One week after stuttering and sputtering through a poor offensive showing in a 22-21 overtime win over Oregon State, LSU took a positive step toward getting on track in time for a tough stretch of SEC games.

Playing and beating Arkansas State 53-3 doesn't prove anything, but the sixth-ranked Tigers did roll up 461 total yards on 60 offensive snaps, and did not commit a turnover until the reserves took over late in the game.

Both quarterbacks, senior quarterback Marcus Randall and redshirt freshman JaMarcus Russell, bounced back from uncertain performances in the opener.

"The coaches had a great game plan for us with both quarterbacks," sophomore receiver Craig Davis said. "Marcus has been here five years and knows the offense. JaMarcus is still learning and getting better. The great thing is the coaches mixed them both in. When I'm in, I really don't see a different quarterback. We run the same offense and both guys run the same plays."

With the running game producing 238 yards one week after struggling to establish itself against Oregon State, the Tigers looked like a much better team in its second game. LSU must be even better next week to win at Auburn and prepare for a four-game stretch that also includes road game at Florida and Georgia.

"All and all we made improvement as a team," LSU coach Nick Saban said. "I don't think we are where we need to be. A lot of players played, which was a good experience for them, and for some of the young players certainly the experience they received is going to be helpful.

"We've got an SEC game and the players have got to be able to do whatever they need to do to help this team get better. I'm sure in watching we'll have a lot of work and corrections to make and obviously, we are playing a good football team and we've got to get ready for that."

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