Utah State brings in one of the fastest offenses in the country. “The speed they run their plays is the fastest we’ve ever seen.” Head Coach Ed Orgeron said last week during his weekly press conference. “They’re the fastest offense we’ve seen since I’ve been here, I think they’re faster than Missouri.” Utah State Head Coach Gary Andersen states “It is a big a challenge, obviously. They’re a great football team. They’re battling like crazy to keep themselves in a top-four spot. To me, on film, they appear to be where they should be. They’re very talented, and they play very well.” Andersen later goes on to talk about a challenge playing in Louisiana. “One of the big things for this game is we’re going to practice in 50-degree weather all week long, and it’s going to be 95 degrees in Louisiana with high humidity. That will be our challenge, to make sure we hydrate and get ourselves to where we need to be in those positions, those spots.”
On offense: Utah State junior quarterback Jordan Love was listed as a preseason Heisman candidate for good reason. As a sophomore he led the Aggies to an 11-2 mark on the season. Passing for over 3500 yards and 32 touchdowns. Through four games Love has stumbled a bit, but the Aggies continue to win. Throwing five interceptions so far on the season, but also passing for 1,207 yards and six touchdowns. Tempo has been a huge factor in their winning games. Defenses have been worn down with the speed at which they can call a play and snap the ball. “Really the biggest thing that stands out to me, is how fast they go. I think they ran a play within like nine seconds of finishing the last play, on their first drive, against Wake (Forest)” LSU defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko said during player interviews earlier in the week. “I think they ran 90 something plays that game.”
On defense: Junior linebacker David Woodward has already amassed 55 tackles coming into the game versus the Tigers. He has the potential to be a big playmaker on defense for the Aggies. “David has his own style, you know, and he plays within a style. I credit coach Ena for allowing David to play in that style. David is like Bobby Wagner. Bobby was, I don’t want to say a freelancer, but Bobby was able to go ahead and do some things where you might not be able to say on the board, ‘Well you’re not supposed to be here, but you were over there and you made this play.’ His instincts are a big part of playing linebacker.” Coach Andersen says of his linebacker. The secondary for the Aggies will tested immediately in this game. “It’s a big deal in this game. Speed and spacing are something we talk about all the time.” Andersen says. “It’s hard for any position group or any single player to tackle a guy when there’s a bunch of grass out there. That’s what LSU’s offense is designed to do, is get people in space and make them miss once you get the ball in your hands.” He continues saying “It’s not just their wide receivers. Their running backs are very talented. They’re strong, powerful players who have the ability to make you miss.”
LSU on offense: The Tigers will be without wide receiver Terrace Marshall and the possibility of Justin Jefferson returning to the lineup are looking much better, as he was in practice yesterday. Fullback Tory Carter is expected to miss this week and has not practiced since before the bye week. The offensive line gained a boost in depth as Ed Ingram was reinstated with the team and has been practicing at full tilt. He could be ready to go this week for the Tigers, if not, he will definitely be full go for the Florida game. The Tigers look to keep up their fast pace offense against the Aggies. Coach Joe Brady said earlier this year that defenses would “have to defend every blade of grass against us.” Speedy sophomore wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase seems to have another gear. “He’s much improved since last year, and he was a really good player last year. He’s obviously one of the best receivers in the country, and he’s going to make a lot of money playing this game. He’s found this new gear that I didn’t see last year, he’s a different animal this year that’s for sure. He’s found this new gear that I’ve never seen before, and he’s playing lights out.” Senior quarterback Joe Burrow said of Chase.
LSU on defense: The Tigers will be without senior linebacker Michael Divinity, a leader on the field for the Tigers. Redshirt junior defensive end Glen Logan is listed as out, senior defensive end Rashard Lawrence, while he has been practicing most likely will rest until the Florida game. Redshirt sophomore outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson is listed as questionable, but during his radio show, Wednesday night, Head Coach Ed Orgeron stated that Chaisson would start against the Aggies. This brings a pass rush ability the Tigers have been without for the past two games. Look for Chaisson to get after the quarterback, moving him off his spot, and disrupt his timing with his receivers. “They fly around, they play hard, they have high expectations to play hard defense every single week. You just don’t see a bunch of missed assignments, you don’t see a bunch of errors, and you don’t see a lack of communication for the most part.” Head Coach Gary Andersen on facing LSU’s defense.
The Tigers have an 11am kick off in Death Valley, don’t miss it!
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