LSU 2019 Season Preview

SEC West|Baton Rouge, LA|Tiger Stadium (102,321)|2018 Record: 10–3 (5-3)

LSU fans are hopeful that this is the team to beat Alabama and win the West. Ed Orgeron is entering his third official year as head coach at LSU, and has a ton of talent returning as well. Although they lost some big time stars, expect young talent to mix in with proven veterans. With a new RPO system installed and plenty of athleticism around senior quarterback, Joe Burrow, this offense could compliment the defense nicely. LSU is a complete team in 2019.

Offense

For years three things were guaranteed in life; death, taxes, and mediocre quarterback play at LSU. One man changed that. Joe Burrow is an excellent quarterback who can win games. With offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger entering his second full season at LSU, Orgeron also picked up Joe Brady. His official title is “wide receivers coach & passing game coordinator”, but in reality Brady joined the Tiger’s staff to help implement the run-pass-option (RPO). Brady has an impressive resume. He learned from the Godfather of the RPO, Joe Moorehead, as a graduate assistant at Penn State, and spent the last two years as an offensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints. If the Tigers can successfully adjust their offense to an RPO, everyone better look out.

Quarterback

The RPO starts and ends with the quarterback. Many critics deemed Joe Burrow (6-4, 216) as a game manager last year, but that’s not fair. In 2018, Burrow joined the team after spring ball and had to learn a whole new playbook. However, as the season progressed so did Burrow. The transfer put up quality numbers last year with 2,894 yards and 16 touchdowns while running for just under 400 yards and adding seven more touchdowns on the ground.

Burrow is used to running the RPO, in fact, he prefers it. Quick decisions and scrappy quarterback play is required, so look for Burrow to thrive with these new plays implemented. That is if he doesn’t hold onto the ball for too long. Burrow was sacked 35 times last year, which is not a mark on the big boys up front. Although he’s not the fastest player on the field by a long shot he’s quick enough to fool a defender on read options and gain ten yards…or 59 (looking at you Georgia.) After Burrow, look for sophomore Myles Brennan (6-5, 183) to gain quality snaps in 2019, who will more than likely be the starter in 2020.

Running Backs

This should be one of the best running back committees in the country. Even though they lost their leading rusher, Nick Brossette, the Tigers have plenty of talent to fill the gaps. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (5-9, 212) enters his junior year after a quality season – 658 rushing yards and seven touchdowns – at the number two back. He now takes over the starting role but could have to share the job with incoming freshman and number 2-ranked running back in the country, John Emery Jr. (6-0, 203). The Louisiana native was a huge boost for Orgeron – especially since he was originally committed to Georgia. Look for senior Lanard Fournette (5-11, 206) to also get steady touches throughout the season.

Wide Receiver

There were times in 2018 it appeared as though Justin Jefferson (6-2, 185) was the only receiver on the field for LSU. Burrow targeted Jefferson – who caught twice as many passes for over twice as many yards and touchdowns than any other receive –  more often than not last season. However, that needs to change in 2019. The talent is there with Ja’Marr Chase (6-1, 205), Derek Dillion (5-11, 184) and Terrance Marshall (6-4, 209) returning. Hopefully, with Brady’s influence in the offense, Burrow will have more options in the passing game.

The tight end spot is the biggest question mark as the Tigers have to replace Foster Moreau, who played about every down last year. Stephen Sullivan (6-7, 232) has moved to the tight end position, and should be a nice target for Burrow. Junior Jamal Pettigrew (6-7, 241) and junior college transfer TK McLendon (6-5, 241) could also put in some time. Many are waiting to see what sophomore Thaddeus Moss (6-3, 225), who missed last season with a foot injury, has to offer as well.

Offensive Line

This is an experienced front. However, there are two question marks with this offensive line. First, who replaces Garrett Brumfield at left guard? True freshman Kardell Thomas (6-3, 328) could be the one who steps in for the graduated Brumfield. Second, do the two returning starting tackles lose their spots? The left tackle position is a toss up between Saahdiq Charles (6-5, 305) and Badara Traore (6-7, 323). Although Charles started in 10 games, there were times he struggled. Austin Deculus (6-7,321) had a much better 2018 season at right tackle, yet could lose his spot to freshman Anthony Bradford (6-7, 355).

At center, is returning junior Lloyd Cushenberry III (6-4, 309) who started all thirteen games last season next to Damien Lewis (6-3, 322) at right guard, who also returns for his senior year. Cushenberry was one of the two players honored to wear the number 18 in 2019. But since he is a lineman – and linemen are not eligible to wear numbers in the teens – he will wear a patch on his jersey.

Defense

Losing the 2018 Butkus Award winner stings, but this defense returns eight starters from last year and some of the best talent to fill in the gaps. LSU prides itself on being big and physical while not sacrificing speed. This year is no exception. Look for a defense that flies to the ball and forces turnovers.

Defensive Line

The gang is almost all back for another season, which includes the Fiesta Bowl defensive MVP, Rashard Lawrence (6-3, 317). The defensive end decided the last year’s NFL Draft was too crowded with defensive linemen, so he returns in 2019 a polished veteran. Opposite of Lawrence is junior Glen Logan (6-4, 297) who stepped into a starting role after Breiden Fehoko (6-4, 291) tore his bicep halfway through last year. Fehoko also returns for his senior season and adds nice depth to defensive end.

Lining up in the center will be sophomore Tyler Shelvin (6-3,362). He will now officially take over for Ed Alexander who departed for the NFL. Shelvin gained valuable playing time and should have a strong sophomore campaign. Behind Shelvin is the former four star freshman Siaki Ika (6-4, 347.)   

Linebacker

White was an exceptional linebacker. Not only could he fly to the ball, but he could read an offense prior to the snap and adjust the defense accordingly. With White being selected fifth overall in the NFL Draft the Tigers need to fill the void. Junior Jacob Phillips (6-4, 229) should be the man for the job as he recorded 87 tackles last season. Senior Michael Divinity Jr. (6-2, 238) will move from outside linebacker to the inside to add experience where White has left. Divinity Jr. finished tied for first on the team with five sacks last season. Behind Divinity Jr. and Phillips will be junior Patrick Queen (6-2, 232) with sophomores Micah Baskerville (6-2, 233) and Damone Clark (6-4, 238) looking to step up when needed.

Junior Ray Thornton (6-4, 226) and sophomore K’Lavon Chaisson(6-4, 238) will make any offensive coordinator sweat. Chaisson missed all of the last year after ending his season in game one against Miami. But his athleticism and hard work not only earned him back his starting spot at the Buck position, but also the honor of wearing number 18 this upcoming season. Queen also has the skill set and knowledge to play all four linebacker positions.

Defensive Backs

Preseason All-American Grant Delpit (6-3, 203) will lead this secondary at strong safety. After a strong sophomore campaign in 2018, leading the team in sacks (five), interceptions (five), and passes defended (nine) Delpit will likely have another phenomenal season before foregoing his senior year and declaring for the NFL. Next to Delpit is junior JaCoby Stevens (6-2, 225) after a smooth transition from offense to defense. Returning at cornerback is Kristian Fulton (6-0, 192) while freshman Derek Stingley Jr. (6-1, 194) has big shoes to fill in replacing All-American Greedy Williams.

Special Teams

LSU will also likely look to replace another All-American with an underclassman. Cole Tracy spent his last year of eligibility crushing school records and winning games. With Tracy gone, sophomore Avery Atkins and freshman Cade York will be asked to step up. Atkins has a powerful leg and will likely assume kickoff duties, while York will likely be asked to make extra points and field goals. The punting duo of Zach Von Rosenberg and Josh Growden will likely turn into a solo performance with Growden’s graduation and transfer to West Virginia. Rosenberg has a canon of a leg, but when it comes to short punts, well LSU fans should expect a lot of touchbacks. Returning punts should be Stingley Jr. while Edwards-Helaire and Vincent should receive kickoffs.

Schedule Breakdown

Aug. 31       vs Georgia Southern

Sept. 7        at Texas       

Sept. 14       vs Northwestern   

Sept. 21       at Vanderbilt  

Sept. 28       OFF  

Oct. 5          vs Utah State        

Oct. 12        vs Florida     

Oct. 19        at Mississippi State        

Oct. 26        vs Auburn   

Nov. 2         OFF

Nov. 9         at Alabama         

Nov. 16       at Ole Miss 

Nov. 23       vs Arkansas  

Nov. 30       vs Texas A&M     

Loss: Alabama

LSU could lose another game this season, but they shouldn’t on paper. Last year they beat Auburn with a last second field goal, but came up short against Florida and lost in the seventh overtime against Texas A&M. 2019 should be the year where Orgeron shows he can recruit and coach a complete team. But, Alabama is still Alabama, and LSU will once again be little brother and barely miss the college football playoff.

Jacques’ Take

We reached out to Jacques Doucet, who is the sports anchor at WAFB Channel 9 in Baton Rouge, for his thoughts on the upcoming season.

“Expectations are extremely high for LSU, as the Tigers are coming off the program’s biggest bowl win since beating Ohio State to win the 2007 BCS National Championship. It all starts with the most important position on the field, where senior quarterback Joe Burrow has a legitimate chance to break Rohan Davey’s school record for most passing yards in a single season (3,347 set back in 2001). Burrow has a long list of talented receivers at his disposal, while junior running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is said to be a great fit in the Tigers’ new spread attack being implemented by first year assistant Joe Brady. There is major talent on defense, where junior safety Grant Delpit is said to be the best defensive player in the country and sophomore K’Lavon Chaisson is being looked to as a quarterback crusher off the edge, after missing almost the entire 2018 season with a knee injury.

But are the Tigers tough enough in the trenches? LSU was out gained 576-196 during an extremely humbling 29-0 home loss to Alabama last season, a direct reflection of getting smashed on the offensive and defensive lines. Many of the Tiger linemen who played in that game, will be called upon again when LSU travels to Tuscaloosa November 9. Will they be ready this time? Or will it be more of the same against Bama? Anything less than 10-2 will be a disappointment for this squad, while many fans are wondering if LSU can make the College Football Playoff with an 11-1 mark.”

Be sure to follow Jacques Doucet on Twitter for fantastic coverage of LSU Football!