LSU’s offense is continuing to make strides under new offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
Coach Ed Orgeron said for the second straight week, the offense won the scrimmage between the Tigers’ offense and defense.
Orgeron said that he wanted a game-type atmosphere during Saturday’s scrimmage, and that is what he got.
“Matt Canada and our offensive staff is doing a tremendous job with the offense,” Orgeron said at a post-scrimmage press conference. “I am really pleased with our offense; the motions, the shifts, the diversion of of the offense is really good.”
Even without junior running back Derrius Guice, who was sidelined because of an ankle injury, LSU’s offense ran for 391 yards, 93 of which came from a slimmer Darrel Williams, according to Orgeron.
The senior tailback is now entrenched as a mainstay in LSU’s backfield behind Guice.
Orgeron said that the combination of Williams’ weight loss, the new offense and running backs coach Tommie Robinson is all leading to a breakout spring for the senior running back.
Orgeron also said that while the offense is new and there is very little I-formation, the blocking scheme and the design of run plays are very similar to last year’s offense.
On the defensive side of the ball, Orgeron singled out sophomore defensive end Rashard Lawrence and redshirt freshman linebacker Ray Thornton as two young defensive players who shined in the scrimmage.
Lawrence is competing with senior defensive end Frank Herron for the starting job at a defensive spot vacated by Lewis Neal.
“Rashard Lawrence is having a great spring,” Orgeron said. “He’s the one that’s improved the most.”
Thornton is playing at both outside linebacker spots during the spring. The BUCK spot is a position where LSU is lacking any depth with Arden Key and Isaiah Washington sitting out spring practice.
“Ray Thornton had an excellent practice today,” Orgeron said. “He made some great tackles out there. He’s going to be a tremendous player for us.”
Notes and Stats
-Danny Etling- 4-of-10, 133 yards and a touchdown
-Justin McMillan- 5-of-6, 79 yards and a touchdown
-Lindsey Scott- 2-of-3, 23 yards
-Darrel Williams- 20 rushes, 93 yards
-Nick Brossette- 14 rushes, 72 yards
-Dee Anderson- two catches, 30 yards
-Drake Davis- one catch, 39 yards and a touchdown
-Russell Gage- three catches, 59 yards