Tag: kaleb jackson

5 overreactions a month into the 2024 LSU football season

LSU is four games into its season. Here are five overreactions.

We’re 25% of the way through the college football season. It doesn’t feel like a lot, but the season is moving fast.

That means it’s time for some overreactions. We’re at an interesting point in the year when it comes to analysis. We have ample data points to make real conclusions, but the majority of teams are far from a finished project.

There’s a lot we think we know that will turn out to be completely wrong come November. But that shouldn’t deter us from jumping to conclusions and overreactions.

Here, we’ll look at five overreactions that can be made after LSU’s first four games. There was a lot we didn’t know about LSU entering the year, but the first month of the season told us a lot about this team.

Of course, it brought some more questions too, especially with the key injuries to [autotag]Harold Perkins Jr.[/autotag], [autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag] and [autotag]Jacobian Guillory[/autotag] creating uncertainty at some positions.

Here are five overreactions after LSU’s first four games.

LSU can’t run the ball

LSU made a living on explosive runs but the 2024 lacks the same firepower. Most of that is due to the loss of [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag]’ rushing ability. He was one of the most elusive players in college football — an explosive play waiting to happen.

LSU’s struggled to create the same plays without him. With a running back-centric approach, LSU’s run game is off to an inconsistent start.

LSU had just seven successful runs against USC for a success rate of 27%. Against Nicholls, that total increased to eight.

The last two weeks have shown some improvement with Caden Durham’s performance against South Carolina while [autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag] and [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] both averaged over four yards per carry against UCLA.

LSU’s ground game was serviceable against UCLA, but there was only one run of 10+ yards. That explosiveness element still isn’t there. On the year, LSU ranks 27th in explosive run rate.

It’s understandable LSU would take a step back in this department without Daniels, but consistency is needed if LSU wants to compete for a spot in the 12-team playoff.

The secondary is too young

LSU is relying on young players across the defense, but especially in the secondary.

At corner, [autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag] is a true sophomore. [autotag]JK Johnson[/autotag] is a veteran by age but has just one year of real experience and it was at Ohio State in 2022. Next up at corner is [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag], a true freshman.

[autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] offers a veteran presence, but he’s been in and out of the lineup with injury issues.

USC took advantage of this group in LSU’s week one loss. LSU has gotten away with facing lesser passing offenses the last three weeks, but the Tigers will see high-powered attacks in SEC play.

It’s a talented bunch, but it’s fair to ask if this secondary is ready to compete at the highest level.

Garrett Nussmeier can win the Heisman

Four games in, Nussmeier ranks second in the FBS with 13 touchdowns and seventh with 1,247 yards. He’s shown up in big moments when LSU needed it against South Carolina and USC.

He’s not quite in the Heisman conversation, but his numbers are good enough to make a run if the opportunity presents itself. Last year, it took Daniels some time to build his campaign before emerging as a clear favorite.

Nussmeier will get a chance for a signature win against Ole Miss in a few weeks. If he puts up gaudy numbers there, Nussmeier’s name could start being tossed out there.

LSU’s defensive tackle room is in a good spot

Before the year, Guillory was considered a “can’t lose” player for LSU. Well, the Tigers lost him for the year after an injury in week two.

LSU did its best to build up the defensive tackle room over the summer, but questions circled. Guillory was the only returning DT with LSU experience.

Luckily for the Tigers, depth is emerging now. This room is not the problem many thought it would be.

True freshmen Dominick McKinley and Ahmad Breaux both look ready to contribute, and Wisconsin transfer Gio Paez is playing competent football under the tutelage of defensive line coach Bo Davis.

There’s also Jay’Viar Suggs, who made the most of his limited action against UCLA.

LSU should be cautiously optimistic about this group moving forward.

Whit Weeks will save the defense

Without Perkins, there are questions about LSU’s linebacker core. Perkins was a playmaker and had rare speed and athleticism for the position.

Now, LSU will count on Whit Weeks to replace that production. Weeks provides some of that versatility that Perkins did. He’s athletic enough to drop into coverage or come after the quarterback. He’s still a young player, but he’s showing All-SEC flashes.

LSU DC Blake Baker needs to make the most of Weeks if this LSU defense is going to figure it out.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

5 stats that defined LSU’s win over Nicholls

These five numbers defined LSU football’s Week 2 contest with Nicholls.

LSU football notched its first win of the 2024 campaign when it met Nicholls State on Saturday night. The Tigers got off to a slow start, but a strong third quarter created distance and LSU pulled away for a double-digit win.

Many of the concerns LSU had coming out of the USC game are still there. LSU fans likely wanted to see a more emphatic win over a lesser opponent, especially with SEC play getting underway next week.

As usual, we’ll take a look at five stats that defined the win. Not all of these numbers are great, though. Some are more representative of those struggles and concerns rather than the final score.

After the game, [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said LSU was fatigued from the short week while adding there was still a lot that needed to be cleaned up.

Here are five stats that defined LSU’s Week 2 win.

-0.05 EPA/run

Our first stat isn’t a good one. Even against an FCS opponent, LSU failed to get the run game going. LSU’s EPA on the ground was in the negative again, with just -0.05 per carry.

LSU ran it 21 times and only eight carries went for four-plus yards. [autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag] was LSU’s leading rusher with nine carries for 23 yards. [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] didn’t add much either, combining for 29 yards on nine carries.

After the game, Kelly said LSU checked out of several run calls at the line of scrimmage thanks to Nicholls loading the box. The offense wasn’t given the chance to establish the run, but when LSU did hand it off, the results weren’t what you want to see.

Zy Alexander’s 82.3 PFF grade

LSU corner [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] made his return on Saturday after tearing his ACL in October of 2023. Alexander is a veteran, a contrast to LSU’s young secondary.

After the game, Kelly said he was impressed with Alexander’s performance and the numbers back it up.

According to PFF, Alexander was LSU’s highest-graded defender in week two. He was targeted five times but allowed just two catches for five yards. Nicholls had a 47.9 passer rating when targeting Alexander, which was one of the best marks in the SEC on Saturday.

LSU is counting on Alexander’s experience to elevate the secondary and this was a good first step.

Garrett Nussmeier’s six passing touchdowns

LSU’s QB1 had another strong showing, completing 27 of 37 passes for 302 yards and six scores.

Nussmeier is now the SEC’s leader in passing touchdowns with eight through two games.

Nussmeier entered the year with high expectations and so far we haven’t seen anything to counter that. There’s still progress to be made in pushing the ball down the field, but LSU has a QB that’s getting the ball where it needs to go on time.

Seven receivers surpassed 40 yards or scored

It was a group effort for LSU in the passing game. Kyren Lacy, CJ Daniels, Aaron Anderson, Mason Taylor, and Zavion Thomas all surpassed the 40 yard mark while tight end Trey’Dez Green and running back Ju’Juan Johnson each got in on the action with a touchdown.

With the amount of production LSU lost at receiver, LSU needed a slew of new options to emerge.

Kyren Lacy was the obvious candidate, but LSU’s getting what it needs from guys like Daniels, Anderson and Taylor too.

Ju’Juan Johnson and Trey’Dez Green both lack experience, but the talent is undeniable. LSU is making an effort to get the ball to playmakers.

Explosive play rate: 3%

LSU’s EPA/play was in the 90th percentile on Saturday, but the offense struggled to create explosive plays. According to GameOnPaper, LSU’s explosive play rate was 3%. That was four points below Nicholls’ mark of 7%.

LSU had the most explosive offense in the country last year. A step back was expected with Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. heading to the NFL, but the cupboard isn’t bare.

LSU has the tools to create more big plays. Nussmeier has the arm to chuck it and the talent is there at receiver. It might take some time to get on the same page, but I’d expect this offense to get more explosive as the season progresses.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

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.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Brian Kelly ‘sick’ about John Emery Jr. injury, remains confident in running game

Despite losing its leading rusher in Week 1 for the season, Brian Kelly thinks the ground game will prove to be a “strength” for the Tigers.

Entering the 2024 season, running back looked to be a major question mark after last year’s two leading rushers — quarterback [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] and [autotag]Logan Diggs[/autotag] — both moved on.

Now, the depth is going to be tested even more as [autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag], who led the team in carries and yards in Week 1 against USC, is done for the year after suffering a torn ACL in practice on Tuesday.

On Thursday, coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said he felt “sick” for Emery, who battled injuries and academic suspensions earlier in his career but earned his degree from LSU and was expected to play a major role after briefly entering the transfer portal in the offseason.

“We feel pretty good right now where we’re at in terms of the running back position,” Kelly said. “Obviously, we feel sick about John, sometimes you think about this and just wonder, how can this be fair in any way to this poor kid? He’s just overcome so many obstacles and he’s in a non-contact situation and he sticks his foot in the ground and he tears his knee up.

“It was so disappointing and we feel so bad for him and his family. But John has overcome so much, I’m so proud of what he’s accomplished and getting his degree from LSU. He’s going to be successful in life and we’ll see what the future holds for him.”

Kelly added that Emery underwent successful knee surgery on Thursday.

Despite the injury, Kelly remains optimistic about the run game, which will now rely even more on players like [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag], [autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag] and true freshman [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag]. He even went as far as to say he believes it will ultimately be a strength.

Kelly also added that true freshman cornerback [autotag]Ju’Juan Johnson[/autotag], who also played all over the field on offense in high school, will get some reps as the fourth running back, as well.

“I like what we do, I like our players up front,” Kelly said. “I’m very confident that as time goes on, the offense, and in particular the running game, is going to be the strength.”

The running game had some success in Week 1, totaling 113 yards on 25 carries. But the Tigers know they need more out of the rushing attack moving forward, and now, that room is even thinner than it was coming into the year.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Tyler to continue the conversation on Twitter: @TylerNettuno

LSU running back suffers season-ending knee injury in practice

John Emery Jr. reportedly suffered a torn ACL in practice on Tuesday and will miss the remainder of the season.

Following a frustrating season-opening loss to USC on Sunday night, the news got even worse for LSU on Wednesday.

Veteran running back [autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag], now in his fifth season with the program, suffered a torn ACL in practice on Tuesday and will miss the remainder of the 2024 season. The news was first reported by Wilson Alexander of The Advocate.

Emery was a standout in the rushing game in LSU’s opener, leading the team in carries (10) and yards (61). The veteran briefly entered the transfer portal ahead of the season but opted to return for what would have been his final year of college eligibility.

https://twitter.com/whalexander_/status/1831381539718127902

Emery’s 2023 season also ended prematurely with a torn ACL suffered late in the season.

It’s a brutal break for a player who has had a winding career in Baton Rouge but seemed poised for potentially his best campaign yet. Without him, LSU will lean even more on fellow veteran [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] and sophomore [autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag].

True freshman [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] could also see his touches increase as a result after he wasn’t a factor in the Week 1 gameplan.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Tyler to continue the conversation on Twitter: @TylerNettuno

Is LSU’s rushing attack a problem for the Tigers in 2024?

LSU was expected to have a strong run game behind an elite offensive line, but there are questions after the loss to USC.

LSU had a 1,000-yard rusher at QB last year with Heisman winner [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] under center. With [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] taking over, LSU’s rushing attack took a different approach against USC.

The results were mixed, at best. LSU finished the game with -0.22 EPA/rush, which ranks in the 15th percentile. From an EPA perspective, only one explosive play was generated on the ground.

That’s an adjustment from 2023 when LSU finished the year with 29 runs of 20+ yards.

But it wasn’t just a lack of explosiveness that stuck out on Sunday night. LSU wasn’t efficient either. LSU’s success rate on the ground was 27%, far below where LSU expects to be.

Only 38% of LSU’s runs went for four yards or more, 10 points below USC’s mark of 48%. LSU’s two starting backs, [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag], both averaged under four yards per play.

No matter how you slice it, LSU struggled to run the ball. [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] was asked about it after the game and said LSU has bigger issues.

“We could sit here and we could go and look at a million different things, but we had over 400 yards in total offense,” Kelly said. “We weren’t able to put the ball in the end zone when we really needed too. This is much more about being a better and efficient offense in the red zone than it is the failings of the inability to run.”

Kelly said LSU ran the ball to set up everything else it needed to do.

“Do I want to run the ball better? Absolutely, there’s no doubt. I think our execution needs to get better. Having said that, I think we ran the ball well enough to win this game,” Kelly said.

Kelly has a point, but LSU could have improved its chances of scoring with a better rushing attack.

On the opening drive, LSU ran the ball on first and goal for a loss of one. The next drive, LSU was forced to punt after a series that featured two more stuffed runs.

The final drive, when LSU needed a touchdown to take the lead, LSU ran it three times for an average of 1.6 yards. The Tigers were forced to settle for a field goal.

LSU’s schedule lightens up for a moment, but the Tigers need to figure out the run game before SEC play begins.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

5 takeaways from LSU football’s season-opening loss to USC

LSU football dropped a fifth-straight season opener on Sunday night. This time it was a 27-20 loss to Lincoln Riley and USC.

Another kickoff, another letdown for LSU. For the fifth straight year, LSU dropped its season opener. All five losses came at the hands of power conference opponents, all in games where LSU was favored.

This time, it was USC’s turn to deliver the season-opening blow to LSU. Lincoln Riley’s offense marched down the field in the final minute to break a 20-20 tie with a Woody Marks touchdown. LSU got the ball back with eight seconds left, but a [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] interception sealed a 27-20 win for USC.

LSU had several chances to take control of this game in the second half, but USC stuck around and eventually made the plays in the fourth quarter. The Tigers lacked the signature explosive plays that made the 2023 offense the best unit in the country and [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag]’ legs were sorely missed.

Brian Kelly entered his third year at LSU with high hopes. With the playoff expanding to 12, postseason hopes aren’t completely dashed, but LSU’s margin for error is slim the rest of the way.

Nussmeier finished with 304 yards and two touchdowns while John Emery led LSU on the ground with 10 carries for 64 yards.

Here are five takeaways from LSU’s loss to USC.

Garrett Nussmeier meets expectations

It’s hard to put this loss on Nussmeier. The redshirt junior was impressive, completing 29 of 38 passes for 304 yards and two scores. Nussmeier looked like a veteran, checking calls at the line of scrimmage and taking what the USC defense gave him.

Nussmeier protected the football and did a fine job taking calculated risks. [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] and [autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag] got the bulk of the targets, but Nussmeier spread it around and threw at 11 different Tigers.

USC did a good job disguising its pressures, which caused trouble for LSU at times, but Nussmeier handled it and got the ball out. He made throws within the pocket and delivered some balls on the run too.

Despite the loss, LSU should feel good about its passing attack.

LSU struggles to establish the run

Without Daniels, there were questions about how LSU would generate explosive plays on the ground. The Tigers struggled to accomplish that on Sunday night.

There were flashes, but the rushing attack was inconsistent. [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag], the two backs expected to lead LSU’s RB room, averaged 3.4 yards per carry. Nussmeier was a nonfactor on the ground.

[autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag] injected life in the second half and finished with 10 carries for 61 yards, but that was about the only positive takeaway in this department.

It’s possible this was just a bad night, but LSU is supposed to have the best offensive line in the country. That should be reevaluated moving forward.

Secondary remains an issue

LSU was plagued by a young and injury-riddled secondary last year. Sunday night wasn’t quite as bad as 2023, but it wasn’t good.

[autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag] and [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag] had a few highlight plays at cornerback, but USC continued to take advantage of one-on-one matchups on the outside.

The nail in the coffin came when Miller Moss found Kyron Hudson on the final drive. LSU corner Sage Ryan failed to redirect Hudson and Moss found a window.

Earlier in the half, Moss found Ja’Kobi Lane one-on-one with Stamps for a score.

LSU will face more talented receivers when it gets into conference play. Right now, that looks like trouble.

LSU struggles to find explosive plays

LSU was the most explosive offense in the country last year, but the big plays didn’t come at the same clip on Sunday night.

We knew LSU would regress some here after the gaudy numbers put up in 2023, but according to GameOnPaper, LSU had just one explosive play on the ground.

LSU created four big plays through the air, but it missed the 50-yard bomb we’d see from Daniels and [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] last year.

Without the big plays, pressure was put on LSU to sustain drives. That was tough without a consistent run game.

Another season-opening loss

LSU fans are probably getting tired of starting 0-1. The last time LSU won a season opener, [autotag]Joe Burrow[/autotag] was throwing passes.

Again, LSU’s season isn’t over with the playoff expanding, but LSU will have to overperform against a tough SEC schedule if it has postseason hopes.

The schedule is favorable, relative to what other SEC teams face, but it’s by no means easy.

LSU has a lot to fix if Kelly hopes to avoid falling short of expectations again.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

How does LSU matchup with USC in every phase of the game?

Here’s how LSU matches up with USC in every phase of the game.

The wait is over. On Sunday night, LSU will kick off its 2024 campaign against USC in Las Vegas.

This is a new LSU. The Tigers lost three first-round draft picks on offense, including Heisman-winning QB [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag]. On defense, LSU cleaned house and hired a whole new defensive staff.

But there’s continuity at some spots too, including an offensive line that returns four starters. At QB, [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] takes over the QB1 reigns for the first time, but he’s no stranger to LSU fans after seeing spurts of action the last three years.

Despite the new defensive staff, LSU managed to return the bulk of its defensive production, including star linebacker [autotag]Harold Perkins Jr.[/autotag]

As [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] enters Year 3, his program is firmly in place. There’s a belief this is his most player-led team yet. That confidence has been evident throughout the offseason, but Sunday night will tell us a lot about this team.

Here’s how LSU matches up with USC in every phase of the game.

When LSU is throwing the ball

Again, Nussmeier is no secret. He played as a true freshman in 2021, a little more in 2022 and got the start for LSU in the bowl game last year.

This is his first real test in a game that matters. Nussmeier is working with a receiver group new to their roles too, but there’s little concern about LSU’s pass-catching talent.

Nussmeier’s best trait is the ability to see the field and get the ball out. He doesn’t possess the rushing threat of Daniels, but LSU’s sacks allowed will improve with Nussmeier’s quick trigger.

It helps to be playing behind an offensive line anchored by two potential first-round picks at tackle.

To slow down LSU’s passing attack, USC must find a way to make Nussmeier uncomfortable. [autotag]Will Campbell[/autotag] and [autotag]Emery Jones Jr.[/autotag] don’t plan to let that happen easily.

USC has talent, but it lacks a star pass rusher. Jamil Muhammad had 25 pressures and seven sacks last year, but LSU should be able to handle him off the edge.

The secondary is where USC has the best chance of matching up with LSU. USC landed a slew of proven power conference players on the backend. If LSU’s wide receivers don’t have the breakouts we expect, USC can make things tough on the backend.

For now, LSU has the advantage here.

When LSU is running the ball

Campbell said it earlier this week. LSU is going to come out and run the football.

The Tigers rushing attack was the best in the country last year. Daniels was the headliner, ripping off explosive runs and surpassing the 1,000-yard mark. With Daniels gone, LSU is shifting its approach.

LSU will showcase a more diversified rushing attack. The core principles will remain the same, but more variation is expected.

But it probably doesn’t matter what LSU runs up front. This offensive line is good enough to get push against any defense in the country.

How LSU manages the running back room is something to watch. [autotag]Logan Diggs[/autotag] led the group in yards last year, but he transferred to Ole Miss. Senior [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] and sophomore [autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag] should carry most of the load, but we don’t know what to expect.

The reports on Jackson have been positive with LSU OC [autotag]Joe Sloan[/autotag] saying Jackson took a big step this offseason.

New USC DC D’Anton Lynn has his hands full fixing a defense that ranked 103rd in explosive rushing rate last year.

The Trojans have experience at linebacker and should be improved on the interior defensive line, but LSU will rip off some big ones.

Advantage goes to LSU here.

When USC is throwing the ball

USC QB Miller Moss gets the task of replacing No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. Hopes are high for Moss given Riley’s history with QBs. When you coach three Heisman winners, elite QB play becomes the expectation.

LSU’s pass defense was one of the worst in the country last year, finishing 125th in EPA/dropback allowed.

I don’t expect Moss to play at a Heisman level, but he’ll get the job done. This matchup comes down to how USC’s young receivers fare against LSU’s young secondary.

LSU is counting on [autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag] to step up at corner. Stamps struggled as a true freshman last year, but LSU has been impressed this offseason.

Stamps will have his hands full with a talented USC receiving core. Zechariah Branch has a chance to be one of the top playmakers in the entire sport and USC will try to get him the ball in space on Sunday.

How LSU tackles on the backend could be just as important as how it plays in coverage.

LSU’s defense will be improved this year, but not enough to get the edge on Sunday. We’re giving the advantage to USC’s passing attack here.

When USC is running the ball

USC will need to take some pressure off Moss with the run game, but there are new faces here too.

Workhorse back Marshawn Lloyd is in the NFL as USC turns to Mississippi State transfer Woody Marks. This will be Marks’ fifth meeting with LSU. His best game against the Tigers came last year when he ran it eight times for 75 yards.

USC returns some key pieces on an offensive line that ranked third nationally in yards before contact last year and it’s safe to assume a Riley offense will find a way to create space for its running back.

LSU’s run defense remains a major question. It wasn’t good last year and LSU’s depth at defensive tackle remains untested.

A lot of attention should be on the LSU linebackers here. If the defensive line struggles, can the LBs make plays to mitigate any issues? [autotag]Greg Penn III[/autotag] and [autotag]Harold Perkins Jr.[/autotag] both need big games.

I think LSU will do a good job preventing explosive plays on the ground, but USC will find some down-to-down success. The edge goes to USC’s rushing attack.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

What impact will LSU running back Caden Durham make as a freshman?

What impact can LSU freshman RB Caden Durham make in 2024?

The running back spot is an intriguing one for LSU in 2024. The Tigers have no clear No. 1 with several players battling for carries.

You have the veterans, [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag] The sophomores hoping for a breakout, [autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag] and [autotag]Trey Holly[/autotag]. Then you have [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag], one of the top recruits in LSU’s 2024 class.

Three of the four major recruiting services ranked Durham as a top 10 back in the class. Rivals was the highest, slating Durham No. 4 at his position.

Running back is a position where players can make an impact as a true freshman. There’s a chance for Durham to do that in 2024.

For now, the bulk of the carries are set to go to sixth-year senior Williams and sophomore Jackson. LSU’s offense will rely on the backs much more in 2024 than it did in 2023. Without [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag]’ explosive rushing ability at QB, the Tigers have look elsewhere for their ground production.

LSU will need more than just Williams or Jackson to get through the year. Williams is a solid player, but he’s not a feature back. Jackson has the talent to be a centerpiece, but might still be a year away from reaching his ceiling. Expect a good amount of rotation here.

That means a guy like Durham will get his chance. LSU hasn’t had a true speedster at RB with Durham’s talent in a minute. He has the wheels to take it to the house on any play.

That’s what Daniels had last year and what LSU needs to find again. Last year, 6.7% of LSU’s runs went for 20 or more yards. That led the Power Five. Without Daniels, that will be hard to repeat. But a breakout from Durham can get the Tigers close.

Durham doesn’t need to be a down-to-down back yet. LSU has veterans that know the scheme and know the system. Those guys will carry most of the load.

Durham can function as a true change-of-pace player. LSU can simplify the game and just let him run.

Don’t expect Durham to make a ton of noise early in the season, but he can certainly be a contributor down the stretch.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

LSU’s 2025 running back class is the best in the nation

LSU’s 2025 recruiting class at running back is the nation’s best.

LSU’s 2025 class is strong. It ranks No. 3 in the country overall and its 19 blue-chip recruits are tie Ohio State for most in the nation.

The strength is especially evident at running back, where LSU has the best class in the country.

[autotag]Harlem Berry[/autotag], a class headliner, is the No. 1 RB in country according to On3, ESPN, and Rivals. The lone site that has him off the top spot is 247Sports, but he still sits at No. 2 there.

Berry isn’t the only blue-chip running back in the class. LSU also has a commitment from Louisiana four-star [autotag]JT Lindsey[/autotag]. According to 247Sports, Lindsey is the fifth-best back in the class while the On3 Industry Rankings slate him No. 13 overall.

Running backs coach [autotag]Frank Wilson[/autotag] was one of Brian Kelly’s biggest hires when Kelly arrived in Baton Rouge. LSU’s depth was tested at RB after the head coaching transition, but Wilson has rebuilt the room into one of the SEC’s most talented.

Berry will be LSU’s top running back commit since [autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag] signed in 2019.

With young backs like [autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag], [autotag]Trey Holly[/autotag] and [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] already on the roster, the room is well-positioned for years to come.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.