The special teams unit for the Tigers has been under attack for most of the season due to inconsistent play and missed kicks.
The tide seemed to turn on Saturday when LSU defeated Auburn 27-23 due in part to improved play in the kicking and returning game.
Just two weeks ago, LSU coach Ed Orgeron expressed his displeasure with the lack of a field goal kicker on the team.
“We just don’t have a field goal kicker,” Orgeron said. “We just don’t have one right now. I wish we had one on our roster, but I’m about to go recruit one, and I’m going to get the best one in the country.”
Freshman kicker Connor Culp was made aware of the comments second hand and needless to say, he responded in a big way. Culp went 2-for-2 against Auburn including the game-leading 42 yard score.
“It was a shock,” Culp said. “It didn’t make me feel great, but I think ultimately it was beneficial. I’d be lying to you if I said I wasn’t nervous. I know what I’m capable of, and I had no doubt in my mind that I was going to make it. ”
Culp said he received texts from family, friends and teammates congratulating him on his performance. Culp is now 4-of-5 on field goal attempts and 9-of-9 on extra points.
“I had a lot of teammates text me that they’re very proud of me,” Culp said. “Even before I went out to kick, everyone was saying I wouldn’t want anyone else kicking it. That was all very beneficial to me.” Sophomore long snapper Blake Ferguson thinks the special teams unit is getting better every week.
“Guys are coming around asking me ‘Get me on punt team, I want to go down and hit somebody,’” Ferguson said. “We’re very proud of Connor. At the end of the day it’s a unit and we work together to make each other better.”
LSU also saw an improved punt return game this week from senior receiver DJ Chark. Chark had a career game against Auburn catching five balls for 150 yards. However, it was a 75 yard punt return by Chark two plays into the fourth quarter that cut an Auburn lead to 23-21.
Chark said special teams analyst Greg McMahon has helped him immensely in transitioning to a punt returning position. By watching tape of the punters, Chark is able to assemble what punters like to do in certain situations of a game.
“He helps me study the punters I’m going against,” Chark said. “He’s a genius, and he just knows what they’re trying to do. I’ve been able to get better week in and week out.”
Chark made history on Saturday, joining Kevin Faulk as the only players in school
history with a 75 yard or more touchdown in three different ways. A 80 yard touchdown in 2016 and a 79 yard rushing touchdown two years ago were the other plays.
“It’s a big honor,” Chark said. “I found that out today but to know my name is next to a great like that, it’s a good feeling.”