LSU football is coming off a dominant 34-17 win over UCLA after the defense held the Bruins to a scoreless second half and the offense doubled its points after halftime.
Leading the Tigers to victory against UCLA with 352 passing yards and three touchdowns, Garrett Nussmeier was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week. He tops the conference in passing touchdowns and completions.
On the defensive side, edge rusher Bradyn Swinson received SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week for the second week in a row. He had two sacks and two tackles for losses to ruffle the Bruins’ offense.
While LSU should feel pretty proud of itself after the game and all the accolades, it lost one of its best players for the rest of the season: Harold Perkins Jr.
On Monday, head coach Brian Kelly spoke with the media about Perkins’ injury, the UCLA win and the upcoming battle against South Alabama.
Harold Perkins was declared out for the remainder of the season
After suffering a knee injury in the fourth quarter of LSU’s game against UCLA, fans went silent as their star linebacker limped to the injury tent.
Junior Harold Perkins officially tore his ACL, head coach Brian Kelly said on Monday, and isn’t expected to return for the rest of the season.
“We’re not certain about the specifics relative to time and place for surgery,” Kelly said. “It’s certainly an injury that we feel terrible about.”
In the four games that he was able to play in, Perkins picked up 17 tackles and 12 assisted tackles. He was selected to wear the No. 7 jersey, symbolizing his leadership of both the defense and the entire team.
The Tiger’s aren’t new to season-ending injuries. Earlier in the year, running back John Emery Jr. suffered a torn ACL, cutting his season short. Jacobian Guillory then tore his Achilles tendon in LSU’s game against Nicholls State.
“We’ll have somebody else step up just like we have all year,” Kelly said.
Also injured on LSU’s defense, cornerback Zy Alexander is questionable for Saturday, Kelly said.
Fortunately for the Tigers, wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. will return on Saturday, adding more depth to the offense, Kelly said.
UCLA recap: Making big plays vs. allowing them
Against South Carolina in week three, LSU gave up big run plays, which almost cost it the game. Kelly said these were “ones that you don’t accept on any level.”
In week four, LSU eliminated those, holding the Bruin offense to 55 rushing yards (not accounting for sacks).
However, the Tigers allowed UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers to make explosive passing plays.
“We got beat on a fabulous throw down the sideline on the back shoulder,” Kelly said. “I can live with those. Those are competitive plays down the field when you’re in man-to-man coverage.”
While LSU surrendered big plays, it also made some of its own. Wide receiver Kyle Parker caught a 45-yard pass in the endzone, which shifted the momentum for the Tigers. It also gave Parker needed confidence.
“He needed to go and make a play, and he made the play,” Kelly said. “And that was one of the worst dances that I’ve ever seen in an end zone. He looked like me dancing. We’re gonna work on that next.”
So, Parker needs to improve in some areas. But his and the team’s progression shows this offense can respond to deficits by making big plays of its own.
LSU’s offensive depth will give it an edge over South Alabama
In LSU’s game against UCLA, four different players scored each of LSU’s touchdowns. Five receivers had over 40 yards, and four different running backs contributed to the Tigers’ total rushing yards.
“Last year, we obviously had an alpha,” Kelly said, talking about Malik Nabers. “This year, it can go to anybody, and now you add the tight end in the mix… it’s very difficult to defend us.”
Tight end Mason Taylor led the Tigers in receiving yards against UCLA, with 77 yards on eight carries.
South Alabama is a young team, led by freshman quarterback Gio Lopez. The Jaguars are coming off of a 48-14 road win against Appalachian State.
Kelly said South Alabama is known for its aggressive defense.
“They can pass rush, really good backers,” Kelly said. “So this will be a really great challenge for us. A team that’s coming in with nothing to lose, but certainly a team that’s very capable in a lot of areas.”
LSU’s game against South Alabama will be its last before starting a seven-week long stretch of SEC matchups.
