LSU Tigers
Overview: LSU may be the most overrated team heading into this season, as an already tenuous situation arising from Les Miles’ midseason dismissal and the subsequent elevation of defensive line coach Ed Orgeron to the head coaching position was made worse when 11 players transferred prior to fall camp – and these weren’t no-talent also-rans. What’s left is just 9 total returning starters out of 24 positions, a quarterback situation that could barely be worse and a persistent hole at linebacker that has now transcended two head coaches and two defensive coordinators.
Projected record: 8-4 (UF, UA, AU, MSU); 4-4 and 5th SEC West
Returning offensive starters: 4 (LT, C, QB, RB)
Returning defensive starters: 4 (NT, BLB, RCB, FS)
Returning specialists: 1 (P)
Unit ratings
QB: Fr DL: Vg
RB: Ex LB: Fr
WR: Av DB: Vg
OL: Av ST: Fr
Offensive breakdown: The Tigers will run some combination of traditional I-formation offense and a more wide-open spread attack. Orgeron and new offensive coordinator Matt Canada want to open things up, but they’re limited by personnel, starting with QB Danny Etling. Etling at least kept his interceptions to a minimum in 2016 (5), but unfortunately, he also kept his touchdowns to a minimum, averaging fewer than one a game (11). The end result was an offense no one feared. Sophomore Justin McMillan is the likely backup for now, although more dynamic players like Lowell Narcisse and Myles Brennan may emerge. Both the latter are freshmen.
At least the Tigers still have a running attack despite the loss of Leonard Fournette to the NFL, LSU returns Derrius Guice, who might prove to be a better college runner anyway. Guice rushed for 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns on a 7.6-yard average in 2016, better production than even Fournette could put up. Darrel Williams and Nick Brossette are challenging each other for the backup position, while Fournette’s brother Lanard Fournette is also hanging around. LSU will use true fullbacks at times, with J.D. Moore and Bry’Kiethon Mouton giving LSU a solid 1-2 punch there. At receiver, LSU intends to go big or go home – literally. D.J. Chark is the “smallest” receiver at 6’4, 195 pounds. Drake Davis is 6’4”, 210, and both Stephen Sullivan and Dee Anderson top out at 6’6” and 230-plus. The question is productivity, as only Chark is proven. Foster Moreau will get a chance to start at tight end; he at least has experience.
The offensive line suffered a major blow when guard Maea Teuhema was suspended in the spring and ultimately transferred away from the program. His loss likely raises Donavaughn Campbell to a starting job, which is notable in that Campbell was expected to back up at least two different positions. Will Clapp returns at center and K.J. Malone at left tackle, so the key positions are filled, but between Campbell being forced into starting duty, Garrett Brumfield being handed the left guard spot and Toby Weathersby a new face at right tackle, this doesn’t feel like the dominating offensive lines of LSU old. Freshman Lloyd Cushenberry, slated to back up Clapp at center, and Adrian Magee were the only other holdover guards in the mix. At least LSU hit the jackpot in recruiting, getting both Austin Deculus and Ed Ingram. Both might have to play out of necessity.
Defensive breakdown: The Tigers improved dramatically to 13th against the run in 2016, but there are at least 5 new starters in the front seven, and perhaps 6 new starters if pass-rush specialist Arden Key can’t go. He’s been all but ruled out for the opener, and given how LSU coaches are hiding any and all information about Key’s status, one has to believe the story is deeper than what has been reported this far. LSU also is hoping that tackle Christian LaCouture can play the outside effectively, as defensive end depth is at a premium even with Key healthy. Greg Gilmore returns at tackle along with career sub Frank Herron, while Ed Alexander and Deondre Clark offer experienced backup. Getting someone to step up at reserve end along with Rashard Lawrence will be crucial.
The linebackers in LSU’s 3-4 will be crucial to the Tigers’ hopes at continued success. Key is technically listed at the Buck linebacker position, although he’s a defensive end in everything but name. The other starters include another veteran role player, Donnie Alexander, and Devin White on the weakside and Corey Thompson on the strong side. Michael Divinity ought to press White and Thompson for playing time, while Devin Voorhies is the other name to watch. Overall, not counting Key, this unit lacks the punch of previous versions. There is some uncertainty in the secondary as well, as cornerback Saivion Smith left the program over the summer. John Battle and Ed Paris will start at safety; they’re veterans and know what to do, although they’re not quite as good as the players they replace. JaCoby Stevens will back up both. At corner, Donte Jackson looks like LSU’s next great one. Kevin Toliver starts opposite him. LSU will be looking for a backup corner now that Smith is gone.
Connor Culp will be the new placekicker, while the Tigers once again dip into Australian waters for a punter and come up with Josh Growden. The return and return coverage teams needed an overhaul over the summer, as LSU was not getting results commensurate with its talent level.
Overall trend: Down. Ed Orgeron was a laughingstock at Ole Miss as its head coach, and it’s fairly unbelievable he got another shot as an SEC head coach, particularly at an upper-tier program like LSU. Having said that, Orgeron can recruit better than any SEC coach not named Nick Saban, so if he can hang on a couple of years until he gets some key pieces – especially at quarterback – this might actually work out. In the short-term, though, Orgeron has his hands full. The team still hasn’t completely bought in (evidenced by the high attrition rate) and the wideouts and linebackers will need plenty of help to be successful.
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Follow Jess Nicholas on Twitter at @TideFansJessn
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