Can the offense finally catch up?
All the pressure is on Joe Burrow this season. The Ohio State transfer was good in his first year facing SEC defenses and there’s a lot to love about the way he plays the game, and the way he leads.
However, if they are going to unseat Alabama, and fend off Texas A&M and Auburn he needs to be next level. He did most things well. He only threw five interceptions, did not lose any fumbles and added 399 rushing yards and seven touchdowns to the ground game. Although he was good, there wasn’t any one thing he did great.
If the Tigers are truly going to contend for a national title, Burrow must be great. With the talent he faces every week, the Tigers need him to win at least one game by putting the team on his back.
The skill position players LSU has this season hasn’t been this good in a long time. Last year’s leading receiver Justin Jefferson had Dwayne Bowe type size at 6-3 and almost 200 pounds with great hands and speed. Alongside Jefferson is big tight end Stephen Sullivan and sophomore Ja’Marr Chase — both had 23 catches last season.
The running game will be a three-headed monster with returning junior Clyde Edwards-Helaire, five-star recruit John Emery and 230-pound four-star recruit Tyrion Davis.
The offensive line finished second-to-last in sacks allowed, but return four starters. With the running game keeping defenses honest the hog mollies up front need to keep Burrow upright. If that happens, LSU could have the best offense they’ve had since the Matt Flynn era.