What was an ugly season for LSU came to an ugly end Tuesday night at the Texas Bowl.
Kansas State jumped to a 21-0 lead and never looked back. It was not a good night for LSU at any stage of the game.
But to be fair, with all the roster issues LSU is experiencing, no one expected it to happen. The offense never got any momentum, the defense couldn't get off the ground and even the special teams made some big returns.
Kansas State, on the other hand, clicked it. Quarterback Skylar Thompson had one of the best games of his career and Deus Vaughan once again went over 100 yards. On defense, Kansas State was able to force some turnovers that also set up some scores.
It was not just LSU's roster, but their coaching staff as well. LSU tonight had to rely on analysts and graduate assistants to keep a full staff in Houston.
In many ways, it was the end of an era for LSU as they would now try and put the ugliness of the last two years behind them. The next time they take the field, they will be led by Brian Kelly.
For now, let's look at some takeaways from tonight's loss.
It's not so much a takeaway, more a confirmation of what was not going to be a good time. Jontre Kirklin did what he could, but there was only so much he could do.
LSU did not pick up the first until the game had already progressed well into the second quarter. They couldn't call for anything other than option plays and sprint-out passes. The number of times he tried to stretch the ground did not go well, resulting in some interceptions.
Kirklin had a few runs that went for the first down, but outside him, the attacking momentum was never established.
Like the quarterback situation, it's hard to really criticize or be disappointed with what happened to this group tonight.
Injuries were trouble for the LSU cornerback in the regular season, and the situation became worse when Dwight McGlothorn and Cordell were not available to float.
LSU had to rely on people like Damarius McGhee and Darren Evans on the outside. Evans, an FCS transfer, and McGhee, a true freshman, are one step below the level LSU is used to.
Despite the front seven being able to get some pressure, Kansas State was still able to take advantage of that secondary on the third down.
That's not saying much, but the offensive line may be the best position group in this game.
He was never actually asked to pass the block, but he held his own in the gun game given the circumstances.
This has been a status group that was a trouble spot for LSU all year, so not many people knew what would happen tonight. The play wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible either.
With Brad Davis leading the group, the group's progress will be crucial to what LSU looks like in its first year under Brian Kelly.
Deus Vaughn trailing Kansas State covered 100 yards tonight for their sixth game in a row. Coming in, it was no secret that the crime of the state of Kansas revolved around Vaughan. It was no different in this game.
Vaughan was explosive and efficient. LSU's linebackers didn't get as many stops as LSU would have liked, and this resulted in some bad things for the Tigers.
Vaughan was not needed in the passing game, but it never seemed difficult for him on the field.
Early in the game, LSU was able to create some negative play and put Kansas State in a difficult position.
When a defense places an offense far behind the chains, they hope to get off the field. LSU was not able to do that tonight.
Kansas State's success rates in third and fourth places were much higher than what LSU would get a chance at in the sport. LSU didn't seize those opportunities early in the game, and Kansas State was able to take a quick lead.