Tag: Major Burns

Brian Kelly explains how LSU is adjusting its secondary rotation

LSU is shuffling its secondary again in the bye week.

LSU experimented with its secondary throughout the first five weeks of the year. [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] began the year at corner before moving to safety. [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] played the STAR spot until LSU wanted three linebackers on the field, pushing Burns to safety.

During the bye week, LSU is continuing to shuffle some pieces. [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said [autotag]Javien Toviano[/autotag] is going to play STAR the rest of the way. This should bring some stability after Toviano’s bounced around from corner to safety to nickel since arriving at LSU.

Kelly said LSU coaches think Toviano is better close to the line of scrimmage. Toviano at STAR puts him in a position to be athletic and make plays. With Toviano at STAR, LSU has the flexibility to play Burns at safety again.

Toviano was a blue-chip recruit in 2023 and played as a true freshman last year, but he’s yet to see much action in 2024. If Toviano settles in at STAR, more playing time could be in the fold.

Overall, LSU’s secondary is playing better than it did to start 2023, but the Tigers still rank 111th nationally, allowing 8.1 yards per pass. LSU’s next test is Ole Miss, which gave LSU plenty of trouble through the air last year.

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Changes expected on LSU’s defense ahead of South Carolina game

LSU’s defense will look different when it meets South Carolina on Saturday morning.

As LSU enters conference play against South Carolina, the Tigers are tinkering with the defensive personnel.

The most notable of which is at the linebacker spot, where LSU will showcase more 4-3 looks. Expect to see [autotag]Greg Penn III[/autotag], [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] and [autotag]Harold Perkins Jr.[/autotag] on the field together.

LSU head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said Weeks is too good to be a rotational player, indicating he’s too good to keep off the field.

In those 4-3 looks, LSU has the option to move [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] to safety, his traditional position. Burns has played DC Blake Baker’s STAR spot so far in 2024.

Another change is increased playing time for [autotag]Dashawn Spears[/autotag]. The four-star true freshman continues to draw rave reviews and it’s getting harder for LSU to keep him off the field.

LSU will have to balance that with [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] moving. The return of cornerback [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] provides LSU with a veteran option on the outside and the Tigers feel more comfortable bumping Ryan back to safety.

Another beneficiary of Ryan’s move is [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag]. The true freshman corner played just nine snaps against USC but got the start in Week 2 and played 26 snaps vs. Nicholls.

On the defensive line, following the injury to [autotag]Jacobian Guillory[/autotag], LSU is moving [autotag]Paris Shand[/autotag] back inside. Shand played defensive tackle at Arizona before shifting to defensive end when arriving at LSU. But LSU needs the depth up the middle and Shand has the size to make an impact at the position.

The general takeaway is LSU finding a way to get its best 11 players on the field, even if it means making some moves.

LSU fans will get their first look at the changes when LSU and South Carolina kick it off at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday morning.

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LSU vs South Carolina: What to watch for as Tigers open SEC play

Can LSU get it going on the ground? How does LSU manage personnel on defense? Here’s what to watch for when LSU faces South Carolina.

2024 continues to be a mirror image of 2023 for the LSU Tigers football team.

Both years opened with a neutral site loss on Sunday night to a big-name opponent. Both seasons followed that up with a Week 2 win over a Louisiana FCS school. Now, Week 3 features an SEC road trip against a team projected to finish near the bottom of the SEC.

Last year it was Mississippi State. This year, LSU travels further east to face South Carolina.

According to BetMGM, LSU is a seven-point favorite. A smaller line than the double-digit look-ahead spread posted in the summer. The loss to USC and first-half struggles against Nicholls brought the skeptics out, but head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] reiterated his confidence in this team.

South Carolina shouldn’t be a measuring stick for LSU, but the Tigers need to show they can take care of business on the road against a less talented squad.

Here’s what to watch for when LSU and South Carolina kick off on Saturday.

When LSU has the ball

When LSU’s on offense, I’ll be looking for two things:

  1. Can LSU run the ball?
  2. Can LSU generate explosive plays?

The fact that we have to ask the first question is a surprise. LSU’s offensive line was projected to be one of the nation’s best, and while it has held up in pass protection, LSU is yet to get a consistent push on the ground.

LSU ranks 112th nationally in rushing success rate and 89th with 3.93 yards per carry. Both marks are below the gaudy numbers posted last year and short of what’s expected of a team with this much talent.

The Tigers miss [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag]’ dual-threat ability and lack a feature running back, but with two first-round tackles and veteran guards, the offensive line should be creating lanes.

South Carolina’s defensive front is strong, but it’s better at rushing the passer than it is at stopping the run. The Gamecocks stuff rate is in the 23rd percentile and their EPA/rush allowed is slightly above average.

If LSU can’t run the ball on Saturday, it signals concern for the remainder of 2024.

As for the second question, LSU needs to be more explosive. The Tigers are one or two more explosive plays from being 2-0. LSU struggled in the red zone vs. USC and the easiest way to fix that is scoring before you even get there.

LSU’s offense made its living on deep shots to [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] in 2023. I understand the personnel is different, but Nussmeier has the arm to push it down the field.

With a defense that’s still finding its way, LSU needs to be explosive enough to keep up in a potential shootout.

Following the USC loss, Kelly said LSU needs to keep [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] involved throughout the game. We’ll see if OC [autotag]Joe Sloan[/autotag] dials anything up for his top receiver on Saturday.

When South Carolina has the ball

That Week 3 game against Mississippi State was LSU’s best defensive performance in 2023. The Tigers took advantage of a defense that wasn’t as talented.

It didn’t mean much the rest of the year as the unit regressed back to what it was in the Week 1 loss to Florida State, but it showed LSU had the pieces to bully a less talented team.

LSU hopes for a similar result tomorrow.

South Carolina’s offense struggled last year and then lost Spencer Rattler and Xavier Leggette — its top two players. Rebuilding a unit is hard, especially when you lose the stars.

LaNorris Sellers took over for Rattler and is yet to show anything particularly impressive. The offensive line is improved, but they didn’t have to do much to cross the low bar set in 2023. When it comes to the pass catchers, South Carolina is still searching for the next WR1 after Leggette’s departure.

This is the rare opportunity for the LSU defense to face an SEC offense with an equal amount of questions and concerns.

I’ll be keeping an eye on how LSU manages its personnel. Kelly said that linebacker [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] is too good to keep off the field and we could see [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] play some safety, allowing LSU to get three backers on the field.

On the backend, [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] is expected to play safety, opening time for [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] and [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag] at corner.

LSU needs to ensure this isn’t the game South Carolina figures it out. The Tigers have the talent and speed to get stops here.

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LSU vs. USC: Which defense is set to improve the most under first-year DC?

USC and LSU are both counting on new DCs to restore the defense. Who will see more benefit in Year 1?

When LSU and USC meet on Sunday night, both will he hoping for major defensive turnarounds.

Both programs struggled to get stops last year, leaving them out of contention despite having Heisman winners at quarterback.

[autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] and Lincoln Riley were hired to bring these respective schools to the College Football Playoff. With that in mind, both swung big for an up-and-coming DC. LSU hired [autotag]Blake Baker[/autotag] away from Missouri while USC went with D’Anton Lynn from UCLA.

Coaching wasn’t the only thing holding the units back in 2023. Both relied on underclassmen and the inexperience was evident. The upside to playing so many young guys is the amount of returning experience. LSU and USC rank in the top 35 in returning production on that side of the ball.

The Trojans took a slightly different approach with their rebuild, landing a slew of transfers in the secondary. LSU dipped in the portal too, but didn’t land the high profile names USC did.

Lynn brought two high-profile defensive backs from UCLA in John Humphrey and Kamari Ramsey. The proximity of UCLA to USC and familiarity with Lynn’s system ensures little adjustment for the duo.

Veterans Akili Arnold and DeCarlos Richardson provide experience on the backend, too.

Meanwhile, LSU is counting on homegrown talent to perform in the secondary. [autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag] is expected to be CB1 after seeing plenty of action as a true freshman. Veterans [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] and [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] need to make a big impact too after steadily improving in 2023.

Both hit the portal to shore up depth on the interior defensive line and return a good bit at linebacker.

As for who makes the biggest stride in year one, it could be USC, if only because the Trojans have more room to go.

USC’s defense finished 2023 ranked 105th in SP+ while LSU was 52nd. It’s a lot easier to jump from 100 to 50 than it is from 50 to 10.

But when it matters, I think LSU has a better shot at consistent play on defense. The Tigers’ overall talent level is better, especially when you consider LSU’s upside at defensive end and linebacker.

Lynn has a year or two to build his unit while LSU is expecting a playoff appearance in 2023. Baker has the tools to call his aggressive style of defense in Baton Rouge.

I think LSU’s choice to build from within was indicative of how much this coaching staff believes in the existing talent.

These were both strong hires, but LSU stands to reap more immediate benefits.

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8 LSU players named to coaches preseason All-SEC teams

The Tigers still have quite a bit of all-conference caliber talent despite the offseason losses.

We’re coming down the home stretch as we prepare for the 2024 college football season, which officially begins on Saturday.

LSU is just over a week away from beginning its season against USC in Las Vegas, and the league coaches have now released their preseason All-SEC ballots.

Eight Tigers ultimately cracked the three teams with a trio coming on the first team in left tackle [autotag]Will Campbell[/autotag], linebacker [autotag]Harold Perkins Jr.[/autotag] and all-purpose player [autotag]Zavion Thomas[/autotag].

Campbell and Perkins are likely first-round NFL draft picks next spring, while Thomas, a Mississippi State transfer, should have an impact both on offense and special teams as a returner this fall.

They’re joined by three more players on the second team in receiver [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag], who is likely poised for a breakout as he becomes the team’s likely No. 1 option, right tackle [autotag]Emery Jones Jr.[/autotag], who has been a bit overshadowed by Campbell but is a first-round prospect in his own right, and defensive back [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag], one of the few veterans on a defense that lost a lot of experience.

Finally, two players were on the third team in tight end [autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag], who has had two very productive seasons and could see an even bigger role as a junior, and long-snapper [autotag]Slade Roy[/autotag], who enters his third season with the team after transferring from East Carolina.

Thomas made another appearance on the third team as a return specialist.

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Is LSU safety Jordan Allen on the verge of a breakout in 2024?

Can LSU safety Jordan Allen emerge in 2024?

LSU showcased a new look defense on its first day of fall camp. [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] was back with the cornerbacks, opening up a spot at safety.

With a spot open at safety, [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag] slid in to take the first-team reps. Allen was a three-star in the class of 2022, Brian Kelly’s first signing class at LSU. The On3 Industry Rankings rated him as the No. 51 safety in the class and the No. 23 prospect in the state of Louisiana.

Allen didn’t play much as a freshman in 2022 and saw just 47 defensive snaps. That was enough to keep his redshirt. As a redshirt freshman last year, Allen saw a good bit action the back half of the season.

His 37 snaps against Florida in Week 11 were a career high. Allen struggled, posting a 50.4 PFF grade, but he continued to see time in November. Against Georgia State and Texas A&M, the results were better.

Allen rotated in against Wisconsin too, playing nine stops and notching a defensive stop.

LSU is thin in the secondary, especially at corner. That trickle down will affect will affect the safeties with Ryan needing to play corner.

Veteran safety [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] is moving to the star position, meaning LSU’s backend will have a different look this year. The Tigers landed former Texas A&M safety [autotag]Jardin Gilbert[/autotag] in the transfer portal, who brings starting SEC experience, but other than that, there are questions.

Allen could prove to be the answer. Even if he doesn’t assume a full time starting role, Allen looks to be factoring into Blake Baker’s defensive plans. LSU safety coach [autotag]Jake Olsen[/autotag] did good work with the safeties at Missouri and could be what this group needs to take a step forward.

Baker likes to play an aggressive style of defense. That will put pressure on the young secondary at times. If another safety emerges, that can help LSU limit the big plays allowed this fall.

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Could Major Burns be key piece in LSU’s 2024 defense?

LSU’s Major Burns could be the key to LSU’s defense taking a step forward.

[autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] made wholesale changes to the defensive staff this offseason. The defense was among the worst in program history last year and it put a damper on LSU’s playoff hopes despite LSU owning the best offense in the country.

Enter [autotag]Blake Baker[/autotag] as defensive coordinator. Baker’s defense will look a lot different. One noticeable change you’ll notice is the deployment of hybrid safety [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag].

This is a young defense, but that’s where Burns stands out. He’s entering his fifth year of college football after playing 1,641 defensive snaps since 2020. He’s started 23 games for LSU despite battling injuries in 2021 and 2022.

Burns was a classic safety last year. According to PFF, he lined up as the FS spot more than any other, seeing 369 snaps there.

Now in Baker’s defense, Burns is moving to the STAR role. That’s the typical hybrid safety linebacker model you’ve seen emerge in college football this century.

Daylan Carnell played that role for Baker at Missouri last year, lining up as a free safety just 45 times. The majority of time was spent playing in the box or in the slot.

Burns isn’t a stranger to either spot. He played 308 in the box and 142 in the slot last year, but what he’s asked to do will change.

In coverage last year, Carnell was in man 34.8% of the time. Burns just 22.3%. When it came to rushing the passer, Carnell blitzed 10.5% of the time while Burns’ rate was less than half at 4.1%, which was among the lowest safety blitz rates in the SEC.

How Burns adjusts could play a big role in how much progress LSU’s defense makes Year 1 under Baker. So far, the reports are positive.

In spring practice, Kelly said Burns improved more than anyone else in coverage, noting he struggled some last year. Kelly said LSU didn’t put Burns in a position to succeed, saying there were occasions when the staff didn’t have Burns on the right guy at the right time.

Off the field, Kelly noted Burns’ development as a leader, something that’s critical given how young the defense is.

Another positive indicator: Burns was named preseason All-SEC at media days last week.

There are few certainties on this defense. The cornerback room is a big question mark. So is the interior defensive line. LSU needs an improved pass rush and more consistent play from its linebackers. There will be struggles, but with Burns’ versatility, Baker could alleviate weaknesses.

If the pass rush is struggling, send Burns on a blitz. Need help in coverage? Drop Burns back.

Burns doesn’t need to be elite, he just needs to be good at a little of everything and provide a steady veteran presence. Burns has the chance to make an impact at every level of the defense. If he lives up to those All-SEC expectations, this unit is in good shape.

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LSU’s Dashawn McBryde named a top freshman defensive back by Phil Steele

The highest-rated defensive back in LSU’s 2024 class could make an instant impact for the Tigers.

When it comes to LSU’s secondary in 2024, the name of the game will be development.

The Tigers have some proven pieces, to be sure. Veteran transfer cornerback [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] was a bright spot when healthy last season, while safety [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] is coming off a career year and will be playing alongside an experienced transfer addition in [autotag]Jardin Gilbert[/autotag].

But elsewhere, LSU is hoping second-year players like [autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag] and [autotag]Javien Toviano[/autotag] will take steps, and it could be relying on young players for depth as [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag] seems to be pushing for a starting spot on the outside as a true freshman.

Woodland isn’t the only true freshman defensive back to watch out for, though. Safety [autotag]Dashawn McBryde[/autotag] was the top-rated defensive back in the Tigers’ class, and the Denham Springs native was named the No. 24 freshman defensive back in the country this season by Phil Steele.

McBryde was a top-100 prospect nationally and the No. 3 player in Louisiana coming out of high school. It remains to be seen if he can see the field early, but he could be part of the safety rotation as a true freshman.

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Brian Kelly praises Major Burns during spring practice

Major Burns, the LSU Tigers’ leading tackler from last season, was recently highlighted by head coach Brian Kelly.

[autotag]Major Burns[/autotag], the LSU Tigers’ leading tackler from last season, was recently highlighted by head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag], who pointed out how well Burns is doing in coverage. Burns finished last season with 93 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception.

“The one guy that I really think has made more progress than any one individual player in coverage is Major Burns,” Kelly said. “Major was a bit sloppy last year in coverage. I know everyone would point to the interception against Missouri which is singularly a huge play but there were many times in coverage where we didn’t have him on the right guy at the right time. He’s been really really good. I’ve been happy with his off-the-field as well. In the classroom doing the right things, he’s really taken a step up in the program and put himself squarely in a position to be a leader.”

I am excited to see how Burns will look in the Tigers’ new look defense this fall.

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Major Burns announces return to LSU in 2024

Major Burns has started 23 of the 27 games he’s appeared in over the last three seasons.

LSU has seen some key players announce their decisions to enter the 2024 NFL draft, but it will be getting one of its key veterans in the secondary back.

On Thursday, safety [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] announced that he would be coming back to LSU for his final season of eligibility in 2024. A Baton Rouge native who began his career at Georgia but transferred back to his home state in 2021, Burns has appeared in 27 games for the Tigers over the last three seasons, starting 23 of them.

After he was limited by injuries in his first two seasons, he started all 13 games in 2023 while leading the team in total tackles with 93. He also had three tackles for loss, an interception and three pass breakups.

The defensive backfield will be a major question mark once again in 2024 after this year’s transfer portal haul didn’t work out, and the Tigers could be relying heavily on young players.

With that in mind, getting an experienced veteran like Burns back could prove to be valuable.

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