LSU’s matchup with Texas A&M has produced three distinct conversations. One is about whether the Tigers’ secondary can prevent big passing plays. Another is about giving Sam Leavitt more time to throw. The third is happening in court, where LSU and the SEC remain at odds over player eligibility. [1]
The secondary has a chance to answer Ole Miss
David Billiot Jr. of And The Valley Shook identifies LSU’s defensive backs against Texas A&M’s receivers as a pivotal matchup. Ole Miss found too many openings through the air last week. Texas A&M presents a different challenge: quarterback Marcel Reed can extend plays with his legs, forcing defenders to stay with receivers longer. [2]
That makes this an opportunity for LSU. If the secondary limits easy completions and keeps receivers in front of it, Reed will have to sustain drives instead of changing the game with one throw. Blake Baker’s defense has the personnel to respond. Saturday gives the Tigers a chance to show what they learned in Oxford.
Kiffin is looking closely at the offensive line
Brooke Benedict of LSU Tigers On SI reports that Lane Kiffin has raised the possibility of changes up front. Kiffin said the staff would “look at some different things this week up front” because LSU needs more consistent play there. He did not announce a new starting lineup. [3]
The reason for the attention is clear. Pressure has disrupted Leavitt in LSU’s recent games, and cleaner protection would give the offense more room to use his arm and the playmakers around him. Billiot also points to LSU’s offensive line against Texas A&M’s defensive front as a matchup that could shape the game. [2][3]
The SEC dispute remains unresolved
Away from the field, ESPN reports that Louisiana Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill filed a motion Friday seeking dismissal of the SEC’s federal lawsuit. LSU did not place the former NFL players at the center of the dispute on its completed roster, and the September meeting ended without a vote to expel LSU. Murrill argues that those developments leave the conference without the immediate harm it claimed. [4]
The SEC disagrees. In a statement reported by ESPN, the conference said its concerns about LSU’s commitment to league rules and shared governance “remain unresolved.” A motion to dismiss is a request to the court, not a ruling, so the case continues. [4]
For LSU fans, the immediate football questions are easier to see. Can the defensive backs respond? Can the line give Leavitt a steadier pocket? Those answers will come on the field against Texas A&M.
Sources
- Caleb Yaccarino, “LSU News: Time for the LSU secondary to step up,” And The Valley Shook
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- David Billiot Jr., “Eye of the Tiger: Pivotal position matchups vs. Texas A&M,” And The Valley Shook
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- Brooke Benedict, “Lane Kiffin Hints at LSU Offensive Line Changes Before Texas A&M,” LSU Tigers On SI
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- ESPN, “SEC irked LSU is trying to dismiss suit with issue ‘unresolved’”
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