NCAAF · 11 months ago

5 Things I Learned About the LSU Tigers in Week 11

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

5. Give the Ball to Durham
Freshman tailback Caden Durham had eight carries for 63 yards on Saturday night, an average of 7.9 yards per carry. The other LSU running backs averaged 1.5 and 3 yards per carry. On the season, Durham is now averaging an impressive 5.68 yards per carry, Josh Williams averaged 3.68 yards per carry, and Kaleb Jackson averaged 3.6 yards per carry. Despite all evidence pointing to Durham being the Tigers’ most explosive and best option at running back, he is still in an even split with the other backs on the roster. He battled a toe injury but is reportedly healthy now, and it is time for LSU to ride him and take some off of Nussmeier’s plate.

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1. Running QBs Haunt LSU
Mobile quarterbacks, particularly ones willing to use their legs consistently, have haunted LSU under head coach Brian Kelly. Look at some of last season’s rushing totals surrendered to quarterbacks: FSU for 38, Arkansas for 48, Ole Miss for 50, and Alabama for 155. That has continued this season as Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed gashed them in the second half on the way to a win, and then Jalen Milroe again went off on the Tigers. This time, it was to the tune of 185 rushing yards and four more rushing touchdowns. LSU has changed defensive coordinators and personnel, but the problem of mobile quarterbacks remains unsolved.

LSU (-4.5) at Florida

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2. Red Zone Woes
After the Alabama Crimson Tide drove the length of the field and scored on their opening drive, the LSU Tigers responded with a 50-yard kickoff return that set them up at midfield. A 45-yard run by Caden Durham set them up the 5-yard line, but Garrett Nussmeier threw it a touch too high for Trey’Dez Green, and the next two plays went a total of minus-one yard. The Tigers had to settle for a field goal, and that drive was an ill omen of things to come. During the first half, LSU reached the Alabama 21-yard line before a holding penalty on Will Campbell, and they had to settle for another field goal that made it 14-6. The second half began with a promising drive that reached the red zone, but the 14th play of the drive was a crippling Nussmeier interception in the endzone. The lack of success in the red zone went a long way towards ending LSU’s chances.
3. Kyren Lacy Steps Up
The LSU Tigers did not have a lot of success on Saturday night, but receiver Kyren Lacy stood out as a playmaker on offense. The veteran wide receiver led the way with five receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown, including a catch of 28 yards and a few contested catches against an improving Alabama secondary. The Tigers needed more from other targets, but Lacy did his part.
4. Nussmeier's Turnover Problem Continues
Garrett Nussmeier started the season with a lot of hype, but costly turnovers have led to three losses, and the Tigers can now add that to their list of problems. Nussmeier now has 11 interceptions and added a lost fumble against Alabama on his way to a three-turnover game in a blowout loss. Nussmeier is not getting enough help from the running game as he has thrown 41.7 passes per game, entirely too many for a team that should be able to lean on a good stable of running backs and a solid offensive line. Nussmeier is being asked to do a lot, which is backfiring on the Tigers.
5. Give the Ball to Durham
Freshman tailback Caden Durham had eight carries for 63 yards on Saturday night, an average of 7.9 yards per carry. The other LSU running backs averaged 1.5 and 3 yards per carry. On the season, Durham is now averaging an impressive 5.68 yards per carry, Josh Williams averaged 3.68 yards per carry, and Kaleb Jackson averaged 3.6 yards per carry. Despite all evidence pointing to Durham being the Tigers’ most explosive and best option at running back, he is still in an even split with the other backs on the roster. He battled a toe injury but is reportedly healthy now, and it is time for LSU to ride him and take some off of Nussmeier’s plate.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1. Running QBs Haunt LSU
Mobile quarterbacks, particularly ones willing to use their legs consistently, have haunted LSU under head coach Brian Kelly. Look at some of last season’s rushing totals surrendered to quarterbacks: FSU for 38, Arkansas for 48, Ole Miss for 50, and Alabama for 155. That has continued this season as Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed gashed them in the second half on the way to a win, and then Jalen Milroe again went off on the Tigers. This time, it was to the tune of 185 rushing yards and four more rushing touchdowns. LSU has changed defensive coordinators and personnel, but the problem of mobile quarterbacks remains unsolved.

LSU (-4.5) at Florida

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

5 Things I Learned About the LSU Tigers in Week 11

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