By Hunt Palmer
Small things create bigger things.
For LSU, it’s small details for small gains. Those can make a big difference. Through three games, the Tigers have been unable to establish any kind of rushing attack. In a 16-team SEC, LSU ranks No. 15 in rushing attempts, yards per carry and rushing touchdowns.
“I feel as if we have not played our best, and I feel that everyone can see that,” said sophomore left tackle Tyree Adams. “But I know that each and every week we’re coming with this business mentality and this one goal, 1-0 every week. That will take us a long way. We have to focus on now. Now is going to carry us each and every day in practice.”
Adams is taking over for Will Campbell who manned the position for three years and was the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Three of his fellow starters went to the NFL with him, so the Tiger front is fighting the battle of losing four starters and replacing the fifth as Virginia Tech transfer Braelin Moore has taken over at center for DJ Chester.
The results have been mixed.
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has only been sacked three times, and LSU hasn’t lost a game. Those are the positives. However, the ground game is a problem, and it’s creating others.
A season ago, LSU was among the nation’s best offenses on third down. The Tigers converted 49% which was good for sixth in the country, best in the SEC. Through three games, LSU ranks 70th nationally at just 41.5%.
“I think we all know what the national averages are,” said head coach Brian Kelly. “We’ve been quite above that relative to success rate. To me, it’s picking up first downs on third and short. That is what we’re looking for.”
Kelly’s point stands up. LSU is just 8-for-15 (53%) on third and four or less. That’s traditionally where the ground game takes control. Though the opposition knows it’s coming, the offense can convert. That hasn’t happened for LSU.
“In one respect, we ‘re ahead of the chains in most instances,” Kelly said. “But, now you’ve got to go convert in short yardage. I think short yardage conversions need to be a high percentage for us, and it should be.”
Saturday night should be an opportunity for LSU to impose its will on an FCS program. That may not translate immediately to an SEC game with Ole Miss next weekend, but it’s a start.
Adams was asked about areas that have to improve. He suggested his group is not far off.
“Really just our run game,” Adams said. “Run game, IDing the front, knowing the scheme better. Also just being physical. I feel like physicality is the biggest thing that we preach on. I feel like we’re right there. Coach Brad (Davis) always talks about going from an A to an A-plus. It’s not about going from a C to an A. I feel like it’s just the little things that we have to clean up.”
Kelly has been encouraged by the team’s preparation this week. It’s important to remember that Adams has only started five games at LSU. Left guard Paul Mubenga has started eight, and right tackle Weston Davis has only started three.
All three were blue chip recruits with strong measurables. Veteran transfers Moore and Josh Thompson have been solid beside them.
“We have a lot of players that don’t have a ton of experience, so really making sure that that technique that they need to use on Saturday is present during the week and being really demanding in that being what they pay attention to,” Kelly said. “And I thought they did a great job this week of really paying attention to the details associated with playing on the offensive line. Just being a big guy out there and throwing yourself around is not where we need to be. We need to be technically sounder in everything that we do, and that was our focus this week.”
LSU figures to lean on the ground game early and often against the visiting Lions on Saturday night. Any struggles could amplify an existing problem with seven SEC games to play. Successes won’t necessarily indicate a breakthrough, but the confidence that comes with it could be meaningful to young players.
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