LSU's loss at Florida was sobering, but don't let October be a hangover

No one in purple and gold wants to lose to Florida — in Gainesville, Fla., in Baton Rouge, La., or any vacuum.

But the disappointing finish to Saturday's 27-19 stumble is particularly emphasized by its contrast to the growing excitement stockpiled by a 5-0 start and headline victories in weeks prior.

No. 5 LSU (5-1, 2-1) was never as perfect as its record might've suggested, though.

Flaws and areas for improvement continued to linger throughout a September that at times, from afar, seemed spotless.

But even as difficult as the Tigers' first loss may be to swallow at the moment, coach Ed Orgeron's team remains better overall than most predicted and on pace for a strong season.

The LSU staff and players have done an admirable job remaining grounded and focused amid all the excitement.

Now, their challenge will be to navigate their first defeat with the same temperance.

Flaws and areas for improvement aren't necessarily any bigger or more grave than they were a day or two ago — even if they might be more obvious in their new context.

The Tigers continue to struggle with consistency on offense — particularly up front.

Quarterback Joe Burrow was under attack by Florida's talented pass-rushers more often than not.

And as a result, the team encountered another frustrating midgame drought — this time, 10 straight possessions without a touchdown — while the Gators tallied five sacks, 11 tackles for loss and an additional eight hurries.

LSU also had trouble, again, generating much consistent pressure up front from its own defense.

And even when Grant Delpit, Michael Divinity and company were able to hurry Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks some, they weren't able to catch him.

This was a concern before the season, though, and even more so when outside linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson tore his ACL in the opener.

In fact, all these problems were problems before Saturday.

The Tigers have struggled in the middle — particularly the third quarter — of games all season.

And the offensive line's issues have been well documented.

Still, LSU found itself down just one point down to a ranked SEC rival in hostile territory.

Burrow finished 19-for-34 for 191 yards against one of the nation's top defenses.

Running backs Nick Brossette and Clyde Edwards-Helaire combined for 150 yards on the ground.

The Tigers held their hosts to 20 points until a late pick-six despite Florida benefitting from strong starting field position most of the contest, starting linebacker Jacob Phillips' absence and playing a spell without banged-up star Devin White.

Saturday was not without its positives.

Orgeron and his squad have tweaks ahead to prepare themselves for a better outcome with fast-approaching dates with Georgia, Mississippi State and Alabama on deck.

But the same would've been true were they flying home right now with a 22-20 victory and 6-0 start in hand.

A potential nine- or even 10-win season that will far exceed many expectations is also still well within grasp.

That bigger-picture outcome will ultimately just depend upon how LSU handles Saturday's.

As disappointing as the season's first loss might be, keep that all in context and perspective.

The Tigers remain the same team Saturday evening as they were Saturday morning.

They just have to keep the same approach and continue finding ways to address their shortcomings as much as possible.