As the 2020 college football season looms one day away for the defending national champion LSU Tigers, all eyes will be on the defense.
Throughout camp, head coach Ed Orgeron has stated that the Tigers defense is already looking better than at any point last season.
That goes without saying the team lost players to opt outs and transfers, most notably defensive lineman Tyler Shelvin, who officially opted out on Thursday.
Going into the season opener against Mississippi State on Saturday, the Tigers’ defense will be faced with a big task: stopping Mike Leach’s trick offense with the Bulldogs.
Here’s a look at some things the Tigers must accomplish on defense to get the victory.
Contain K.J. Costello
If the Tigers defense is going to have success on Saturday, it starts with containing Bulldogs quarterback and Stanford transfer K.J. Costello. The senior passed for over 300 yards eight times while at Stanford.
Couple him with the passing game that Leach will run, and the Tigers defense could have a tough day on the field trying to stop Costello. But, the defensive front has to apply pressure early and often while Costello is in the pocket.