The LSU football program is one of many traditions.
First, there is the beloved Tiger Stadium, which packs more than 92,000 screaming fans for almost every home game. Then there is the revered Mike the Tiger and his illustrious palace, not to mention the fan favorite Golden Band from Tigerland.
Speaking of tradition, LSU has historically been labeled a smash-mouth-type team, pounding the ball down opponents’ throats at will.
But times have changed as teams all over the country have transitioned to a spread-heavy rushing attack rather than a pro-style scheme. Add LSU to that list now, as it has transitioned to a shotgun-based rushing style under the direction of head coach Les Miles and fourth-year offensive coordinator Gary Crowton.
“We have the ability and the flexibility to attack a team with both,” Miles said. “I don’t know that it’s a one-snap game anymore.”
Through three games, LSU has lined up in the shotgun 117 times out of 183 total plays.
The Tigers were in the shotgun for 41 of 57 plays against North Carolina, 44 of 71 plays at Vanderbilt and 32 of 55 plays last weekend against Mississippi State.
Despite the push toward a spread attack, LSU actually ran the ball 21 times out of 39 rushing attempts from under center against Mississippi State.
“It depends what type of personnel [we have],” said junior running back Stevan Ridley. “Some weeks might be more spread or more pro style.”
Miles has been given the daunting task of deciphering how to get all his playmakers involved with the running game.
Ridley primarily takes carries from the pro-style set, with sophomore wide receiver Russell Shepard and freshman running back Alfred Blue receiving a handful of snaps out of the shotgun.
“LSU has always been big on running downhill,” said walk-on junior fullback James Stampley. “Now we’re adding the east and west aspect, so it’s making it versatile at the same time.”
The variation has helped LSU average 203 rushing yards per game so far, good enough for the No. 32-rated rushing offense in the country.
Some of the 21 rushing plays — 11 in the second half — from under center against Mississippi State could have been slightly inflated because LSU led 29-7 with 12:05 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Even so, the Tigers have gradually reverted back to their roots, adding more and more I-formation to games with the emergence of Stampley. He replaced former fullback Dominique Allen in the starting lineup after Allen was dismissed from the team in August.
“It’s taken time,” Ridley said. “We know that Stampley’s had it, but we had to get comfortable with him.”
The spread offense has not only helped LSU blossom into a rushing machine but has also helped junior quarterback Jordan Jefferson better manage the offense.
When in the shotgun, Jefferson normally has three checks he can go to — option, run or pass — just by reading the defense at the line of scrimmage. It also helps disguise the run, leaving opposing defense on its heels.
“You’ll find that many times in the lineup or in a gun position, the defense might see that as a passing spot, so the opportunity to run from there might be an advantage,” Miles said.
Ridley has benefited from that advantage as well as the offensive line opening up gaping holes for him. His 318 rushing yards rank him third in the Southeastern Conference and put him at a current pace of 1,272 yards for the season. The last time a Tiger rushed for that many yards was in 1998 when Kevin Faulk racked up 1,279.
“A comfort zone, I don’t really have one,” Ridley said. “I’ll run the ball whichever way you hand it to me.”
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Contact Sean Isabella at [email protected]