Coming off of their second top-10 victory of the early season the LSU Tigers will look to push their record to 4-0 against Louisiana Tech on Saturday.
Energy stays high in practice after win against Auburn
The Tigers are the first team since 1976 to defeat two top-10 opponents in the first three weeks of the season. The win is also the first time that LSU has defeated two top-10 teams since 2011. LSU has jumped 19 spots in the Associated Press’ polls falling all the way down to No. 6 in its most recent poll. The Tigers drastic rise into one of the country’s elite team’s has not affected the Tigers mentality at practice.
“Our guys are ready to go to play in Tiger Stadium,” coach Ed Orgeron said. “We know the challenge. We respect Louisiana Tech and coach Holtz and his team but we’re ready to play some football, we’re ready to go.”
“I thought the energy was really good this week, better today than it was Wednesday and I think we’re on the upswing.”
Tigers are trying out new players at punt returner
The Tigers main punt returner this season has been Texas Tech Jonathan Giles who is averaging 15.3 yards per return with no touchdowns on the year. The Tigers are hoping to become more dynamic on punt return with new players positioned to receive their first opportunity as the positions this week.
“Jontre Kirklin is a guy were looking at,” Orgeron said. “I think that he ran some punts today, he was really fast, really good.”
Kirklin is a sophomore cornerback that has seen limited time on the field over his first two seasons on campus. The change will only be at punt returner as Clyde Edwards-Helaire still solely man’s kick return duties.
Charles, Moss remains questionable
Starting left tackle Saahdiq Charles availability is in doubt for the game against Louisiana Tech. Charles has already missed a game this season as he sat out the Southeastern game due to injury.
“He’s very questionable, very questionable.” Orgeron said.
If Charles can’t go the Tigers will start junior-college transfer Badara Traore who has already seen time at the left and right tackle positions this season.
Thaddeus Moss, the son of NFL great Randy Moss, was expected to make his debut Saturday. Moss has not seen any action this season after he sat out the 2017 season due to NCAA transfer rules. Moss is still expected to contribute at tight end behind senior Foster Moreau.
“I thought Moss would be able to play, but he’s questionable. I doubt he’s gonna play,” Orgeron said.
