Extra contact in practice trains defense for LSU
If LSU’s offense could be described in one word, it would be physical.
Defensive line coach Brad Lawing called the Bayou Bengals a “smash mouth” football team that would challenge USC with aggressive schemes, such as eight-man protection, with two blockers for each Gamecock lineman.
But with increased contact and conditioning in practice this week, South Carolina’s defense will look to build on its dominant performance over the Bulldogs last week against an offense more dangerous than its recent performance indicates.
“We take it one week at a time,” senior defensive end Devin Taylor said. “We have to prepare for this week and take whatever we learned off last week and incorporate it into this week to keep us focused throughout the season.”
USC limited UGA to 115 yards on the ground last week, including just 39 for freshman Todd Gurley, the Bulldogs’ rushing leader for the season. Lawing said Georgia’s tailbacks cut a lot when they ran, which is characteristic of young players who don’t have the confidence to take on a defender in a one-on-one.
LSU’s rushing corps has been without junior Alfred Blue for the past three weeks after he injured his knee against Idaho in the third week of the season. Blue was averaging more than 90 yards a game before he went down.
But even without the junior, LSU has depth at tailback with sophomore Kenny Hilliard, who leads the Tigers with six touchdowns on the season. Junior Michael Ford, last year’s rushing leader, has added two touchdowns and averages 40 yards per game.
The Tigers’ offensive line has struggled with injuries this season, losing left tackle Chris Faulk to a season-ending injury last month. Right guard Josh Williford had to leave LSU’s game against Florida after a head injury in the first half, but he is still listed as the starter on the Tigers’ depth chart.
The line is among the most intimidating in the SEC, with no player less than 300 pounds. Because of the challenge posed by the line, and tailbacks who will not shy away from contact, staying aggressive throughout the game will be critical for USC’s defense.
“They’re a big bunch of physical guys up front,” Taylor said. “They practice physical, play physical — that’s all they do.”
LSU averaged more than 48 points a game through its first three contests of the season, all against nonconference opponents. But in its first SEC matchup, it barely escaped with a 12-10 win over Auburn in a game where it was a 20-point favorite.
The Tigers’ first loss of the season came against Florida last week. The offense failed to score a touchdown. LSU converted just one third down the entire game and rushed for just 42 yards.
Lawing said the poor result was not necessarily from any change in LSU’s style of play.
“I’m sure the (Florida) defense is probably part of it,” Lawing said. “LSU does what they do. They line up and try to hit you in the mouth.”
After Tuesday’s practice, Lawing said the line did more contact than usual in order to prepare mentally and physically for LSU’s hard-hitting style.
The line has continued to focus on other improvements as well. Taylor said he is working to improve his hand-eye coordination and his ability to react to the ball when it’s thrown in his direction.
The senior, along with the rest of the defensive line, will be prepared to step up and keep LSU’s offense contained despite its intimidating size and style of play.
“It’s going to be a physical game,” Taylor said. “We just have to keep playing physical throughout the entire game and not let up on anything. Otherwise, they will pretty much do what they do.”