LSU defines offensive philosophy with goal to re-establish consistent running game

It sounds like a good enough plan for me.

Here’s what new LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said when asked to describe the offense he plans to install in Baton Rouge.

“We are going to be a team that plays physically tough,” said Denbrock.

“We will run the football with effectiveness and stretch the field vertically and create explosive plays.”

If you would like a peak at what the LSU offense might look like, refer to the University of Cincinnati’s in 2021.

The Bearcats were tied for fifth in the country in turnover margin at plus-12.

Quarterback Desmond Ridder through only eight interceptions, against 30 touchdown passes.

But here’s the number that’s eye popping.

Ridder averaged 8.6 yards per attempt. Ridder’s yards per attempt were only 0.3 percentage points less than Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young of Alabama.

So this looks like a very quarterback friendly offense.

Spread out the defense, run the football behind a huge and talented offensive line, and then take shot plays downfield.

It is a winning philosophy.

The LSU offense may not be the 2019 version with Joe Burrow’s 60 touchdown passes, but there will be plenty enough big plays to go around.

It is also clear Tigers head coach Brian Kelly will not tolerate the inability to run the football successfully in short yardage.

LSU’s inability to run the football, often against inferior defenses in 2021, was troubling. The Tigers averaged only 3.3 yards per carry and 114 total yards per game.

Only Mississippi State was worse in the Southeastern Conference.

When you can’t run the football effectively, teams can gang up on the short pass.

LSU quarterback Max Johnson, who has since transferred to Texas A&M, saw an inordinate amount of three-man rush and eight cover in the 2021 campaign.

When you can’t run, third down becomes problematic.

The Tigers were 88th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in third down conversions at 37 percent.

Alabama and Georgia, the runner-up and national champion, were .520 and .448 respectively on third down.

So, leave it to Denbrock to come up with the best line of Thursday’s press conference to announce offensive coaches.

“We are going to be able to run the ball, even if they know you are running it,” said Denbrock. “To the point where you point at the point of attack and say we are going to run the football right here.”

“Good luck to you.”

Denbrock then spelled out the mission for the LSU football franchise. He stated the program’s “rightful place” was at the top of the college football world.

The way to get back to the pinnacle is to accent something that has always been a big part of LSU football’s winning DNA.

Go right at them.