Typically, coordinators call quick passes and screens to counter an overly aggressive defense, but the Gamecock defensive backs are aware and coached to nullify the short game. They don\u2019t wait to get blocked on wide receiver screens; they attack. Defensive Coordinator Clayton White banks on quarterbacks not having adequate time to throw deep, so he puts the onus on his back seven to quickly diagnose, tackle well, and prevent yards after the catch. Wide receiver Aaron Anderson<\/a> has been dynamic for LSU in gaining yards after the catch. Those yards won\u2019t come easily on Saturday.<\/p>\n The best way to overcome a great pass rush is to avoid obvious passing downs. Kentucky had success running between the tackles against South Carolina, at one point running the ball an astonishing eighteen times consecutively. Currently, we don\u2019t know if LSU is able or willing to run the ball enough to reduce the heat on Nussmeier. The Tigers leaned on the run to their detriment against USC, then unfavorable box numbers discouraged running against Nicholls State.<\/p>\n Nicholls State averaged four yards per carry against LSU<\/a>. The average isn\u2019t mind-blowing, but it\u2019s enough to keep a team out of third and long. To make things worse, the Tigers allowed Nicholls State to go an alarming 7-7 passing in the first half. To be fair, these weren\u2019t bombs down the field in which the cornerbacks couldn\u2019t run with the receivers, but they were completions nonetheless.<\/p>\n The Tigers will face a similar approach in Columbia. This offensive staff wants to protect its redshirt freshman quarterback by controlling the game and time of possession via the running game and short passes. LaNorris Sellers<\/a> is physically a Goliath of a quarterback and ran the ball well in his first start against Old Dominion. Arkansas transfer Rocket Sanders<\/a> is a proven running back who\u2019s been held to minimal explosive plays by his standards. The outcome of this game will lean heavily on the Tigers if they contain South Carolina\u2019s running game. This task becomes significantly tougher considering the loss of LSU\u2019s best defensive tackle, Jacobian Guillory.<\/a><\/p>\n While Sellers won\u2019t force the ball down the field often, he tends to get careless in the pocket. Kentucky forced fumbles from Sellers on two successive plays. Buying time and keeping his eyes downfield is great but only if he\u2019s secure with the ball while doing so. Whether Sellers is running or passing, there are game-altering plays to be made if LSU defenders go after the ball consistently.<\/p>\n The most important aspect of this game that hasn\u2019t been mentioned is the forecast. LSU trusts its passing game and rightfully so, but thunderstorms aren\u2019t exactly conducive to spectacular passing games. The rain chances in Columbia have decreased since earlier in the week, which helps the Tigers\u2019 chances. Rain, sleet, or snow, LSU will have to run the ball more effectively.<\/p>\nLSU Defending South Carolina<\/h3>\n
How it Plays Out<\/h3>\n
![\"LSU](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/USATSI_24183305_168400536_lowres-300x214.jpg\")