LSU lucky to escape South Carolina, but Tigers facing deeper disconnect: What’s not adding up?
The Tigers will be glad to get out of Columbia with a win, but something’s not right with Brian Kelly’s program
LSU Narrowly Escapes South Carolina, 36-33: Concerns Loom for Tigers’ 2024 Season
LSU remained in the hunt for the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff after a tight 36-33 victory over South Carolina. While the final score keeps LSU’s hopes alive, a deeper dive into the game raises significant concerns about the Tigers’ outlook for the remainder of the 2024 season.
LSU’s win came with a lot of luck, including questionable officiating calls and the absence of South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers in the second half due to an ankle injury. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was fortunate to have two pick-sixes called back due to penalties, including a red-zone interception when the Tigers were still trailing by four points.
Without last season’s Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, LSU’s offense has struggled. The play-calling by offensive coordinator Joe Sloan has been scrutinized, especially during a critical second-half sequence at South Carolina’s two-yard line that resulted in no points after four attempts, including a failed fourth-down pass.
Freshman running back Caleb Durham provided a spark with 66 rushing yards and a touchdown in the second half, but overall offensive execution was inconsistent. The defense was an even bigger concern, despite LSU’s major investments in coaching staff hires. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker and new additions Bo Davis and Kevin Peoples failed to prevent South Carolina from exploiting the Tigers’ defense, particularly in the running game. Rocket Sanders rushed for 143 yards and two touchdowns, including a 66-yard breakaway score.
For head coach Brian Kelly, the defensive woes are correctable. “All of this that you saw today, on both sides of the ball, all of it is correctable,” Kelly said postgame. However, industry insiders believe there may be a disconnect between Kelly’s coaching style and the players, a sentiment not as prevalent during his time at Notre Dame.
The next two games for LSU against UCLA and South Alabama are winnable, but tough matchups with Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M will require much better coaching and execution if the Tigers hope to remain contenders. LSU’s resilience was on display in Columbia, but questionable officiating and injuries won’t save them every week.
