The Midterm Grades: LSU Football Reaches Halfway Point Of 2023 Season

No. 22 LSU has reached the midway point of the 2023 season, and with a 4-2 record through six games, it’s time to hand out the midterm grades.

The offense has been unstoppable… The defense has been abysmal… There is life on special teams.

The Midterm Grades:

The Quarterbacks: A+

Jayden Daniels… There aren’t many words to describe what Daniels has done to this point in the season. He’s putting up Joe Burrow numbers through six games and answering all of the questions evaluators had about his game. From improving in his decision-making to thriving with the deep ball, Daniels is piecing together a Heisman season for the Tigers. He’s earned SEC Player of the Week three times already with season totals of:

1,969 yards through the air
19 touchdowns
72.9 completion percentage
2 interceptions
422 rushing yards
4 touchdowns

The Running Backs: A-

Logan Diggs… Diggs has emerged as LSU’s RB1 this season with the Notre Dame transfer unlocking the rushing attack for this program. When Brian Kelly pursued Diggs in the portal, it was assumed he’d take over starting back duties and he’s done just that. In five games this season, Diggs is up to 488 yards and four touchdowns on nearly five yards per carry. Efficient, solid season for Diggs so far.

Josh Williams… The emergence of Diggs has limited the production of veteran back Josh Williams. He’s only carried the ball 17 times this season for 155 yards and one touchdown, but his leadership rubs off on his teammates. Another impactful season for Williams, even if the box score doesn’t say so.

The Wide Receivers: A

Malik Nabers… It’s just another day at the office for Nabers every time he steps on the field. He’s been consistent, reliable and efficient for LSU through six games. 46 receptions for 771 yards and six touchdowns for Nabers on his way to another 1,000 yard season for the Tigers. He’s been phenomenal.

Brian Thomas Jr… The emergence of junior wideout Brian Thomas Jr. has been a game changer for the LSU offense. He’s unlocked this unit and allowed them to thrive when Nabers is double teamed. Through six games, Thomas leads the nation in receiving touchdowns with nine. He’s also on his way to a 1,000 yard season. Thomas has made himself some money this season.

The Tight Ends: B

Mason Taylor… Taylor hasn’t been relied on as much this season with the balanced offensive attack taking place. Daniels has fallen back on his receivers to carry the load through the air, but nonetheless, Taylor has produced. 17 receptions, 160 yards and a touchdown.

The Offensive Line: A

The LSU offense will only go as far as the offensive line allows them to. With Will Campbell, Garrett Dellinger, Charles Turner, Miles Frazier and Emery Jones returning, the Tigers brought back their starters and they have shined. This group is on pace to be in the running for one of the top o-line units in America.

The Defensive Line: C

Maason Smith has been underwhelming this season for the Tigers. After coming off of a torn ACL suffered in 2022, many expected the former five-star recruit to burst on to the scene in a big way, but it’s been a struggle. A sprained ankle during Fall Camp stunted his growth, but Smith’s Week 6 performance showed light at the end of the tunnel. We expect Smith to hit that next gear sooner rather than later as he continues getting healthy.

Mekhi Wingo… Bradyn Swinson… The pair of defensive linemen are emerging for LSU at the right time. Wingo came on the scene quickly this season, but his production has diminished over the last few weeks. For Swinson, the first-year Tiger is making an immediate impact. A strip sack in the win over Missouri woke the fanbase up as Swinson continues rising for this program.

The Linebackers: B-

Harold Perkins… Perkins’ usage through the first few weeks raised eyebrows. He wasn’t utilized in the right ways and it seemed as though he was virtually schemed out of games. Now, he’s getting back to freshman year form. A blocked field goal and interception against Missouri has Perkins trending.

Omar Speights… The Oregon State transfer has been underwhelming this season for the Tigers due to a lingering hip flexor injury. It hasn’t been the season Speights expected to have in Baton Rouge, but there’s time to get healthy and shake back.

Whit Weeks… Weeks has thrived for the Tigers this season when given opportunity. He’s started three games this year with Speights nursing injury and made the most of his chances when on the field. The true freshman has the chance to be a special piece to this defense for the foreseeable future.

Greg Penn III… Penn is the anchor of this LSU linebacker group. He’s the brains behind the mission and makes impactful plays routinely. The numbers have gone down this year, but despite the box score saying one thing, his impact has said another.

The Cornerbacks: F

The cornerbacks have struggled significantly through the first half of the season. Southeastern Louisiana transfer Zy Alexander burst on the scene during Fall Camp, but once game time rolled around, it became a challenge for the first-year Tiger. Blown coverage, poor tackling angles and more have plagued the Louisiana native.

Denver Harris… Duce Chestnut… Ashton Stamps… The Tigers have relied on first-year Tigers to step in and make an impact but the scheme just hasn’t gone accordingly this season. There’s no need to dive into the cornerback room. The numbers speak for themselves as we reach the midway point in the season and this defense will need more production sooner rather than later. Rome wasn’t built in a day and this group has time to recover, even if it’s a small increment.

The Safeties: D

The loss of Greg Brooks has taken a toll on the production of this unit. The ferocious gamer has been missed both on and off the field for the safeties.

Major Burns has been boom or bust through six games. Andre Sam has shown flashes but inconsistency has been his worst enemy. There have certainly been flashes from this group of improvement, but there remains work to be done.

Special Teams: B

Jay Bramblett… Bramblett hasn’t been used very much this season as a result of the Tigers’ offense looking virtually unstoppable, but when called upon, he’s answered. The punt to pin Missouri inside their 10-yard line was a game changing play and Bramblett has been reliable when needed this season.

Damian Ramos… 33/33 on extra points. 7/9 on FGA (77.8%). 2/2 from 40-49 yards. It’s been an efficient season for Ramos this season.