The LSU Tigers offense had a rough year in 2020. The program’s starting quarterback, Myles Brennan went down with a season-ending injury in week three against Missouri. On top of that, the Tigers struggled in crucial games and finished the year 5-5. The Bayou Bengals averaged 32 points per game and nearly 440 yards of total offense per game. However, the Tigers found the endzone just 38 times last year as a unit. Entering the 2021 season, LSU is anticipating success.
It is finally game week for the Tigers. LSU is in Houston, Texas this week to prepare for the game before flying out to Pasadena to face off against the UCLA Bruins. The potential path of Hurricane Ida moving through the Baton Rouge area prompted the program to depart earlier than expected. As the first game nears, the Tigers are still filling out position roles during the week of the game. Max Johnson will be the starting quarterback on Saturday. But the running back and wide receiver positions still have unanswered depth chart questions.
LSU-UCLA Preview: How The Tigers Offense Can Beat The Bruins
For the Tigers to open the new season with a win, the offense will have to execute on drives early. LSU has a new offensive coordinator in Jake Peetz who will implement some of the same schemes and packages that Joe Brady did two years ago. With the aforementioned Johnson under center, the Tigers have a chance to be a contender this season. As for the game on Saturday, LSU has to attack the UCLA defense early and often in the game. This will be Johnson’s third start in the Purple and Gold.
Against Hawaii, the Bruins’ defense allowed just 10 points and 269 total yards. Granted, it was Hawaii, but the Bruins defense looked impressive in the win. Translate those numbers to this upcoming week, and the LSU offense will have to work for the yards they earn.
It will be interesting to see how the Tigers come out on offense. LSU has four stellar running backs that can carry the ball and power through the UCLA defense. Both Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery Jr. will share time as the one and two backs. But don’t count out the two freshman tailbacks in Corey Kiner and Armoni Goodwin. From the looks of it, the Tigers could instill the two newcomers into the offense at any time.
Passing Attack Is Key
The Tigers’ passing attack could be the difference maker in terms of a win or going home 0-1. Johnson has playmakers at wide receiver. Kayshon Boutte will be the main target this year. However, Koy Moore, Jaray Jenkins, Jontre Kirklin, and Trey Palmer could all see passes thrown their way. Freshmen receivers Brian Thomas and Chris Hilton could give Johnson more weapons to expose the UCLA defense with.
Getting the ball out early in the pocket could translate to longer plays and more consistent offense on Saturday. With a plethora of wide outs to choose from, Johnson should have the new look passing attack on full display at the Rose Bowl. After a rough 2020 season, the Tigers are anxious to take the field against a tough UCLA Bruins team this weekend. To earn the win, the LSU Tigers offense has to make big time plays in big time moments. While the depth chart gets filled out, the program has their sights set on a big win at the hands of the new star signal-caller.
If you are looking for a way to help out victims of Hurricane Ida, https://cajunrelief.org/ and the American Red Cross are two viable options.
