LSU Seeks Redemption Against Nicholls State After Tough Week One Loss
After suffering their fifth straight Week 1 defeat, LSU looks to rebound in tonight’s matchup against in-state opponent Nicholls State.
Team Updates:
The Tigers will be without two key players: sixth-year running back John Emery Jr., who tore his ACL in practice this week, and veteran wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr., who is sidelined with an ankle bone bruise suffered during fall camp.
LSU’s season opener against USC exposed several weaknesses, including excessive penalties, lackluster run blocking, and conservative offensive play-calling in the second half. While Nicholls State is an FCS school, the Tigers must stay focused and build consistency. This is a team with much to prove, and setting the tone early will be crucial for a successful bounce-back game.
Adding to LSU’s challenges, another running back was lost to injury this week. As a result, defensive backs coach Corey Raymond has tapped 4-star safety Ju’Juan Johnson to help fill the void. Johnson, a versatile athlete from Lafayette Christian Academy who played quarterback and safety in high school, is expected to contribute to the Tigers’ decimated running back corps.
What to Watch:
Last week, LSU struggled to run the ball against USC’s new defensive coordinator, D’Anton Lynn, and the Trojan defense. Look for the Tigers’ offense to get creative with their run plays and emphasize physicality and toughness in tonight’s game.
LSU also boasts young talent, particularly in the defensive backfield. Players like PJ Woodland, Dashawn Spears, and Kylin Jackson have impressed during fall camp, and tonight’s game presents an opportunity for them to gain valuable experience. These young players are the future of Blake Baker’s defense, especially with veterans like Jardin Gilbert, Sage Ryan, and Major Burns facing challenges.
This matchup against Nicholls State offers LSU a chance to evaluate its young talent across various position groups. Expect the Tigers to start strong and aim to put the game out of reach by halftime. With a crucial game against South Carolina looming, tonight’s contest serves as an important tune-up for the challenges ahead.
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