LSU football is coming off a strong 41-7 road victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores, and will look to establish a two-game winning streak as the Missouri Tigers head to Baton Rouge on Saturday.
When head coach Ed Orgeron met with the media on Monday, one of the first things he noted after recapping the Tigers’ performance against the Commodores was the Missouri offense that Bo Pelini’s defense will be up against this weekend.
“Missouri on offense is very, very complicated,” Orgeron said. “Coach has a lot of shifts and motions, will run the triple-option. First time I’ve seen a pitch in a while… a lot of different formations so we’re going to have to play assignment football.”
Orgeron calls the Missouri offense "very, very complicated." Says #LSU will have to play "assignment football" as the Tigers face this challenge.
— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) October 5, 2020
Orgeron also said he made a film cut up of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees for quarterback Myles Brennan to study, saying that he worked all week long on stepping up in the pocket and not scrambling to the right like he was so inclined to do against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
While Brennan did look much-improved, Orgeron also made clear that he wasn’t exactly under a significant amount of duress.
Orgeron says he made a film cut up of Saints QB Drew Brees for Myles Brennan to study. #LSU
— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) October 5, 2020
Orgeron says Myles Brennan "worked all week on stepping up in the pocket, not scrambling to the right like he usually wants to." #LSU
— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) October 5, 2020
Orgeron also said that Myles Brennan, who lacked pocket presence against Mississippi State, showed a lot of improvement against Vanderbilt, but also noted that "it wasn't like he was under a whole lot of duress."#LSU
— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) October 5, 2020
On the injury front, Orgeron said that LSU should have both running back Chris Curry and offensive tackle Dare Rosenthal back this week, though he’s not entirely sure when Rosenthal will start practicing.
Defensive end Glen Logan will be back, and left guard Ed Ingram is considered questionable for Saturday.
Orgeron says Dare Rosenthal could be back this week, but he's still not 100% on when he'll begin practicing. #LSU
— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) October 5, 2020
Orgeron says Glen Logan will be back on the field for #LSU this week.
— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) October 5, 2020
Left guard Ed Ingram is questionable this week, according to Ed Orgeron. #LSU
— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) October 5, 2020
The Tigers were without star cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. in the first week due to illness, but certainly enjoyed the advantage of having him back against Vanderbilt.
Orgeron on getting his strongest CB back: "I think Derek Stingley's presence helped everyone — including me." #LSU
— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) October 5, 2020
There was also some Mississippi State talk — where zone and man coverage was concerned, and Orgeron noted that the Tigers suffered fewer busts and fewer losses in one-on-one situations against the Commodores.
Orgeron notes LSU played more zone against Vanderbilt than they did vs. MSU. Fewer busts, fewer losses in one on one situations.
— Cody Worsham (@CodyWorsham) October 5, 2020
Orgeron addressed a question on kicker Cade York, who’s had a solid season two games in, and drilled an impressive 53-yard attempt on Saturday.
“To be honest with you, I’m glad he’s kicking well, because Preston (Stafford) was right on his tail… there was some competition in camp.”
Ed Orgeron says he's pleased with how Cade York is kicking, and that Preston Stafford was "right on his tail" in the competition ahead of the season. #LSU
— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) October 5, 2020
Terrace Marshall has been among the most impressive of LSU’s passing targets so far, but several guys are going to get a chance.
Ed Orgeron on receiver rotation: "We are going to try and play as many guys as we can." #LSU
— natasha malone (@malone_natasha) October 5, 2020
And, of course, the 2020 football season continues to look a bit different than we’re used to as restrictions surrounding COVID-19 remain in place.
As far as empty stadiums or those at limited capacity are concerned, LSU is focused on creating its own sense of energy.
Ed Orgeron on teams playing in stadiums with limited/no fans:
"I think the biggest thing is you lose homefield advantage."
Notes that the environment at Vanderbilt was a bit "eerie" and that he knows #LSU has to continue to create its own energy.
— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) October 5, 2020