LSU returns to Tiger Stadium for its home opener against Chattanooga at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Don’t expect the offense to show too much
LSU ran a very basic version of its offense against BYU, and it worked. The Tigers ran the ball 57 times for 296 yards and only threw it 18 times for 183 yards.
The majority of the Tigers rushing attempts were simple handoffs to either junior running back Derrius Guice or senior running back Darrel Williams.
LSU will run more of the same against Chattanooga.
There is no reason to show more coordinator Matt Canada’s offense against a defense they can simply overpower. LSU will limit the variety of offense against the Mocs ahead a SEC road matchup with Mississippi State next Saturday.
Freshmen on defense
Without sophomore defensive end Rashard Lawrence — who suffered a minor ankle injury against BYU — the Tiger defense will start another freshman after starting four last week.
Redshirt freshman defensive end Glen Logan will start in place of Lawrence according to coach Ed Orgeron. Two other freshmen — Neil Farrell Jr. and Justin Thomas — will rotate in behind Logan.
Freshmen outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson and Grant Delpit will also start for the second straight game. Chaisson was chosen to replace the injured Arden Key, and finished his debut with three tackles. Delpit made two tackles while splitting reps with senior Ed Paris at free safety.
Whether or not the Tigers start freshman Tyler Taylor or senior Donnie Alexander at inside linebacker will be a game-time decision made by defensive coordinator Dave Aranda.
Myles Brennan’s reps at quaterback
The Tigers are heavy favorites against the FCS-level Chattanooga Mocs, and if the lead is big enough, expect to see freshman quarterback Myles Brennan.
Brennan entered last week’s game against BYU in the fourth quarter with the Tigers holding a 27-0 lead. Brennan completed his only pass of the game to freshman Clyde Edwards-Helaire for a 12 yard gain.
Orgeron and his staff have made it a point to develop another quarterback behind senior Danny Etling during the season. At the moment, Brennan is that guy.
Brennan is expected to make his Tiger Stadium debut in the second half on Saturday.
Right guard battle
LSU is rotating two true freshmen at right guard with Saahdiq Charles and Ed Ingram. Charles started against BYU and is expected to start again against Chattanooga.
However, Charles and Ingram both rotated in the season opener, and Orgeron still has not named a permanent starter.
The battle between Charles and Ingram could be decided this week or continue into the Tigers game next week.
Special teams
Orgeron said earlier this week he was not happy with the performance of his kickoff unit.
Orgeron decided to reopen the battle for kickoff duties between senior Cameron Gamble, sophomore Jack Gonsoulin and redshirt freshman Connor Culp. Culp handled the kickoff duties against BYU, but struggled to put the ball in the end zone.
The coverage unit was also reevaluated during the week by Orgeron and his staff after allowing returns of multiple returns of 26 yards.