Rotations expected in defensive line against TCU
When fans watch the LSU football team sprint to the field Saturday night in the season opener against TCU, they’ll be staring at a very different defensive line.
The loss of several key contributors to the 2013 NFL Draft left a number of holes open for new faces to step in to, as the two defensive end positions were question marks heading into fall camp.
Junior Jermauria Rasco claimed the first, and junior Jordan Allen and sophomore Danielle Hunter are expected to share time on the other end of the line.
That being said, the defensive line should be a rotating door against the Horned Frogs.
“If we can get the rotation, I feel like we have the depth and we have the talent,” Allen said. “The coaches feel very comfortable with who we have, and that’s always a great things.”
Allen said everyone from the starting four to the freshman backups have all been putting in the time to improve in the weeks leading up to Saturday’s matchup.
“The way we roll in practice, it’s just to make sure everybody has the understanding [of the defense], and for those sitting around, it’s important for them to get the mental reps as well, and that’s always a great thing,” Allen said.
The trenches on defense only have one goal against TCU, though: get to the quarterback.
“We’re just trying to get the pressure that we can,” Allen said. “[LSU defensive coordinator John] Chavis has a great scheme lined up for us right now, and we’re going to take it to the field and keep working on it.”
Welter adjusting to starting role
The defensive line wasn’t the only piece of the Tigers’ defense that needed replacing this fall.
With former LSU linebacker Kevin Minter being selected by Arizona in the Draft, LSU coach Les Miles searched for a replacement during fall camp.
For the opener against TCU, junior linebacker D.J. Welter will step in to his new role as a starter.
“It feels good to finally be the starter,” Welter said. “I’ve got to go out there and get comfortable and play my game and do what we do best. I’m going to go out there and make plays, tackle people and have some fun.”
Welter said the squad as a whole is excited to finally get back into game action Saturday night.
“Now you get that extra energy,” Welter said. “You know the game’s right there, so I’m really excited for Saturday night. Everybody is ready to roll.”
LSU looking to play signature style of football
The last two times the Tigers opened the season at a neutral site, LSU has come out roaring.
In 2010 against North Carolina in the Georgia Dome, LSU began the season on the right track with a 30-24 victory.
The next season, the Tigers opened up against Oregon in Cowboys Stadium, the same site the squad will travel to for the 2013 opener against TCU Saturday. LSU stomped the Ducks in a 40-27 contest.
This weekend, the Tigers will look to continue the trend.
“We’re going to be physical,” said senior wide receiver Kadron Boone. “We have to make them respect us in the pass game. For right now, the game plan is to come in and be just LSU and play LSU football.”