Notre Dame Football Opponent Preview: LSU Tigers Offense
By Andrew Hall
The Notre Dame football team attempts to pick up their 10th victory against LSU on New Year’s Day.
With Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada on the way out, the Fighting Irish plays against an LSU offense that faces an uncertain future. Here is a brief preview of the LSU offensive attack.
Quarterback
In 2014, Notre Dame battled against the Tigers starting Quarterback, Danny Etling. However, Etling did not wear purple and yellow. He wore the black and gold of Purdue. Etling’s performance produced a mixed bag. He threw for 234 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
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This season, Etling played extremely efficient. He completed 60.3% of his throws for 2234 yards with 14 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
The Tigers never ask Etling to win the game for them. He averages only 20.2 attempts per contest. Etling will protect the football and make the easy throws. The Irish should not expect him to win or lose the game for LSU.
Running Back
After losing Leonard Fournette to the NFL, Derrius Grice helped the Running Back position continue to roll. Grice gained 1153 yards in the 2017 season.
Although Grice garners the majority carries, Darrel Williams also runs the ball frequently. Williams rushed for 776 yards with 9 touchdowns. He also catches a lot of passes. Williams notched 22 receptions for 327 yards.
It is no secret that LSU wants to run the football. Per game, the Tigers average 210.75 yards, which ranks 28th in the country.
Receivers
Senior DJ Clark leads the Tigers in receiving with 811 yards. Clark is a big play threat. He averages 23.17 yards per game.
Russell Gage is a threat in the passing and rushing game. Gage caught 19 passes for 270 yards. He also added 217 yards on the ground.
Tight End Foster Moreau is the biggest non-Wide Receiver threat. He caught 20 passes for 214 yards.
Offensive Line
The LSU Offensive Line is relativity inexperienced. The Tigers start (left to right) KJ Malone, Garrett Brumfield, Will Clapp, Ed Ingram, and Toby Weathersby. 11 different players have started games for LSU on the line.
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Bottom Line
LSU’s drama involving Head Coach Ed Orgeron and Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada might end up slowing the Tigers offense. Bottom line, LSU only scored 28.1 points per game. This total ranks 70th in the country.
The offense is not great. Notre Dame must stop the run in order to win against LSU. Canada’s creativity could also come into play.