Creating gaping holes in the Florida defense during LSU’s24-21 win over the Gators, the LSU offensive line played its bestgame of the season, coach Nick Saban said.
“I think the intensity that they played with — thetoughness that they played with, the togetherness that they playedwith — probably was the best that it’s been allyear,” Saban said. “I’m hopeful that’ssomething that we can continue to do because I think it’svery important for us to be successful on offense to be able tohave the balance that we had in that game and in every other gamethat we play as well.”
The line played with intensity at certain points in games beforebut failed to maintain that intensity every down, saidTigers’ left tackle Andrew Whitworth.
Focusing on intensity to gain positive yardage on first andsecond downs contributed to the Tigers’ 464 total yardsagainst the Gators, Whitworth said.
Those big plays ensured no three-and-out drives for the LSUoffense in 12 possessions.
“That’s something we’ve got to work on andsomething we’ve got to do better at,” Whitworth said.”I think we did a great job in the Florida game and hopefullywe can let that carry over for us.”
Whitworth said the unit also communicated more effectivelyagainst Florida.
“[There was] a little more communication between us, alittle more trust in one another and understanding eachother’s position and knowing that the other guy’s goingto do his job,” Whitworth said. “Just having successand building confidence together is one of the things that pullsyou together.”
As a beneficiary of the offensive line’s play against theGators, tailback Joseph Addai rushed for 93 yards on 10carries.
Addai said the difference in that game for the line waseffort.
“How bad they want it — that’s the keything,” Addai said. “Every time we get on the sidelinewe’ll talk it over and just motivate each other andthat’s what really helped us throughout that game —just coming together and putting each drive together.”
Addai is the fifth tailback to be utilized by the LSU offensethis season, but Whitworth said the number of running backs or whois playing at the time has nothing to do with the offensiveline’s consistency.
“We’re going to run the same play no matterwho’s in there,” Whitworth said. “We’ve gotto worry about doing our job and whoever is in there —we’ve got to worry about getting them success.”
During the bye week, the line worked on being consistent inevery phase of the game, Whitworth said.
“[It is] just another week to get back to work in theskills and the individual things that can help you be successful asfar as techniques and assignments,” Whitworth said.”That’s what’s going to help us be better in thelong run.”
Consistency at quarterback also could help the line play moreeffectively through the remainder of the season, Whitworthsaid.
But keeping Marcus Randall or JaMarcus Russell in the lineupconsistently will be partly up to the offensive line maintainingstability for the quarterback in the pocket, he said.
“The easier you can make his job the better I think thechance he has of being successful,” Whitworth said.”We’re going to be pretty much what puts the stamp onthe game. That’s what we’ve got to do — up frontwe’ve got to play well and be able to support him.”