The Bayou Bengals are back in Baton Rouge to face Nicholls State and erase the taste from their opening week loss. Nicholls isn’t a team that should challenge the Tigers physically. However, there are three critical areas of improvement in which LSU needs to see results in week two. There’s nothing LSU can do against Nicholls to reassure the fanbase, but it’s paramount to improve weekly considering the schedule that lies ahead. Getting into the win column is the most important goal for this week. What else do the Tigers need to accomplish?
Three Areas of Improvement for LSU vs. Nicholls State
Run Game
Although we’ve established the consequences of the Tigers’ offensive approach in the second half against USC, the fact remains that they must be more effective running the ball. Be it missed reads by the backs, missed blocks, or bad decisions on zone-read plays, several factors slowed the LSU rush offense.
LSU must play with the mentality of the aggressor on Saturday. Pullers can’t go through the motions on counterplays. They should attack the edge with the intent to remove a defender from the play. Backs should lower their shoulders and deliver the impact instead of running high as if it’s a non-contact drill. Even when the Tigers inexplicably decide to run against unfavorable boxes, the players in purple and gold need to be more physical.
Unfortunately, the Tigers will be without their leading rusher from week one, John Emery. Among other challenges he’s faced in his six-year career, Emery had just returned to action from a torn ACL in 2023 before another ACL injury sidelined him for the rest of 2024. His absence will provide more opportunities for freshman Caden Durham, which brings us to our next area of improvement.
Youth Movement
There are veterans on this LSU team who have provided leadership and remained loyal to the Tigers through tough times. As much as their contributions are appreciated, their time on campus has also shown their athletic capabilities and limitations. Respectfully, some younger players might not have the same constraints. This area of improvement for LSU could come with some bumps in the road, but that’s the price of progress.
PJ Woodland needs more time at corner. He’s slim and inexperienced, but he’s also fearless. Most importantly, he can play man coverage. Time on the field will provide a better comfort level to avoid overzealous contact, and there’s no better time than now to get on the field. Pass interference penalties aren’t as impactful as touchdowns
Dashawn Spears has impressed at safety since arriving on campus this Spring, and LSU can’t afford to be such an easy target in the passing game at that position. An upgrade is necessary for the Tigers to reach their playoff goals. Jordan Allen made some plays in week one, but Kylin Jackson will also get reps at the other safety spot. Sophomore Javien Toviano missed part of Fall camp, but he played significant snaps as a freshman and could provide help at the star position.
Offensively, LSU is now down two receivers due to injuries in Chris Hilton and Kyle Parker. Brian Kelly spoke on the next man up in what amounted to both a recruiting pitch and factual statement, “The guy that we need to get ready is Shelton Sampson…He’s important to us, and we need to get him going.” The 6’4” Sampson is a former five-star who has yet to make an impact but is only a redshirt freshman.
Finish Strong
Admittedly, this subtitle is a little vague, but it’s also all-encompassing. The last area of improvement for LSU is possibly the most important, and that is to finish. The Tigers don’t have the option to start well and finish poorly. This goes for fundamental aspects such as blocking and tackling as well as big-picture areas like play-calling. Whatever the task may be, each player or coach must see it through to have success.
After all the off-season concerns surrounding the LSU defensive line, it was one of the most impressive units in week one. Imagine how great they would’ve looked if they finished the tackles in the backfield instead of allowing the back to shake loose to avoid losses. Batting a pass is a great play. Catching the tipped ball is a game-changing play.
Garrett Nussmeier was excellent in his first season-opening start. He was decisive and accurate, but he also threw the ball away when there was no pressure. The expectation is that he’ll continue to go through his progressions before giving up on a play. One receiver running the wrong route doesn’t always end the potential of a play. He’s likely capable, but he has to show that ability moving forward.
Nicholls State is the next game on the schedule, but it’s also the next step for the Tigers to prove to themselves that they can do things the right way. Can the players execute at a higher level? Can the coaches identify what’s working and exploit weaknesses more consistently? Both probably can, but it won’t happen by simply showing up. They must finish the job.
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