Special teams can be overlooked. Most fans don’t notice special teams until something goes wrong. Those who followed LSU football in 2022 know that.
Two years later, LSU is making waves on special teams for a different reason — the kickoff return unit was the best in the Power Four.
Tuesday’s Texas Bowl win over Baylor cemented it with Zavion Thomas returning a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. It was LSU’s second straight game returning a kick for a touchdown after Aaron Anderson ran one back in LSU’s win over Oklahoma.
LSU finished the year No. 3 in the nation with 27.62 yards per return. That mark sits atop the power four. Two returns for a score ranks No. 2 nationally.
Tuesday wasn’t the first time Thomas broke free on a return in 2024. He ripped off a 50-yard return vs. Alabama and a 51-yarder vs. Nicholls in week two.
Together, Thomas and Anderson combined for seven returns of 30+ yards.
Special teams was a point of emphasis for Kelly and the Tigers after struggling in 2022. There was some improvement in 2023, and LSU took another step in 2024.