clark playing time instead. He also compared Leavitt to quarterback John Mateer, saying he showed the same passing errors he had shown at Arizona State.

Leavitt's form improved in LSU's 35-6 win over Texas A&M, completing 17 of 23 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns, while receiver Jackson Harris caught six passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns. LSU's win over McNeese followed on Saturday, with Kiffin choosing to play on at full strength rather than accept officials' offer to shorten the second half. Leavitt remains LSU's starting quarterback heading into further Southeastern Conference fixtures, with no change at the position reported. Fehoko has questioned whether Leavitt's passing can hold up against stronger opponents later in the season.