August is talking season.
We spend plenty of airtime on preseason predictions, expectations and analysis. But eight weeks into LSU’s season, how much of what we thought in August has actually played out? I asked the 104.5 ESPN team which preseason expectations have missed the mark. In other words, what has surprised them most?
Here’s what they had to say.
Jacob Hester, Co-Host, Off the Bench: I thought the defense would have to carry this team early while the offense figured things out. New system, new players, and a lot of moving pieces. I expected some growing pains, but they’ve hit the ground running. Through eight games, LSU ranks 6th nationally in total offense (510 yards per game), 6th in passing offense (317.9 yards per game), 7th in scoring offense (40.1 points per game), and 2nd in first downs per game (28). I knew the offense had talent, but I didn’t expect them to be this productive this quickly.
Charles Hanagriff, Co-Host, Live at Lunch: Given his production at Kansas State, I thought Jayce Brown would play a major role in the passing game, and possibly lead LSU in receptions.
Hunt Palmer. Host, Hunt Palmer Show: I’m stunned Jayce Brown has been a complete non-factor. There is so much depth there that a pair of early drops basically sent him to the bench for good. The passing game hasn’t struggled because of it. It’s actually improved week to week.
Paul O’Neill, Video Producer, Off the Bench: I missed on the running back rotation. I assumed your two returning backs in Harlem Berry and Caden Durham would have bigger roles in the LSU offense, especially to start the season. Dilin Jones was the standout in camp, and he totally took over the starting running back position. Lane Kiffin and the staff deserve high praise for being able to find talented running backs and for getting the most out of them. Jones was a relative unknown coming out of the transfer portal from Wisconsin. He has been a key contributor in the LSU offense and needs to be a main feature down the stretch for the Tigers.
Matthew Musso, Audio Producer, After Further Review: It wasn’t really a prediction, so I wouldn’t classify it as wrong, but I was really skeptical of the addition of Jordan Ross out of the portal. LSU needed to hit at that spot because they were so unproven behind Princewill Umanmielen. Ross was a take solely on potential. The production just wasn’t there in two seasons at Tennessee. Through eight games, the potential is being realized. The EDGE has five sacks, a forced fumble and the pick six against Clemson. He has been a key piece for Blake Baker’s defense.
Jordan Kitchens, Audio Producer, Hunt Palmer Show: I was very wrong about how LSU’s running back rotation would go this season. Even with Dilin Jones comfortable as RB1, I did think there would be opportunities for an RB2. But the group of Harlem Berry, Stacy Gage and Caden Durham has really been absent. LSU’s running game is still prolific. I just thought there would be some more carries going around. Instead, it’s all Jones.
