LSU’s season to date has been taxing but signs of improvement are there

I have often drawn comparisons between Ed Orgeron and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney. Both possess similar styles in coaching, are excellent recruiters and both hold a very personal bond with their players.

Swinney took over for Tommy Bowden midway through the 2008 season at Clemson and guided the team to a 4-3 mark the rest of the way. Orgeron was inserted in the head coach’s spot following the firing of Les Miles in ’16 and led the Tigers to a 6-2 record the remainder of the season. Both men posted nine wins in their first full seasons on the job.

Despite his success and a pair of national championship trophies on his mantle (2016 and 2018), Swinney has his fair share of dissenters. Even though Orgeron took the Tigers to the top of the mountain in 2019 with a 15-0 record, some LSU faithful feel like the program could attract a more high profile leader.

The 2020 Tigers have had a challenging path with a 3-4 record. Fans are tired of hearing “next man up” and seeing numerous players leave the roster.

But consider this.

Players that had eligibility remaining and could have contributed mightily left in droves.

Offense (9)

Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson (NFL), Terrace Marshall, Thaddeus Moss (NFL), LT Saahdiq Charles (NFL), center Lloyd Cushenberry (NFL), Donavaughn Campbell (was starting left tackle at LA Tech, now opted out), QB Peter Parrish (transfer) and RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (NFL).

Defense (12)

Marcel Brooks ( transfer), Tyler Shelvin, Apu Ika (transfer), K’Lavon Chaisson (NFL), Patrick Queen (NFL), Jacob Phillips (NFL), Grant Delpit (NFL), Kary Vincent (opt out), Nelson Jenkins (transfer), Travez Moore (transfer), Justin Thomas (transfer) and TK McLendon (transfer).

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not here to play the “what if” game. It’s clearly time to take stock of what you have and make the most of it. However, the attrition has really added up.

Last but not least, starting quarterback Myles Brennan was only available for three contests before injury cut his contributions short. That was unexpected.

LSU is facing a monumental task this weekend with No. 1 ranked Alabama coming to town. It’s not about to get any easier.

The offensive line, across the board, has been a major disappointment and has been nothing shy of atrocious. It has gotten so bad the last couple of weeks that opposing defensive linemen are almost arriving at the LSU QB simultaneously with the center snap.

The coaching staff may call for adjustment at the conclusion of the season. Orgeron will have to have a look over his inventory, the coaches and the players, to determine which ones have what is required to develop into a legit SEC winning ingredient moving forward.

What a player did prior to being recruited and signed is one thing. What has transpired since his arrival on campus is another story, sometimes. You cannot hatch a Fabergé egg, no matter how long you sit on it. There maybe a few more players who might be seeking a new residence for 2021.

Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Quite a few players young are getting significant and valuable reps at LSU this season. Some were not ready for prime time and were ticketed for a redshirt year or a support role at best. Others have flourished. Game reps will prove to be an asset in the long run. This is a a very young Tiger squad. All is not gloom and doom.

True freshmen like tight end Arik Gilbert, Kayshon Boutte and Koy Moore, along with sophomore Jaray Jenkins, would not have gotten the experience they are receiving if the players mentioned above would have returned.

Defensively, a few have seized the unplanned opportunities as well.

Junior college transfer Ali Gaye leads the Tigers with 7.5 tackles for loss and freshman defensive end B.J. Ojulari paces the team with four sacks whiles adding five tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries.

Freshman cornerback Elias Ricks has three interceptions while sophomore cornerback Jay Ward has made 13 tackles with five passes broken up and. Cordale Flott, another sophomore corner, has added 35 stops, 4.5 tackles for loss and four passes defended.

Overlooked defensive tackle Joseph Evans is viewed by coaches and teammates alike as one of the most valuable players on the entire roster. Don’t just look at his stats. He has lined up at both center and defensive tackle and is a key contributor.

Improvements are happening. Just a couple of weeks ago LSU fans were yelling for Bo Pelini’s scalp. The defense gave the Tigers a chance to beat Texas A&M last weekend. The offense didn’t carry their weight. The game was close enough where the game didn’t feel lost until T.J. Finley’s second interception was returned for a touchdown. If that play doesn’t happen and Kayshon Boutte’s first-half catch was ruled a touchdown instead of incomplete, LSU likely leaves Aggieland with a W over a top five foe.

Also crucial to putting this year’s struggles behind them, LSU’s recruiting push for 2021 is at an apex. Orgeron is going to be facing some tough decisions, even on the recruiting trail. There are a handful of top flight prospects who are strongly considering wearing Tiger stripes for the ’21 class. It will be Orgeron’s final call as to who stays and who goes. Stay tuned, early signing period is a couple of weeks away.