By Hunt Palmer
The next step in LSU’s offensive evolution must come from the running game.
A season ago, LSU finished the season second in the Southeastern Conference in passing yards and completions. The Tigers ranked second nationally in third down conversions, best in the SEC.
Still, that dynamic passing attack only led to the seventh best scoring offense in the conference.
Why?
LSU finished dead last in the league in rushing which contributed heavily to the league’s 14th ranked red zone offense.
Head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan have already made it clear that a mentality shift is coming this spring.
“You guys are out there. You can see what we’re doing,” Kelly said to the media on Saturday. “I don’t want to give anything away, but those things that we’re doing, they’re new looks for (sophomore running back Caden Durham).”
Kelly was playing coy, but the media has been allowed to watch some practices where the Tiger offense has worked out of two tight end sets and run the ball from under center.
That’s an adjustment for everyone in purple and gold.
Graduate transfer tight end Bauer Sharp and sophomore tight end Trey’Dez Green have run with the first team. New position coach Alex Atkins, a former college offensive lineman and offensive line coach, has taken the reigns of that group and insisted that the running game be a priority.
“Everyone you ask that knows Coach Atkins, they’ll tell you he’s a players coach,” Sharp said. “Everyone loves him….He’s taught me so much…Little technique stuff he can help me with the ends and handling backers. It’s helped me tremendously in the run game already.”
That work has not gone unnoticed by the LSU defense, specifically senior Florda transfer Jack Pyburn.
“I’m really proud of all of the offense and what they’ve done so far in this spring training camp,” Pyburn said. “I feel like the offensive line is coming off the ball much more physical. They’re trying to emphasize the run. They’re trying to establish physicality which is something that I know last year was a struggle with them, even watching them on film. The more I see it, the more excited I get because those guys are really coming at us and making it a challenge, and we’re really pushing each other.”
Pyburn has always prided himself on his ability to stop the run. He made 60 tackles for last season for the Gators from his defensive end spot. His reputation precedes him as a high-energy player with an edge on the field.
LSU’s offensive line has fought back.
“Someone like me, I’m really good for them,” Pyburn said. “Because I’m trying to run through you. I’m trying to destroy you. And they’re like, ‘ok, I gotta bring my A game every day or I’m going to look dumb on film.’ I’ve seen massive improvements in them. I’m really proud of those guys.”
The feeling is mutual.
Sharp begins every practice, not with quarterback Garrett Nussmeier focusing on highlight reel plays in the passing game, but with the guys up front.
“Every time I walk out, I tell the O-linemen, I tap them on the head, I say, ‘look, you set the freaking tone today.'” Sharp said. “Y’all five set the tone. We’re following you. What y’all do right here. Nuss, everyone right here in this offense, the coaches, we’re following y’all. There’s a big emphasis in the run game to open up the pass even more.”
