Three Observations From LSU's Spring Game
Brian Kelly and his LSU Tigers took the field for their annual Spring Game in Tiger Stadium as the program went through the motions on Saturday. Despite the showcase ending in a 32-32 tie, it gave fans a chance to get a better look into what this team has improved on this offseason.
There were questions surrounding LSU’s defense this offseason after reeling in several newcomers via the NCAA Transfer Portal and 2023 high school class. How would they look from a chemistry perspective? A few questions were answered.
Here are three observations from Saturday’s spring game in Death Valley:
Receiving Corps Shines
It all started with Kyren Lacy after a gorgeous one-handed reception over the middle that resulted in a touchdown on the first play during the scrimmage. Lacy showed off his vertical while pulling in a catch over his head on a “SportsCenter Top 10” type play.
Lacy ended the day with four receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown.
His partners in crime, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr, also held it down for this wide receiver unit. Nabers hauled in a touchdown reception in the back corner of the end zone during the “scripted red zone” portion of the spring game. The clearcut WR1 ended the day with three receptions for 35 yards.
For Thomas Jr, it’s expected he takes that next step this season. After making a statement in his second season with the program while putting on display his tremendous physicality, the time is now for the veteran to continue taking strides in the right direction. Thomas Jr. ended the day with three receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown of his own.
A dark horse who could quietly make some noise this season is second-year Tiger Landon Ibieta. It was a small sample size on Saturday, hauling in just one reception on one target, but he surely made the most of his chance. Ibieta took his reception 70 yards to the house, showcasing his tremendous speed when in open space.
It wasn’t the prettiest day for Chris Hilton Jr, but it’s clear this coaching staff is looking to utilize his services this season. He’s a true vertical threat, and despite only connecting on one short completion, he was targeted downfield several times and will be a weapon moving forward.
Jayden Daniels’ Veteran Presence, Garrett Nussmeier Taking Strides
Again, a small sample size of just 11 passes attempted, but Daniels looked calm under center for the Tigers. As he enters his second season with the program, there’s a different demeanor with the signal-caller and it was on full display on Saturday.
Daniels completed 10 of his 11 passes in the spring game for 168 yards and two touchdowns.
As for Nussmeier, he got his fair share of reps with the first-team offense and made the most of his chances. Despite only throwing eight total passes, he put on display his cannon of an arm on several throws. Ending the day with five completions for 139 yards and two touchdowns, Nussmeier held his own as expected.
Now, the rookie. Early-enrollee Rickie Collins has his work cut out for him over the next few months as he continues adjusting to the college game. There were expected struggles at times, throwing a pick-six on his first drive, but it’s clear the skill level he attains.
The Tigers’ signal-callers divided the snaps relatively equally with LSU allowing each to utilize their skill sets in a variety of ways.
Special Teams Remains a Concern
It wasn’t all rainbows on Saturday. There were a few hiccups along the way. Two of those hiccups came as a result of missed field goals by both kickers. Damian Ramos missed his first attempt as did Nathan Dibert. An area that needs improvement rather quickly heading into the fall, Coach Kelly reiterated that the starting kicker spot is wide open.
When it comes to the return game, we saw both Gregory Clayton and Kyle Parker handle return duties. On Parker’s first attempt, he bobbled the kick, but didn’t allow it to hit the ground, which is a positive sign, but continuing to adapt to the position will be key.
Aside from a few missed kicks and a hiccup on a punt return, the Tigers are handling business with new special teams coach John Jancek on the field. With a few speedy returners and Alabama transfer Aaron Anderson returning in the fall, there’s a chance this group hits their stride ahead of the season opener.
