LSU coach Ed Orgeron met with the media on Thursday to discuss the first Southeastern Conference game of the season against Mississippi State

“We had a tremendous week at practice,” Orgeron said. “Tuesday was a little shaky with the crowd noise, but we bounced back on Wednesday. We practiced inside today with an emphasis on short yardage, goal line and red zone. Three very important components of the game for us.”

Gonsoulin is Saturday’s starting kicker

After freshman Connor Culp and sophomore Jack Gonsoulin went one-for-three on field goals against Chattanooga, Orgeron said they needed to reevaluate the kicking situation.

On Thursday, Orgeron decided that Gonsoulin, who is 2-4 on field goal attempts, would be the kicker against Mississippi State.

“I hope Jack can get it done,” Orgeron said. “I have confidence that he had a good week and hopefully can be more consistent, but he’s going to have to show me just like the kickoffs.”

Orgeron added the coaching staff has not made a decision on whether Culp, 1-2, will travel with the team to Starkville.

Continuing rotation at right guard, Ingram starting

Orgeron will continue to rotate freshmen Saahdiq Charles — who started the first two games — and Ed Ingram at right guard throughout the season.

While the rotation will continue, Ingram will start against Mississippi State.

“Ed is a little bit more athletic, he picks up stuff well,” Orgeron said. “Saahdiq is a powerful guy, very athletic. Ed pulls a little bit better, does a couple of things that are a little bit more natural to him. Saahdiq is going to be a great player for us. They’re very similar in lot of ways, a little bit different in a couple.”

Orgeron does not anticipate choosing a firm starter this season. He’d like to keep the rotation in order to keep the players “fresh,” and allow them to continue to getting reps.

Rashard Lawrence’s injury

Sophomore defensive end Rashard Lawrence will not play for the second game in a row after suffering an ankle injury in the season opener against BYU.

“He’s not ready,” Orgeron said. “He hasn’t practiced all week. He hasn’t put a pad on all week.”

Redshirt freshman Glen Logan and true freshman Neil Farrell will continue to rotate at the position in Lawrence’s absence. Logan has three tackles on the season and Farrell has four.