LSU will be on the road this week in Nashville to open up SEC play, and for the second time in as many weeks will be wearing their purple uniforms. LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron stated in a phone call on Wednesday morning “Our guys liked it, I like the traditional uniform, but, sometimes when we go on the road we have to wear purple. I think this week we have to wear purple. So that’s what we have to do, we’ll see what helmet we wear this week, we’ll see what helmet looks best.” So look for LSU to be in purple jerseys come kickoff in Nashville.
On offense for Vanderbilt; look for the Commodores to get the ball into the hands of their playmaker at running back. Senior Ke’Shawn Vaughn, listed at 5’10 218lbs, comes into Saturday’s game averaging over four yards per carry. Tigers’ Head Coach Ed Orgeron heaped praise on Vaughn saying “he’s a very good running back, one of the best players we’re going to see all year.” The passing game for Vanderbilt has not been particularly explosive, but the Commodores do have playmakers at the wide receiver position that can gash a defense for big gains if they are not paying attention. Senior wide out Kalija Liscomb will be an interesting match-up. The New Orleans native comes into the contest averaging 9.64 yards per catch, with a longest of 49, on 11 grabs from senior quarterback Riley Neal.
On defense for LSU; the Tigers will again be without starting defensive line Rashard Lawrence and Glen Logan, and with outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson listed as doubtful LSU will be looking to their depth on defensive line and linebacker to make an effective pass rush. “We are looking forward for more consistency on defense, especially in our pass rush, our pass coverage. I think we’re going to make a tremendous improvement there this week. We are looking forward to playing four full quarters, in all three phases of our game.” says Orgeron. If sophomore defensive tackle Tyler Shelvin, can get pressure on the interior of the Commodores offensive line, that makes the job of senior defensive end Breiden Fehoko and junior defensive end Neil Farrell that much easier. Shelvin will command double teams most of the afternoon, freeing up one-on-one battles on the outside for either Fehoko or Farrell. Junior outside linebacker Andre Anthony should be living in the offensive backfield of the Commodores, while opposite him outside linebacker Ray Thornton should be living rent free in quarterback Riley Neal’s’ head. With linebacker Michael Divinity practicing this week with the outside linebacker group, expect him also to see time rushing off the edge.
On offense for LSU; while “Everyone Eats” has been a staple in the Tigers new passing attack, look for LSU to work on establishing the run game against the Commodores late in the first quarter and early in the second quarter. “We need to get these guys in in the first and second quarter. They’ve earned that right, we’ve got to see what they can do, especially do during SEC play.” Orgeron speaking about freshman running back tandem John Emery Jr. and Tyrion Davis-Price. Establishing the running game early for the Tigers will be useful, as the Commodores are giving up over 350 on the ground to opponents in two games, also another 665 yards through the air. LSU continues to roll, with its offense, as it is ranked No.1 in scoring (55.0), passing (436.3 ypg) pass efficiency (209.2 rating), and red zone offense (21-of-21).
A hidden stat lost in this high powered offense however, might be, the fact that LSU has six rushing touchdowns through three games, including one by quarterback Joe Burrow. Look for the Tigers to add to that stat on Saturday.
