First, it was UCLA. Then, it was Florida State twice.
Losing a game opener against a non-SEC team doesn’t sit well with LSU football fans. Losing against one three years in a row? That’s unacceptable in South Louisiana.
LSU derived excuses from a variety of factors, but ultimately, its opponents simply outplayed the Tigers, and LSU made too many mistakes.
Majority of the Tigers’ issues boiled down to one: they couldn’t execute big plays in big moments.
Whether that was a matter of inexperience or nervousness is unknown, but the Tigers are now looking to eliminate all excuses and start their season with a win.
Third downs
Third downs proved to be a feat against FSU, as the Tigers only completed three out of 10. LSU also played a riskier game, attempting fourth downs three times with 0% efficiency.
Although Jayden Daniels was responsible for most of the successful third-down runs, the Tigers have a much better opportunity to execute consistently.
Going into the 2024 season, LSU’s offensive line is considered to be one of the best in the country. With four returning starters including Will Campbell, Garrett Dellinger, Miles Frazier and Emery Jones Jr., the Tigers will have all the tools needed to give quarterback Garrett Nussmeier adequate time to make plays.
“This is going to be an outstanding offensive line, but they’ve got to go do it,” head coach Brian Kelly said at a press conference. “It looks good on paper, but this is going be a really good one.”
In addition to this, LSU has veteran running backs returning. Graduate student Josh Williams is expected to make a statement, as he’s the only remaining member of the 2019 national championship team still active with the Tigers.
After Daniels and former LSU running back Logan Diggs, Williams led the Tigers in rushing yards in the 2023 season.
Sophomore Kaleb Jackson, who got to see the field as a true freshman in the 2023 season, is also expected to make a big impact in Sunday’s matchup.
Although Nussmeier is a new quarterback for the Tigers, he’s proven that he can make a difference and can hold his own with aggressive defenses. With him as a leader on offense, the Tigers shouldn’t have any excuses regarding scoring.
Defense
LSU’s defense was another major factor that contributed to the Tigers’ loss against FSU last season.
While the Tigers struggled to convert third downs into first downs, the Seminoles had little to no problems. FSU had a third down efficiency of 64%, successfully completing nine of 14 attempts.
The Tigers also allowed more passing yards, rushing yards and yards per play, ultimately giving up 45 points in the first game of the season.
But LSU has a new mindset and coaching staff going into the 2024 season.
Defensive coordinator Blake Baker emphasized consistency and is changing the entire strategy of LSU’s defense.
While in 2023 the Tigers played a safer, less aggressive defense, this season will be the total opposite. Complete with multiple blitz packages and top-notch defensive-end rushers, the 2024 defense is supposed to be unrecognizable.
Junior Harold Perkins Jr. is set to lead the defense, as he was awarded with the No. 7 jersey.
“He’s doing an unbelievable job… Harold Perkins right now is playing on fire,” Baker said. “I really think he’s not even scratching the surface of where he’s going to be.”
Pass rushers Da’Shawn Womack and Bradyn Swinson are also expected to make a world of difference, applying pressure on USC quarterback Miller Moss.
The Tigers have all the keys to success. The biggest question is whether or not they’ll be able to do what they couldn’t last year, which is execute big plays in big moments.
And Sunday’s game against USC will be the first step in answering that question.
