Tiger fans want to forget the 2023 LSU defense. But LSU’s Spring game was a painful reminder. Receivers wide open, long touchdown plays and defensive backs looking at each other in bewilderment over what occurred.
The first touchdown of the game was a busted coverage. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier stepped up in the pocket and threw to a wide-open Zavion Thomas.
“Can’t let the ball over our head, we had some coverage mistakes, those can’t continue to happen,” head coach Brian Kelly said.
Nussmeier’s second touchdown pass went to a wide-open Kyen Lacy for 59 yards. Lacy ran right past cornerback Ashton Stamps and safety Sage Ryan could not get over in time.
Tight end Mason Taylor was also wide open on the play.
Now it’s just a spring game. LSU’s defense did not game plan for LSU’s offense. But having two receivers free of a defender by 15 yards should never happen, even on a seven-on-seven drill.
Despite the blown coverages, Kelly remains optimistic we’ll see a better defense in 2024.
“The energy, the want to, all those are going to be there which is going to be important, then we got to execute,” Kelly said.
LSU is expected to add to its roster. Cornerback Zy Alexander did not participate in spring drills as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL. Alexander, who is likely LSU’s best cornerback, is expected to be ready for preseason camp.
The spring transfer portal window opens Monday, April 15th, and the Tigers will look for defensive tackles.
“We got to continue to evaluate and recruit at the defensive tackle position that’s a must, I like what our edges are doing, we are getting pressure on the edge, but we got to be really stout on the inside,” Kelly said.
LSU has already added one defensive tackle from the transfer portal, Wisconsin’s Gio Paez. Expect the Tigers to get a couple more defensive tackles.
On the flip side, Nussmeier looked in complete control of the offense. Kyren Lacy is ready to take the step to number one wide receiver status and there are plenty of other options.
Kelly also likes what he saw from the running game during the spring.
“We can not be finesse, five wide, spread it out and do it that way,” Kelly said. That’s what’s most satisfying is that we are going to have to start with the offensive line controlling the line of scrimmage through the running game and if we do that you’ll get the explosive plays and to me that was a glimpse of what I saw today.”
It sure looks like LSU has the potential to have another explosive offense, but as we found out in 2023, if the LSU defense can’t slow down the opponent, it will not result in enough wins to get in the college football playoff.
Kelly knows that. LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker and the rest of the defensive coaching staff knows that. They have all summer to figure it out, so LSU can compete in a playoff game in December.
