As the national leader in rushing yards with 1,202 and 200.3 rushing yards per game, LSU sophomore running back Leonard Fournette is unquestionably a target for opposing defenses.
From out-of-bounds hits to defenses driving him back after the whistle, Fournette and his offensive line are used to physical defense as Fournette continues to embarrass defenders every week.
Along with opening running lanes with blocks for Fournette and keeping sophomore quarterback Brandon Harris upright in the pocket, the Tigers’ veteran offensive line embraces its role of enforcer through its physical approach up front.
“When you play intense game like the [University of] Florida, their defense is going to try to set a tone in their eyes and try push him past the whistle,” said senior offensive tackle Vadal Alexander. “If things get touchy after the whistle, we as big brothers of the offensive line-should take care of that.”
Throughout 2015, LSU’s offensive line has made a habit of imposing its will against opposing defenses, forming a cornerstone of the NCAA’s fourth-ranked rushing offense and taking home the honor of Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week five times.
During LSU’s five performances featuring the conference offensive linemen of the week, the Tigers averaged 458.8 total yards of offense, including Fournette’s tally of 193.8 rushing yards per game. LSU outscored its opponents 180-to-116 during this span.
Although Alexander said he respects Fournette’s physicality, Alexander said the offensive line’s responsibility to make sure Fournette or any other running back isn’t touched until he reaches the second level of the opponent’s defense.
Despite LSU coach Les Miles sending out plays from LSU’s game against the University of Florida to the SEC office for clarification on late hit calls, Alexander didn’t see anything the Tigers couldn’t handle.
“Not at all I don’t think it got out of hand,” Alexander said. “You had one little play that they pushed him past the whistle. But it’s nothing that we can’t handle as a offensive line, tight ends and fullbacks. We take care of that.”
Along with garnering praise for its run-blocking, LSU’s offensive line’s pass protection has fueled the emergence of Harris and the Tigers’ passing attack through the last two weeks.
Harris completed 66 percent of his attempts for 430 yards and four touchdowns combined against the University of South Carolina and Florida.
The Bossier City, Louisiana, native’s confidence in the pocket stems from his comfort with his offensive line, which has allowed only seven sacks through the Tigers’ six games.
Although the offensive line’s pride and joy is the run game, it will play whatever role is necessary to earn a win.
“However we’ve got to win the game, we’ve got to win the game,” said junior center Ethan Pocic. “We got to throw it all little more [against Florida] and it worked out well.”
Despite their success as the foundation of LSU’s dynamic offense throughout first half of the 2015 season, the Tigers’ offensive line continuously aims to improve and become consistently dominant in every phase of the game.
“We’ve got to become more reliable, more consistent with our techniques,” said freshman offensive guard William Clapp. “Every week, you got to look at what you need to improve on from last week and just keep improving.”