Aaron Anderson – Page 2 – Syndication Server

Stock Up, Stock Down: LSU gets revenge against UCLA

Let’s look at who saw their stock rise and who saw their stock fall in the win over the Bruins.

Revenge is a dish best served in 97-degree heat in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After losing 38-27 to UCLA in 2021, the Tigers entered this game with revenge on their minds. LSU was able to accomplish that goal with a 34-17 victory over the Bruins.

[autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] had an incredible game for the Tigers, finishing the game 32-for-44 with 352 yards and three touchdowns. He was surgically picking apart the Bruins’ defense all day. The LSU defense also did a good job forcing turnovers against UCLA as the Tigers recovered a fumble and got an interception.

The biggest drawback of the day was that LSU sustained a few injuries. Hopefully, those injuries are just minor ones and won’t require the players to miss time.

Let’s look at who saw their stock rise and who saw their stock fall in this game.

Stock Up: Garrett Nussmeier

I’m just going to say it. [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] is special. We have seen Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels play for LSU in the past few years and have been spoiled by incredible quarterback play. Nuss is continuing that tradition. He finished the day 32-for-44 for 352 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

Stock Up: Mason Taylor

It’s always a great time to give the tight end some catches. [autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag] finished the day with eight receptions for 77 yards as he led the LSU receiving core in the win today.

Stock Up: Aaron Anderson

[autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] is stacking good weeks. He had a great game against South Carolina and followed it up with another solid game against UCLA. He finished with six receptions for 75 yards.

Stock Down: Injuries

One thing the Tigers did not need any more of was injuries. Unfortunately, [autotag]Harold Perkins Jr.[/autotag] left the game with an injury. He wasn’t the only Tiger who was injured today as [autotag]Zay Alexander[/autotag], [autotag]Emery Jones Jr.[/autotag], and [autotag]Jardin Gilbert[/autotag] all suffered injuries as well.

Stock Up: Revenge

Leading into the game this weekend, a lot of people talked about how LSU lost to UCLA on the road 38-27 in 2021. Brian Kelly helped lead the Tigers to a revenge win today in Baton Rouge.

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Instant analysis from LSU’s Week 4 win over UCLA

The Tigers had another slow start, but they outscored the Bruins 17-0 in the second half to move to 3-1 on the year.

LSU had to battle a slow start once again on Saturday against UCLA in Week 4, but like in Week 3 against South Carolina, it overcame that. This time, the Tigers pulled away in the second half for a much more comfortable 34-17 win to move to 3-1 on the year.

LSU had some defensive struggles in the first half, particularly against the pass, but quarterback [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] got off to a hot start with a pair of first-half touchdown passes, including a 45-yard bomb to [autotag]Kyle Parker[/autotag].

And despite those defensive issues, the unit came up with some big, timely plays. The Tigers totaled four first-half sacks and recovered a fumble that led to a field goal.

However, the Bruins managed to drive down the field in the final minute, setting up a game-tying touchdown with two seconds to left as the teams entered the locker room tied at 17.

After getting a stop to start the second half, LSU was pinned at its four but responded with a 14-play, 96-yard drive capped off by a [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] touchdown to get back on top.

The Tigers would expand their lead early in the fourth despite starting the drive pinned at the eight when Nussmeier found freshman running back [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] on a 35-yard touchdown, most of which came after the catch.

Though LSU allowed a fairly efficient day from quarterback Ethan Garbers aside from a late interception from [autotag]Jardin Gilbert[/autotag], it ultimately tightened up, pitching a second-half shutout while allowing fewer than 300 yards.

On the ground, the Bruins totaled just 14 yards on 22 carries while the Tigers sacked Garbers five times, including one from five-star true freshman [autotag]Dominick McKinley[/autotag].

The defense did suffer a potentially significant loss in the fourth quarter as [autotag]Harold Perkins Jr.[/autotag] left the game with a knee injury and was later ruled out. His status moving forward is unclear.

It was another big game for Nussmeier, who completed 32 of 44 passes for 352 yards and three touchdowns. [autotag]Mason Smith[/autotag] (eight catches, 77 yards) and [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] (six catches, 75 yards) paced the team through the air.

It wasn’t a particularly efficient game on the ground, but [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] was the standout with 62 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.

The Tigers will play at home again next weekend against South Alabama before a bye. Then, a potentially top-five Ole Miss team comes to town in Week 7.

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Brian Kelly updates Chris Hilton Jr.’s status ahead of UCLA game

LSU head coach Brian Kelly updated the status of receiver Chris Hilton on Thursday.

LSU could be bolstered by the return of a key receiver in its week four matchup with UCLA.

Head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] updated the status of [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] on Thursday, saying he was “probable” for Saturday. Entering his fourth year with LSU, Hilton was expected to be a starter before an ankle injury sidelined him the first three weeks of 2024.

It’s unclear if Hilton will be 100% when he’s out there, but if he’s ready to go, he adds a dynamic speed threat to LSU’s passing game. [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] has emerged in Hilton’s absence, catching 15 passes for 223 yards in three games.

Hilton’s return gives LSU a formidable top-four. [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag], [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag], Anderson and a healthy Hilton form a top four that could hold its own against any secondary in the country.

Nussmeier looked comfortable with Hilton in the bowl win over Wisconsin, connecting three times for 56 yards. Per 247Sports, Hilton was the 5th ranked receiver in the 2021 recruiting class.

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There weren’t many targets to go around last year with [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] swallowing up most of the production. Now there’s a chance for Hilton to make a legit impact on this offense when he returns to the field.

Look for Hilton to help LSU take some shots down the field.

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5 stats that defined LSU’s Week 3 win over South Carolina

These five stats defined LSU’s hard-fought win over South Carolina.

LSU went on the road in week three and squeaked out a win in South Carolina. It wasn’t a smooth ride, but playing on the road in this conference is tough. Look no further than No. 1 Georgia struggled at Kentucky for more evidence of that.

The Tigers are now 2-1 on the year and 1-0 in conference play. A loss would have all but ended LSU’s playoff hopes. Now, LSU gets to return home for a couple of weeks before the schedule heats up again.

LSU gets UCLA in Week 4 followed by South Alabama in Week 5. The Tigers should be heavy favorites in both contests. That’s a relief for a team still figuring some things out.

LSU looked to be a sinking ship early on against South Carolina. The Gamecocks led 17-0 early in the first quarter, but LSU weathered the storm and took control of momentum heading into halftime.

It was a game full of mistakes, but it’s hard to be displeased with LSU fighting to get a close win.

Here are five stats that tell the story of LSU’s win over South Carolina.

South Carolina’s -0.49 EPA/drop back

The passing game isn’t South Carolina’s strong suit. But at points over the last two years, LSU’s secondary was just what a struggling air attack wanted to see.

That wasn’t the case on Saturday as LSU took care of business on the back end. Whether it was LaNorris Sellers or Robby Ashford, neither Gamecock QB threatened with their arm.

South Carolina completed 11 passes for 114 yards on the day. Sellers and Ashford both posted negative EPA totals, according to GameOnPaper.com.

It was a win for LSU’s young secondary.

LSU’s explosive play rate: 10%

LSU’s offense was efficient the first two weeks, but it lacked an explosiveness element. The Tigers took a step forward in that department on Saturday.

LSU posted an explosive play rate of 10% against South Carolina, putting the Tigers in the 70th percentile.

It was a balanced attack with four big plays through the air and three on the ground.

LSU’s 48% success rate on passing downs

Every offense will encounter situations where the defense knows it’s a passing situation. How those downs are handled goes a long way toward determining a football game.

LSU excelled in those spots on Saturday. On passing downs, LSU posted a success rate of 48%.

That was well above the mark of 26% put up by South Carolina. This is a positive indicator for LSU’s improving passing attack.

11 havoc plays

South Carolina was ripping LSU apart on the ground. The defense needed some big plays to make up for it.

LSU got them, coming up with 11 havoc plays for a havoc rate of 18%. That put LSU in the 91st percentile.

The LSU defense generated nine tackles for loss and five sacks. LSU DE Bradyn Swinson led the charge and was a factor in the backfield all day.

Early in the game, cornerback Zy Alexander came up with a key interception that helped slow the Gamecock momentum.

Caden Durham: 7 forced missed tackles

LSU running back Caden Durham forced seven missed tackles on just 11 carries. That mark ranked third among SEC rushers in week three. The only two players with more both carried it 20+ times.

Durham injected life into a struggling LSU rushing attack. Four of those 11 carries were 10+ yards and Durham averaged 8.9 yards per carry. When giving Durham the game ball, Brian Kelly said “You gotta break some tackles.”

Durham did just that and averaged 4.55 yards after contact per carry.

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Aaron Anderson emerging as key piece of LSU’s offense

LSU receiver Aaron Anderson is emerging as one of the SEC’s best.

LSU head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said it after the loss to USC: Wide receiver [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] had a breakout game.

Anderson’s season-opening performance wasn’t a one-hit wonder. The redshirt sophomore is LSU’s leading receiver after three games with 15 catches for 223 yards.

With four catches for 20+ yards, Anderson is LSU’s top big play rate. That mark is below [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag]’ rate from last year, but Anderson still ranks 33rd nationally in 20+ yard catches.

Kyren Lacy entered the year as LSU’s certified WR1 — and he still is. Lacy can’t do it alone, though. LSU needed someone else in the receiver room to emerge as an impact player. Anderson found that role.

Anderson’s 96 yards against South Carolina were a career high. His three games this season are the three highest receiving totals of his career.

According to PFF, Anderson owns the fourth-best receiving grade in the SEC after Week 3. Anderson is yet to drop a ball and his 3.6 yards per route run is one of the most efficient marks in the conference.

https://twitter.com/FF_TravisM/status/1835023557270917613

This shouldn’t be a surprise. Anderson was a five-star in the class of 2022 and began his career at Alabama. An injury forced a redshirt his freshman year and he was buried on the depth chart at LSU in 2023. Now with a real opportunity, he’s making the most of it.

Anderson’s strength is his speed. Last year, LSU tried to get the ball in his hands underneath and let him make a play. In 2024, Anderson is threatening defenses all over the field. He’s working deep over the middle and down the sideline.

Nussmeier’s trust in No. 1 is evident.

For this LSU offense to reach its ceiling, Anderson needs to continue on this pace. If defenses manage to take LSU’s top target in Lacy away, Nussmeier needs to have a reliable option elsewhere.

[autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag] has proved to be that guy in some cases, but he can’t stretch the field like Anderson can.

Lacy, Anderson and Taylor have emerged as a formidable receiver trio for LSU. That should have fans feeling good about this passing attack moving forward.

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5 takeaways from LSU’s thrilling win over South Carolina

Here are five takeaways from LSU’s thrilling win over South Carolina as the Tigers move to 1-0 in SEC play.

LSU did its best to give every Tiger fan a heart attack, but came out of South Carolina with a 36-33 win to start 1-0 in SEC play.

It was a rough first quarter and change with the Gamecocks jumping out to a 17-0 lead. That run was capped after South Carolina blocked a punt to set up a one-play touchdown drive.

LSU managed to settle down after that and respond with a score of its own. The Tigers seized momentum and went into halftime down eight. LSU’s defense pitched a shutout in the third quarter and allowed LSU to take a lead early in the fourth.

But South Carolina wasn’t done. The Gamecocks took the lead back as the LSU offense sputtered. Eventually, Nussmeier and crew got it together to lead a go-ahead drive in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

This one was stressful but it’s not easy to play on the road in the SEC. LSU showed resilience and got the win. Here are five takeaways from LSU’s three-point win.

Caden Durham injects life into the run game

LSU struggled to run the ball the first two weeks of the season and early today, the story began to repeat. Then LSU got Caden Durham involved.

Durham, a true-freshman, was one of the top running back recruits in the class. We just didn’t know when LSU would start to feature Durham in the offense, but with LSU needing a shot of life on the ground, the Tigers turned to the youngster.

A 26-yard burst from Durham put LSU on the board in the first half. It was the type of explosive play LSU’s been searching for all year.

Durham continued to rip off chunks on the ground and finished with 11 carries for 98 yards and two scores.

Expect Durham to be a central part of this offense moving forward.

Nussmeier overcomes mistake

With a chance to take the lead in the fourth quarter, LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier threw a pick. It was a rare mistake in an otherwise clean season for LSU’s QB1.

When LSU got the ball back, Nussmeier responded. A shot to [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] set LSU up to take the lead.

Nussmeier was far from perfect on Saturday, but he made enough plays to get LSU the win. He finished 24 of 40 for 261 yards and two scores.

Bradyn Swinson has a day

LSU needed a playmaker to step up on defense. Today, that was veteran defensive end [autotag]Bradyn Swinson[/autotag].

Swinson finished with three sacks and a forced fumble. He was a problem for South Carolina’s offensive line all game.

Big things were expected from Swinson after he emerged late in 2023. LSU’s defense is inconsistent, which means the Tigers need havoc plays of their own to balance it out. Swinson provided that havoc on Saturday.

LSU defense makes the most of passing downs

It wasn’t a pretty day for the LSU defense. South Carolina was efficient on the ground and averaged over seven yards per play, but LSU took advantage when it pinned the Gamecocks in obvious passing downs.

South Carolina’s success rate on passing downs was just 26%. It’s unfair to expect this defense to be perfect from down to down. DC [autotag]Blake Baker[/autotag] is still figuring it out with a slew of young players, but LSU needs to make the most of advantageous situations.

LSU can threaten defenses all over the field

We’ve been waiting for LSU to find an explosive element in the passing game and it appeared on Saturday.

Nussmeier showed a willingness to push the ball down the field, allowing [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] and Lacy to make some big plays.

LSU misses Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr, but it remains with a talented group of receivers. Anderson, Lacy, [autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag] and [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] all crossed 50 yards receiving with Lacy and Taylor scoring.

LSU’s depth at WR makes this offense tough to defend. No matter how defenses elect to cover LSU, there’s a mismatch somewhere.

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Stock Up, Stock Down: LSU survives dogfight against South Carolina

Who saw their stock rise and fall in the comeback win over the Gamecocks?

We talked about it last week, this LSU team has some issues. Going on the road to Columbia, South Carolina, and playing a Gamecocks team coming off of a big win against Kentucky last week was not what the doctor ordered.

The struggles that LSU had been having so far this season were only magnified against the Gamecocks on the road. Special teams had a rough day, the defense was dominated by the South Carolina run game, and LSU continued to be their own worst enemy. All of those issues resulted in a recipe for disaster. Yet the Tigers were able to come away with a 36-33 victory.

Let’s look at who saw their stock rise and who saw their stock fall in this game.

Stock Down: Special Teams

LSU had two huge miscues on special teams against South Carolina. The Tigers were unable to make a PAT as that put them behind the eight ball. After that, the Gamecocks blocked an LSU punt to set up a Carolina touchdown.

Stock Up: Caden Durham

© Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The true Freshman running back did something that LSU has been unable to do for the last two years. He was able to run the ball effectively. [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] finished the day with eight carries for 82 yards and two touchdowns.

Stock Up: Aaron Anderson

[autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] likely had his best day as a Tiger this morning as he was LSU’s leading receiver. He finished the game with five receptions for 96 yards.

Stock Down: LSU defense

LSU’s defense got torched by the Gamecocks run game in Columbia today. South Carolina ran for 230 yards as they were able to do whatever they wanted this morning.

Stock Up: Turnovers

The LSU defense did not have a great day today but they were able to force some turnovers. The Tigers recovered two fumbles and made an interception to help LSU win the turnover battle on the road.

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5 takeaways from LSU’s win over Nicholls State in Week 2

LSU is in the win column in 2024. Here are five takeaways from the Tigers win over Nicholls.

LSU football got its first win of the 2024 campaign as the Tigers returned home to host Nicholls State on Saturday night. Brian Kelly’s group took some time to find their footing, but LSU pulled away in the second half for a final score of 44-21.

It was the opening night for Tiger Stadium’s 100th anniversary season and Tiger fans were treated to a brand new video board, new LED lights, and an improved sound system.

On the field, LSU QB [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] led the way with six touchdowns. Three of those went to WR [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag], who paired the scores with five catches for 65 yards.

LSU is still waiting for its run game to wake up, with [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag] pacing the team with just 19 yards apiece.

It was a thrilling day around the sport, but luckily for Tiger fans, LSU avoided the chaos.

The win should help stabilize LSU as it opens conference play against South Carolina next week. Here are five takeaways from LSU’s win over Nicholls State.

Sloppy start for the Tigers

LSU expects to have its way with an FCS opponent. That’s not what happened in the first half and it was another sloppy start for the Tigers.

LSU picked up a first down but failed to score on the first drive. The offense eventually picked it up, but it wasn’t smooth sailing the first two quarters.

The bigger concern was on the defensive side of the ball. Nicholls was more physical than LSU up front, methodically moving down the field and controlling the football.

Nicholls didn’t throw a single incompletion in the first half and LSU didn’t do much to make the Colonels uncomfortable.

The first half was capped with a special teams error as [autotag]Damian Ramos[/autotag] pushed a field goal right.

A few injury scares

You want to exit these buy games healthy, but LSU had a few scares on Saturday night.

Nussmeier and Lacy both left the game to receive attention from the trainers. Both players returned, but seeing two key pieces on the sideline wasn’t a welcome sight for LSU fans.

The bigger concern is defensive tackle [autotag]Jacobian Guillory[/autotag], who left the game and was later seen in a cast and wheelchair.

LSU is already thin at defensive tackle and Guillory is the only proven DT on the roster. If LSU is without Guillory for an extended period of time, it changes the outlook for LSU up front.

Ju’Juan Johnson makes his RB debut

[autotag]Ju’Juan Johnson[/autotag] has played running back for just a few days, but you wouldn’t know that if you saw him on the field Saturday.

Johnson was a QB in high school and recruited as a DB, but with LSU’s RB growing thin, the Tigers are giving Johnson a shot. He was involved early on Saturday night, getting his first touch on LSU’s second drive.

Later in the half, Johnson caught a pass and made a few defenders miss. Not long after that, Nussmeier found Johnson for a score.

Johnson is no stranger to having the ball in his hands. He was a star quarterback at the high school level, after all.

We’ll get a better idea of LSU’s plans for Johnson next week. Were the Tigers just using an FCS opponent to get him some reps or does he factor into LSU’s rotation in conference play?

Aaron Anderson continues to emerge

We knew Lacy, [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] and [autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag] would factor into this offense, but there was suspense surrounding LSU’s fourth receiver.

[autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] was the obvious candidate, but he’s missed the first two games with an injury. In Hilton’s absence, [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] has stepped up,

[autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said the redshirt sophomore had a breakout game last week and Anderson produced again on Saturday night. The numbers weren’t gaudy, but Anderson caught five passes for 63 yards.

LSU doesn’t need Anderson to be a gamebreaker, but he’s on pace for a 762 yard season after two games. That’ll do.

Questions remain entering conference play

LSU got it together in the second half, but there will be anxiety entering conference play. LSU’s SEC schedule gets underway with a road trip to South Carolina next week. The Gamecocks impressed on Saturday with an emphatic win over Kentucky.

If South Carolina repeats that performance and LSU comes out flat again, LSU won’t like the result next week.

LSU should feel good about its passing game, but health at receiver is a minor concern. The run game is the biggest question on LSU’s offense. The depth at RB is worth monitoring and LSU’s offensive line will be tested again next week after it struggled against USC.

On defense, LSU is still working out its rotation in the secondary. LSU likes what it has with [autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag] and [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag] at corner, but both are young and mistakes are inevitable.

Up front, the Guillory injury complicates things even further.

LSU’s ceiling is still the College Football Playoff, but its impossible not to ask a few questions after LSU’s 1-1 start.

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Brian Kelly updates LSU injury report ahead of Week 2 matchup vs. Nicholls

Chris Hilton Jr. and Kyle Parker are out Saturday while Garrett Dellinger was listed as questionable.

As LSU returns home from Las Vegas, where it lost 27-20 to USC in its season-opener, coach Brian Kelly’s squad has suffered a few bumps and bruises.

Kelly updated the injury report on Thursday ahead of the Tigers’ Week 2 home opener against Nicholls on Saturday, and it looks like we’ll see the same receiving corps we saw in the second half.

Both [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag], who missed the opener with a bone bruise in his ankle, and [autotag]Kyle Parker[/autotag], who started in his place but exited early with a UCL injury, are out for this week.

Kelly also listed starting left guard [autotag]Garrett Dellinger[/autotag] as questionable.

Without Hilton and Parker, LSU will likely rely heavily on players like [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag], who had a breakout performance in Week 1, and [autotag]Zavion Thomas[/autotag] in their place. Redshirt freshman Shelton Sampson Jr. could also be poised to see increased reps.

If Dellinger can’t make the start, we could potentially see redshirt freshmen [autotag]Paul Mubenga[/autotag] or [autotag]Tyree Adams[/autotag] in his place.

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5 things LSU can fix when it faces Nicholls in Week 2

LSU football is set to face Nicholls in Week 2. Here are five things the Tigers can improve on following the USC loss.

LSU football’s recent Week 1 losses have been followed by a familiar theme in Week 2. A “get right” game against an FCS opponent. 2024 will mark the fourth straight schedule LSU’s faced an in-state FCS foe after opening the year — and losing — to a big-name power conference opponent.

It’s not just the opponent, but this serves as a chance for LSU to get back in front of its home crowd as it makes its 2024 Tiger Stadium debut.

LSU should be able to handle Nicholls, even if the Tigers don’t bring their best. But ideally, Saturday is a chance for LSU to work out some of the kinks that led to the USC loss.

Here, we’ll look at five things to watch for when LSU takes on Nicholls. Games like this aren’t about matchups; they’re about LSU establishing an identity and executing it. If you can’t win with your bread and butter against a lesser opponent, you’re in for a long year.

1. Get a downhill running game going

LSU struggled to run the ball vs. USC. The prevailing thought was LSU would be able to show up and run it all over the Trojans. The Tigers offensive line was supposedly the best in the country and the USC defense was abysmal in 2023.

But that’s not what happened. Outside of a couple of explosive plays from John Emery, LSU struggled to establish much of anything on the ground. LSU averaged 4.5 yards per carry while 42% of its runs were stuffed for two yards or less.

Nicholls shouldn’t be much of a test at all for LSU up front, so we may not learn much. But this is a chance for LSU to figure out what it wants to be in the ground game. Without Jayden Daniels, LSU is searching for a new identity.

When it’s 3rd and 1 and they need a yard, what’s Joe Sloan’s go-to run call?

2. Does LSU scheme up ways to get Kyren Lacy the ball?

Again, Lacy won’t be tested here. He’s good enough to win one-on-one matchups with any Nicholls CB, but we might see LSU try out some ways of getting him the ball.

Lacy didn’t touch it once in the second half vs USC. That’s something Brian Kelly says can’t happen.

When Lacy isn’t getting targets in the straight drop-back passing game, is LSU innovative enough to get the ball in his hands?

That doesn’t mean just turn around and run a reverse or throw a quick screen. LSU needs to ensure it has plays that set Lacy up to be open downfield. Saturday is a good time to try some out.

3. What does the cornerback rotation look like?

In the secondary, we know [autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag] is CB1. Outside of that, there are questions. [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] started opposite of Stamps, but Kelly has said a move back to safety may be in the fold.

If LSU does move Ryan, true freshman PJ Woodland will see more action at corner. Woodland played just nine snaps and was called for a PI, but he didn’t allow a catch and recorded a PBU.

Saturday is a big opportunity for Woodland. He should play more than nine snaps and LSU will hope to see some consistency out of the young corner.

Veteran [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] is set to return soon, but LSU’s been hesitant to ramp him up to full speed as he recovers from a torn ACL.

LSU’s defense is already better than it was last year, but the size of that jump is dependent on the growth seen from the cornerbacks.

4. Who steps up at wide receiver?

LSU is expected to be without [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] and [autotag]Kyle Parker[/autotag] on Saturday. That’s no different than the situation LSU found itself in last week’s second half.

Brian Kelly said receiver [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] had a breakout game vs, USC, catching five balls for 64 yards and a score. If Anderson keeps that up, he’ll be a central part of this offense moving forward.

But without Hilton, LSU needs someone who can make plays on the outside. Perhaps that’s [autotag]Shelton Sampson Jr.[/autotag]

Sampson was a five-star recruit in 2023 and Kelly said LSU needs to get him on the field. This is a good opportunity to work Sampson in before conference play starts in week three.

5. How does LSU finish drives?

Kelly’s talked about it every chance he’s gotten this week, but LSU needs to be better at finishing drives. LSU put itself in position to score touchdowns against USC but came up short.

LSU needs to look sharp in the red zone against Nicholls. This is a chance for LSU to show those red zone struggles have more to do with week one than the offense.

With a veteran QB like Nussmeier and an elite offensive line, LSU should excel when it approaches the end zone.

We talked about LSU establishing the run game and getting the ball to Lacy. Both of those would help in this area too.

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