LSU enters its final five games of the season sitting at 4-2. This season has seen long, with head coach Les Miles fired and the Tigers suffering losses to Wisconsin and Auburn. Interim head coach Ed Orgeron is fighting for the full-time role and he will have to navigate a difficult stretch of games, if he is to make an impression. This is what we have learnt for the Tigers so far.
Derrius Guice has outplayed Leonard Fournette
Former 5-star recruit and future first round-pick Leonard Forunette came into his third year with Heisman aspirations. The Louisiana native has been plagued with injuries this year and has only appeared in three games thus far – totaling 386 yards. Fournette has been outshone in his absence by sophomore Derrius Guice.
Guice has rushed for 564 yards and has posted back to back 100+ yards games in three starts. Despite being the backup, the teenager, from Baton Rouge, has taken a leadership role and outperformed his stable-mate on the field. Fournette, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury, will be the starter when he returns but Guice can expect larger role going forward on offense.
The DB unit has impressed
In recent years LSU has been dubbed ‘defensive back university’ or ‘DBU’. In the last five years, 11 LSU defensive backs have been drafted by NFL teams. That group is headlined by Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, Morris Claiborne and more recently Rashard Robinson. The first half of the season has shown that the next crops of youngsters are ready to step up.
Tre’davious White has proved his credentials as one of the top corners in the upcoming draft, whilst safety Jamal Adams is considered as one of the best players period. Duo Kevin Tolliver II and Donte Jackson have also shown true shutdown corner qualities in spells this season.
The pass defense translates to paper as the DB’s are currently allowing 208 yards this season.
The Offensive line has impressed, despite being banged up.
The offensive line came into the year with a lot of inexperience. Despite the youthfulness the unit is still loaded with 4-star recruits from previous classes. The line has suffered several injuries but has produced despite being chopped and changed frequently.
Starting lineman Will Clapp, Josh Boutte and Maea Teuhema have been missed time this season. Backups Garrett Brumfield, Andy Dodd and Toby Weathersby have all appeared in the starting five at some point. Their seamless transition has allowed the Oline to remain consistent in the injury crisis. The unit has done a good job of keeping the quarterback upright as they have only given up nine sacks on the year. They have also been a great platform for the running game that has averaged 228 yards per game.
Looking ahead
Will the Tigers be Bowl Eligible?
LSU will have one of the toughest roads to a bowl in the nation. The Tigers will only face top 25 opponents in their last five games. This means that they will have get two more wins and the question arises where will these wins come from? The side will have to prove their recent form is sustainable.
The idea of LSU not being bowl eligible is something LSU fans will not like to hear. They entered the season with genuine playoff hopes but now will have expectations firmly on six wins first. Orgeron will have to win at least two games if he is to win the full-time position.
What can the offense produce against top quality opposition?
Despite being loaded with talent, LSU has under-performed in the passing game in recent years. Danny Etling produced his best performance against Southern Miss but has yet to excel against a big programm. The junior will have to elevate his game against the Gators this weekend and when he faces the Crimson Tide. The offense has only scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and that will have to improve as the opposition gets tougher.
LSU will also hope Fournette returns for the final stretch. The half back is expected to be fit and the ankle injury is not expected to hamper him. It’s important that Fournette is healthy and ready to contribute if the Tigers are going salvage the season.
