By Hunt Palmer
I’ll be pulling hard for USA this weekend, but that only applies to the Presidents Cup in Canada. LSU’s involved in that one, too, as Sam Burns dons the red, white and blue alongside stars like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.
That concludes golf talk for this breakdown.
A different red, white and blue USA is headed to Baton Rouge this weekend. It’ll be the South Alabama Jaguars invading Tiger Stadium behind Capital City native Major Applewhite.
It’s the last non-conference game for LSU this season. After the dust settles Saturday night, seven SEC games remain for Brian Kelly’s Tigers.
This week a lot of focus has been on the freshmen and how quickly that group can make a serious impact on the season. Saturday might be the last time to truly test that group without significant risk. Risk? Sure. But not significant.
South Alabama comes in riding high after eviscerating Northwestern State, 87-10, and following that up with a 48-10 conference win at Appalachian State. Considering App State’s only touchdown came on a Hail Mary at the end of the first half, it was a clinical performance by Applewhite’s Jaguars.
Still, USA lost to Ohio and North Texas, so it’s no Group of Five juggernaut. LSU should have little issue methodically salting away the Jaguars in the final SEC dress rehearsal.
Here are some key matchups to look at under the lights on Sunday.
South Alabama Backfield vs. LSU Front Seven
This is a little generic, but it’s still intriguing. Quarterback Gio Lopez and running back Fluff Bothwell have been great for the Jaguars this year. Applewhite has them in a spread look with a heavy emphasis on running the ball, and it’s clicking.
Last week Bothwell ran for 116, and Lopez added 105 of his own. Neither is especially fast, but Bothwell is a load at 5-foot-10 and 220 lbs. He’s a between the tackles guy. Lopez’s threat to pull the ball and run opens some things up for him. LSU’s linebackers, now without Harold Perkins, will have to be sound in their run fits and assignments. Appalachian State was not last week, and South Alabama ran it for 320 on 43 carries.
This also applies to LSU edge rushers as they try to corral Lopez in the pocket. Again, He’s not an electrifying athlete by any stretch. He is savvy back there. He’ll step up, roll out, extend the play and throw down the field.
There’s little doubt LSU will create pressure, but when the Tigers get into the backfield, they have to get Lopez on the ground. He’s only been sacked twice over the last three games.
South Alabama’s Jamaal Pritchett vs. Ashton Stamps and JK Johnson
I would argue LSU’s biggest weakness is in coverage. To a degree the offense can mask its running inefficiencies with the quick passing game and a high completion percentage. If you can’t cover, you can’t cover. Sure, the pass rush can help, but they can’t get home often enough.
Pritchett is clearly South Alabama’s go-to wide receiver. He’s got 26 catches on the year. Second and third place have combined have 26. The senior is short and shifty at 5-foot-8. He’s scored a touchdown in every game thus far for the Jaguars. He’s also got 196 yards worth of punt returns in the last two weeks. South Alabama is going to look his way early and often. Stamps, Johnson and Co. need to play well this week to enter the bye week with some confidence as Lane Kiffin, Jaxson Dart and Tre Harris await.
LSU’s Interior offensive line vs. South Alabama’s LB Blayne Myrick
The Tigers have struggled to create chunk plays on the ground. LSU’s only produced 13 runs of 10+ yards in four games. That’s worst in the SEC. I’ve heard all I need to hear about stacked boxes and number disadvantages. It’s time to push some people around. South Alabama is a prime candidate for that. Ohio ran it for 200 yards on these Jags. Myrick mans the middle for USA and cleans most everything up. He leads the team with 34 tackles, 13 better than second place. LSU needs to execute assignments and climb to the second level to cut Myrick off. That should create space for the Tiger backs to break free.
The main battle LSU fights this week is complacency. An off week next week means a short week of practice and trips home or to blow off some steam next weekend. That can distract a young college athlete. The chore is to lock in for four hours and take care of the last truly overmatched foe on the schedule. South Alabama is feeling good after the last two weeks. LSU’s goal is to erase those positive vibes early on Saturday night.
