Special teams were an issue in Brian Kelly’s first year at LSU. 2022 was filled with blunders in the third phase of the game and the Tigers finished the year ranked 92nd in special teams. The result led to staff changes, including the exit of special teams coordinator [autotag]Brian Polian[/autotag].
In 2023, LSU took a committee coaching approach to its special teams. LSU finished the season ranking 82nd in the SP+ special teams metric. This is an improvement from 2022, but not where LSU aims to be.
2024 has come with another jump for the special teams unit, with the Tigers up to 59th in SP+ special teams. If this continues, it’ll be LSU’s first above-average special teams unit under [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag].
LSU’s strong kick return unit is the place to start. Returner [autotag]Zavion Thomas[/autotag] leads the SEC in kick return yards with 242 and the Tigers rank above average nationally in FEI’s kick return efficiency.
Thomas’ special teams impact was a big factor in LSU’s decision to recruit him out of the portal and it’s making a difference so far.
On the other side, LSU’s fared well with kickoffs too. Kickoff specialist [autotag]Aeron Burrell[/autotag] has kicked off 25 times and 24 have been touchbacks. That’ll do.
An area of concern entering the year was the punt team. It remains a concern five games in. Punter Peyton Todd’s punting grade ranks last among qualified SEC punters, according to PFF. [autotag]Blake Ochsendorf[/autotag] hasn’t proven to be that effective either, but he has a small sample size with just three punts on the year.
Hopefully for LSU, an effective offense will limit the punt team’s exposure, but if LSU gets in a field position battle, questions arise about LSU’s ability to compete.
The most obvious aspect of any special teams unit is the kicker. [autotag]Damian Ramos[/autotag] is in his third year with the Tigers and continues to provide a competent presence there. Ramos is 5/6 on the year and is yet to miss an extra point. Just one of those field goals was for 40+ yards, but it was a make.
After the last two years, it’s hard to complain about LSU’s special teams unit. Outside of the punt team, this can be one of the stronger groups in the SEC.
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