LSU Spring Football Storylines
As LSU Spring football nears, the Tigers are gearing up for what could be a successful 2018 season. Ed Orgeron has a talented team this season. With a load of talent on both sides of the ball, LSU could make some noise in the SEC. Starting at quarterback, Myles Brennan is the likely starter. There are unanswered questions on offense, and new offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger has to fix the issues.
New Leader
The Tigers will have a new leader on offense in 2018. Whether Brennan, Lowell Narcisse, or Justin McMillian start, a new face will be throwing the football for LSU. Quarterback is still up in the air, but the Tigers have a lot to work on. Replacing Danny Etling won’t be easy. Brennan has the capabilities to lead the Tigers to the promise land. Also, Ensminger will take over calling the offensive plays. However, in order for the Tigers to be efficient, Orgeron has to give the reigns over to Ensminger. There is speculation that Matt Canada‘s departure was in part due to Orgeron calling some of the plays.
Boastful Rushing Attack
LSU spring football would be nothing without a complex tandem of running backs. Nick Brossette is the early favorite for the starting job. But Orgeron and staff recruited very well at the position and now have a few “beasts” on the team. Freshmen Tae Provens and Chris Curry are outstanding athletes. Factor in sophomore Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Lanard Fournette, and the Tigers are set in the backfield. The next few months will be interesting to watch as LSU gears up for spring ball.
Offensive Efficiency
The Tigers have to be more effective on offense. One thing that hurt LSU in 2017 was their inability to capitalize on drives close to the goal line. Time and time again the offense was inching to the end zone and choked up. Under new leadership, those things aren’t acceptable. The Tiger fan base will have a lot to say if the offense doesn’t find a way to get rolling this season. Part of the improvement will be utilizing the tight ends more. Something that LSU rarely uses, the tight ends are a key piece to quick passes. Ensminger needs to instill a scheme that involves using a tight end in different packages to catch opponents off-guard.
Offense Outlook
The main area of concern for LSU heading into spring has to be the offensive line. The o-line was plagued by injuries and departures in 2017. Multiple players getting hurt set the Tigers back on being able to give Etling time in the pocket. Given how well the Tigers recruited, this should be no issue this season. As of now, it is still a concern, though. The wide receivers are loaded yet again. Freshman Terrace Marshall is being raved upon. The Tigers have a whopping amount of talent at the position.
Defensive Outlook
LSU spring football will be interesting on the defensive side as well. Replacing Arden Key will be no easy task. But the Tigers have the players to reload the line with. Also of note, wide receiver Manny Netherly has switched to cornerback. A position where the team lacks depth, this provides depth and stability to an already elite secondary. Dave Aranda‘s defense should be elite again, as they have been the past few seasons.
What to Watch For
There is an entire list of LSU players to watch in spring practice. But position battles are heating up as well. Quarterback is ultimately the top choice, but wide receiver will be intriguing as well. The running backs battle could become interesting, as Brossette doesn’t have a lot of playing experience.
