LSU Offense Is Tigers’ Key To Success in 2018
The LSU offense is key to success heading into 2018. The Tigers are under new leadership on offense with veteran coach, Steve Ensminger, calling the plays beginning this up-coming season. As the off-season rolls along, LSU has a load of scheming to do for the season. On offense, the Tigers will begin reloading from the players leaving for the NFL.
Quarterback Outlook
Myles Brennan is the presumed starter for 2018. But Tiger fans should not make him the starter just yet. Spring has not arrived yet, although the team is still hitting hard at working in the new offense. With the new semester just starting, the players will begin practicing soon. Working in the new offense under Ensminger will undoubtedly take some time. Though fans are trickled by the promotion, this was the best hire Ed Orgeron could have made. But one question lingers: will Ensminger be able to develop Brennan, Lowell Narcisse, and Justin McMillian into valuable quarterbacks? If the Tigers want to have success under center, all three players have to be equipped into the new scheme. Whether Brennan or Narcisse start, the offense will be carried upon how the starting quarterback performs. For LSU, that means putting in extra practice time to develop their craft. Tiger nation wants Brennan to start, and that is the likely situation.
Running Backs
There will be a new look in the backfield next season. Nick Brossette is the likely candidate to start. But with an increase in talent at the position, only time will tell. Brossette is the veteran tailback, and has an elusive running style. Lanard Fournette is seeking to follow in his brother Leonard Fournette‘s footsteps. With Derrius Guice and Darrel Williams headed to the NFL, the tandem at running back will be the second spotlight for 2018. Never count out star sophomore Clyde Edwards-Helaire, either. He could steal the spotlight away as the starting back next season.
Wide Receiver
The Tigers are losing a talented pass-catcher in D.J. Chark. He heads to the NFL, and leaves open a starting role that is still up in the air. Mannie Netherly, who is also running track and field for the Tigers, is the projected starter there. But who will start on the opposite side? Wide receivers coach Mickey Joseph will certainly have his hands full making a decision. Drake Davis or Stephen Sullivan could fill the void. Factor in highly-coveted freshman Terrace Marshall, and the receiving corps is deep for the Tigers. Marshall is being dubbed as the next Odell Beckham in the purple and gold.
Keys To Success
In a previous article, I discussed using Brennan and Narcisse both at quarterback, which you can find here. If the Tigers can utilize both players in select roles, this could perhaps be the best quarterback situation Tiger fans have seen in quite some time. However, quarterback is not the only key position. The depth at running back is stacked. A few freshman, like Chris Curry and Tae Provens, could make a household name for themselves. Obviously developing Brennan and Narcisse is task number one. Ensminger has to work them into his new scheme in order to have success.
The wide receivers will have a new system to work with as well. Along with new quarterbacks, these receivers will have to be worked in on the new scheme to learn their routes. Lastly, the offensive line is one of the major keys on offense. Losing star lineman like Will Clapp will hurt the front seven. Although LSU has talent there, the line has not been that great the past season or two. Time to step up and play Tiger football.
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