Ways That LSU Must Improve Against South Carolina
By Scotty Nola
Due to the devastation associated with the flooding that has taken place in the great state of South Carolina, the LSU-South Carolina game will now be played in Baton Rouge at Tiger Stadium on Saturday.
Inclement weather is certainly something LSU fans can understand, and there are far more important things to worry about than one game’s location.
Of course, if the game is moved no LSU fans will complain about getting another chance to see Leonard Fournette play at home.
After a lackluster performance against Eastern Michigan last week Tigers fans are hoping to see more than just Fournette. South Carolina is struggling right now, but 4 of the next 6 games are against teams currently ranked in the Top 15.
The days when LSU could cruise to easy wins in spite of playing flat are a thing of the past. Winning the SEC is going to take more than LSU has shown over the last two games. Here are some of the things LSU fans are hoping to see out of there Tigers as they move forward into the heart of the schedule.
Create Turnovers
Oct 3, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) celebrates with teammates following an interception against the Eastern Michigan Eagles during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Eastern Michigan 44-22. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
LSU has been surprisingly quiet on the turnover front this year, at least until Deion Jones kickstarted the defense against Eastern Michigan. More of this is necessary.
If you watch the NFL you probably noticed during the Monday Night game how critical timely turnovers can be (missed calls by refs too). The games aren’t getting any easier, and that means the Tigers need to make their own luck wherever possible.
An interception or recovered fumble is a bonus against a team like Eastern Michigan. Against a team like Bama or Florida it could be the difference between winning and losing.
Tackle!
Oct 3, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Eastern Michigan Eagles running back Darius Jackson (6) breaks away from LSU Tigers linebacker Kendell Beckwith (52) during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Eastern Michigan 44-22. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
LSU has the talent to be one of the top defenses in the country, and at times they look like it. At other times, not so much. The penalties, missed assignments and blown plays that have creeped into games against lesser talent are a disturbing trend.
Part of it is not taking opponents seriously. It’s hard to blame this on the players, after all the coaches started rotating in 2nd and 3rd stringers during the first quarter against Eastern Michigan with the game still being contested.
LSU is talented, but not so talented they can afford to dig a hole by giving away free points and expect Leonard Fournette to save them.
More Consistent Blocking
Sep 12, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; LSU Tigers tight end Foster Moreau (43 runs for a gain during the first quarter of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
LSU has a very talented Offensive Line. Returning players Jerald Hawkins Vadal Alexander and Ethan Pocic have been outstanding, and newcomers Will Clapp and Maea Teuhama have been very pleasant surprises.
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At times the line is completely dominant. Against an Auburn unit featuring two highly regarded NFL prospects on the Defensive Line they were able to blow open holes all night.
At other times they have disappeared. Multiple 3 and outs in the second half against Mississippi State had as much to do with their almost successful comeback attempt as Dak Prescott’s passing.
Against Syracuse the line allowed Leonard Fournette to be gang tackled in the backfield multiple times. A complete pass protection break down allowed a pair of Eastern Michigan defenders to meet at the QB geting a sack and fumble, helping their team get back into a game they had no business being in.
The line has to play 4 quarters from now on. Top ranked SEC opponents are not going to let the Tigers get away with penalties, breakdowns and sloppy play. Some players can be up and down, make a couple of plays and make up for it. Not linemen, they have to be on for the complete game.
Short Efficient Passing
Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris (6) throws against the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Auburn 45-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
In what is turning in to a weekly ritual here at the Big Easy Believer it is once again time to ask where the short yardage passing game is in LSU’s offense.
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You can’t manufacture a running game. Oh, you can scheme, use misdirection, draws, run action, try to kick start things but in the end you can either block a hole open or you can’t.
You can’t manufacture deep passing. Even the all time greats will rarely hit over 50% of their deep balls over any stretch of games.
You can manufacture a short passing game. The only way a defense can cover all the skill players inside of 5 yards is by leaving themselves open to big plays. With a team that has the speed and athleticism LSU brings to the table this is a risk no one can allow for long.
There are dozens of ways to create opportunities for short, safe, efficient passes. LSU is currently using none of them.
Les Miles found out the hard way in the 2012 Sugar Bowl just how ugly things can get if you can’t throw deep, your running game bogs down and you have not invested in building a repertoire of short passes to dink and dunk your way out of a hole.
LSU has a serious problem right now. They only know one way to win. If that way breaks down they don’t have a fall back position. they can’t manufacture ways to move the chains until the running game gets on track.
This almost lost a game against a talented Mississippi State team. Florida and Alabama are coming up, they won’t be any more forgiving in the second half than the Bulldogs were.
You can’t count on luck in football unless you know how to make some of your own luck. LSU needs to learn how to play small ball and manufacture points before the season runs out on them….