Evaluating the top performers from LSU Football’s Week 5 win

Brian Kelly and the No. 14 LSU Tigers put on a complete performance Saturday night in Death Valley after defeating South Alabama 42-10 in Week 5.

The one-two punch from Garrett Nussmeier and Caden Durham lifted the program to its fourth win of the season before the bye week that began Monday.

Who deserves the game balls after Saturday’s win? Who stole the show for the Bayou Bengals?

Attack: RB Caden Durham

LSU true freshman running back Caden Durham was shot out of a cannon to set up Saturday night’s showdown against South Alabama. The youngster from Texas took control as the leader in Week 5 and did not disappoint.

On the first play, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier connected with Durham on a screen pass, with route speed on full display after the reception.

Durham converted down the field for a 71-yard touchdown, giving the Tigers the fast start they’ve been eyeing all season.

But it didn’t stop there for the Lone Star State native and former top 10 running back in America.

On the following drive, Durham’s number was called again, and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan dialed a run up the middle. The true freshman weaved his way through the defense and ran 86 yards to the one-yard line, and Nussmeier hit him on the ensuing play.

Durham’s historic first half had the talk of the town after he finished the first two quarters with three receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown, but his performance on the ground is what has LSU excited about what happens next week in the SEC game will happen.

He managed 128 rushing yards on just seven attempts with an average of 18.3 yards per carry. Durham once again provided a spark in the backfield after totaling 217 yards with two scores in the first half.

Defense: LB Whit Weeks

LSU linebacker Whit Weeks knew he had to take on a bigger role Saturday with defensive star Harold Perkins out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL.

With Perkins out, it is Weeks who has been moved into the starting lineup alongside Greg Penn III, who is taking key snaps.

In Week 5, Weeks delivered, recording nine total tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass breakup for the LSU defensive back.

He’s taking on a larger role on the second level, and with LSU opting to go back to the 4-2-5 defense, Weeks will need to continue to be fundamentally more solid and consistent for the Tigers.

Weeks, along with Penn, lived up to expectations Saturday night, finishing the game with a team-high 14 tackles of his own.

After being thrown into the fire, taking on a larger role and ultimately taking care of business against South Alabama, Weeks is earning a play on defense.

Overall: QB Garrett Nussmeier

At the end of the day, LSU signal-caller Garrett Nussmeier will only learn from the two interceptions he threw Saturday night. Decision making remains an issue, but the first-year starter continues to learn from his mistakes.

Aside from the interceptions, Nussmeier was sensational. He led the Tigers down the field for a 99-yard touchdown drive, delivering tight window throws and leading LSU to a big win in Week 5.

He rushed for a career-high 409 yards after going 26 for 39 through the air and scoring four total touchdowns.

It wasn’t perfect, but the Bayou Bengals continue to rely on their signal caller to make the big throws when the program needs them most. In nine out of ten cases, Nussmeier delivers.

Now, after leading No. 14 LSU to its fourth straight win, the program enters the bye week with the momentum of a complete Death Valley appearance with Nussmeier at the helm.

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Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and LSU Tigers on SI: @LSUTigersSI for all coverage surrounding the LSU program.