Three things we learned from LSU's win over UCLA | LSU

Sports columnist Scott Rabalais with his three assessments of LSU's 34-17 victory over UCLA at Tiger Stadium on Saturday:

1. The song remains the same

LSU's defense has improved when it comes to creating disruptive plays. Defensive end Bradyn Swinson was a sack machine against South Carolina and UCLA, for example. But the defense still allows far too many big plays, especially on “money” downs where a change of possession is at stake. The Tigers needed to show progress to prepare for their big showdown on Oct. 12 against Ole Miss, but there were few signs of that until the second half on Saturday.

2. The Anderson Tapes

When Edna Karr, a former five-star prospect, transferred to LSU from Alabama last season, his lack of production raised the question of why bother. This season, a look at Anderson's highlights on LSU's game film shows that he is not only the Tigers' most improved offensive player, but arguably their most effective player overall. He entered the game as LSU's leading receiver in total yards (223) and maintained that performance with six catches for 75 yards.

3. Curious decision

With the game tied 7-7 late in the first period, LSU coach Brian Kelly decided to go all out on fourth-and-7 from the Bruins' 44-yard line. Garrett Nussmeier's pass to Zavion Thomas missed, setting up a field goal for UCLA to take the lead. Coaches are said to have a plan for situations like this. Kelly seems to follow his own advice, such as taking the ball after winning the coin toss, which paid off for LSU this time.