Wilson looking to improve LSU run game in final stretch

By Hunt Palmer

The running backs coach is in charge now. It should come as no surprise that his first order of business involves his position group.

“There’s a huge emphasis in this bye week on running the ball,” said LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson. “I promise you we will run the ball. I think it complements us and allows us to be that much more effective in the pass game where we have tremendous weapons that we haven’t utilized to their full potential.”

LSU ranks No. 125 in the country in rushing offense as the calendar flips to November. That’s dead last in the SEC for the second consecutive season. Beyond the yardage, LSU runs the ball just 28 times per game. Only two teams in college football run it less – San Jose State and Middle Tennessee State. They’re a combined 3-12.

Wilson plans to change that with offensive coordinator Joe Sloan out and tight ends coach and run game coordinator Alex Atkins calling his plays.

“We need to be able to run the ball to have relief in the passing game,” Wilson said. “At times, we have done it. But we want to do it more consistently. If we do that, it will allow our team, our offense to be that much more effective. Alex, as you know, was serving in the capacity of our run game coordinator, has great knowledge, has a background as a play caller.”

Wilson’s right. LSU has run the ball well at times.

In the first half of the Texas A&M game, Harlem Berry and Caden Durham combined for 86 yards on 11 carries. Durham carried the ball once in the second half and never in the final 25 minutes of game time.

“We started the first half of this last game with Harlem Berry who we thought was very productive,” Wilson said. “We’d like to continue his development.”

Another thing that will continue is Garrett Nussmeier’s time under center. The Tiger quarterback has not enjoyed the same production in 2025 that he did in 2024, and sophomore Michael Van Buren moved the ball for a late touchdown.

Van Buren offers a more athletic option at quarterback. Wilson suggested he could be involved in more games moving forward.

“Garrett is our starting quarterback,” Wilson said. “He gives us great opportunity to be efficient with our offense. I think Michael has a skillset that adds value to our football team that will be called upon that could help us win the game. At the end of the day, we’re going to do what it takes to win the game, but Garrett Nussmeier is our starting quarterback.”