Skip to main content
LSU

How LSU plans on rotating the offensive line vs. Clemson

On3 imageby: Matthew Brune15 hours agoMatthewBrune_
NCAA Football: Louisiana State at Texas A&M
Oct 26, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; LSU Tigers offensive lineman Paul Mubenga (65) lines up during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies. The Aggies defeated the Tigers 38-23; at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

LSU’s offensive line is the question for fans to stress over in the days leading up to the game vs. Clemson but now the time for speculating is over. On Saturday we’ll see what this new-look offensive line looks like after losing four NFL Draft picks over the offseason.

The one thing Brian Kelly can guarantee is that there will be a rotation. In general, he supports trying to keep his players fresh, but he particularly focused in on the offensive line in his press conference on Monday.

“You don’t need a static 22,” Kelly said of his starters. “There will be some positions where we have some rotation and I think it will be good for us. We look at different battles, like we’re going to play a number of defensive ends and defensive tackles because we’re going to be better because of it. The same will be true on the offensive line. You’re going to see more than just five guys out there, you’re going to see at least six or seven, could be even as many as eight offensive linemen.”

After having incredible continuity the past two seasons, Kelly and his offensive line coach Brad Davis appear open to anything to get the most out of this unit against a talented Clemson front.

The specific battle comes at left guard where there are three players still contending for the open spot.

Sep 21, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers offensive lineman DJ Chester (79) waits to snap the ball against UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Siale Taupaki (92) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Returning starter DJ Chester, Paul Mubenga, and Coen Echols have all had their turns at left guard during the fall and now seemingly will all get a shot on Saturday for LSU. Kelly broke down the battle and the strengths of all three on Monday.

“Paul moves very well for us. He handles movements. He’s been more consistent from that stand point,” Kelly said. “DJ, you love the fact he played so much football for us last year. He is at a new position at guard, but we like his size, his smarts, and his experience. With Coen, he’s physically strong, so if you get in a battle with an elite defensive tackle he can hold his own physically. Each one of them brings something to the table and that’s why you’ll most likely see them all playing.”

Carius Curne is another player who could rotate in, likely at tackle. Currently, he’s backing up Weston Davis at right tackle and he’s had his chances working in with the starters at times throughout fall camp.

Kelly said earlier this month that he has full belief in this offensive line being good, which is reassuring considering the question marks, but LSU will be tested immediately in a hostile environment to start the season. Can Kelly and his staff make the most of this unit? The run game and production of this entire offense relies on it.

“I’ve coached for a long time and had a log of guys in the NFL and a lot of first round draft picks. I think I’ve got a pretty good eye for what an offensive line looks like,” Kelly said. “This group is going to be really good. We don’t have a Will Campbell, but we have five guys that play well together. Our center position with Braelin Moore sets up the rest of the group for success.”

You may also like