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5 Good Questions: LSU

by: Mark Passwaters11 hours agombpOn3
LSU transfer CB Mansoor Delane has been elite for the Tigers on defense (Photo: USA Today)
LSU transfer CB Mansoor Delane has been elite for the Tigers on defense (Photo: USA Today)

To find out more about No. 3 Texas A&M’s Saturday opponent and longtime nemesis LSU, we talked with Bryce Koon of The Bengal Tiger about this year’s Tigers:

1) What’s the vibe around the LSU program right now? Is “frustrated” the right word to use?

From the fans? Irritated, Mad, Irate. All the above. But inside the program, there’s a sense of it’s now or never. If LSU is going to make good on those preseason goals, it has to start this week. What’s the confidence level? Truly, I don’t think there is confidence that things will suddenly change. But can LSU utilize the magic of Death Valley to give them hope? Maybe so. 

2) What has been behind the team’s inability to score or run the football consistently? Is it just an offensive line issue, or something else?

This is a loaded question. LSU’s inability to be an effective offense stems around an offensive line that has been a nightmare. The concerns coming into he season were laid out, and they have to come to fruition. The development of recruits has been absent and the TIgers’ offense is paying dearly. It’s led to a domino effect. OC Joe Sloan is having trouble establishing a rhythm with what he can call, resulting in a lackluster group that struggles to move the ball. When you combine that with the injury situation of Garrett Nussmeier, the offense has sputtered all season. 

The positive is that it has looked better over the past two weeks. There’s still much to clean up, but the Tigers offense has looked improved heading into the this game. 

3) What’s the injury situation for the Tigers? We know Tyree Adams is out, but there are some big names on defense (Whit Weeks, Gooden) who didn’t play last week. Are they expected to return for Saturday night?

Whit Weeks and Bernard Gooden are big pieces to this defensive puzzle. Kelly reported during the media teleconference that Gooden did practice, which is a great sign. Weeks is reportedly still in a boot. If LSU can’t get Weeks back, that’s an issue in terms of leadership and energy. 

4) Tell us about the LSU secondary. While the whole defense seems improved, that group looks elite.

It’s been completely overhauled. Corner Mansoor Delane is arguably the best corner in college football right now, shutting down one side of the field. On the other side, you have sophomore PJ Woodland and true freshman DJ Pickett. Both have had some good moments, but they will be tested big time this weekend. At the safety spot, LSU upgraded with the duo of A.J. Haulcy and Tamarcus Cooley. Haulcy is a hard-hitting player who makes his presence felt, while Cooley is a rangy player who likes to play the deep part of the field.  

They simply upgraded the talent and have hit on all the transfers on the back end. It’s a credit to scouting and the implementation of this defensive staff. 

5) What’s your take on how this game goes?

Not pretty. I’ve been impressed with the Aggies, and what they do travels. LSU is going to have to rely far too much on the “mystique” of Death Valley. Without the tangible success, I have a hard time seeing LSU win this game. I think Texas A&M could win this one by double digits and pull away late. 

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