LSU’s defense has been really good so far.
Its offense has not.
But the No. 3 Tigers (3-0) figure to have a chance to sharpen both when they play FCS opponent Southeastern Louisiana (2-1) on Saturday night in Baton Rouge, La.
LSU is tied for 11th in the country in scoring defense (9.0 points per game) and 25th in total defense (260.3 yards per game), but ranks just 94th in total offense (345.7 ypg) and tied for 107th in scoring offense (20.0 ppg).
Head coach Brian Kelly said the disparity isn’t necessarily by design, but it is a demonstration that he is much more comfortable leaning on his defense than he was last season.
“This year, I’m playing it a little bit differently based upon the strength of our defense,” he said. “Last year we needed to score more points. Now, as we move forward, we’re going to need to do both.”
The most points the Tigers have scored in a game this season came two weeks ago in a 23-7 victory against Louisiana Tech, which opened the season by beating Southeastern Louisiana 24-0.
Kelly revealed this week that quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, generally considered a primary candidate to win the Heisman Trophy, has been limited in practice because of a “torso” injury sustained in preseason camp.
“He’s fighting through it and he’s getting better,” Kelly said. “He’s not going to be able to really shut it down until we get to the bye week (in two weeks).”
The rushing offense ranks 116th in the country and LSU has just two rushing touchdowns.
“We’ve got to be better in terms of technique,” Kelly said. “This is a big week for us in terms of developing the technique and the experience that we have and still being consistent with running the football.
“We’re developing what our identity should look like from an offensive standpoint. Trust me, that offense is going to have to score a ton of points at some time during the year, and we’re going to have to turn that loose because our defense might just not play as well as they have been playing.”
Dashawn Spears had two of the Tigers’ five interceptions and returned one 58 yards for a touchdown in a 20-10 victory over visiting Florida in the SEC opener last Saturday.
The Lions have won their last two games — beating Murray State 45-24 on the road and routing Mississippi Valley State 56-3 last week at home.
But they know once they’re done with their 50-mile bus ride to Baton Rouge, they’ll be facing a much different caliber of opponent than they are used to.
“We’re doing it for the money; I know that,” Southeastern Louisiana coach Frank Scelfo said. “But at the same time the chance for our guys to be in that setting is good.”
Scelfo said his team’s focus even after they were comfortably ahead last week was what “pleased me more than anything else.” That trait might come in handy Saturday.
“You’ve got to be who you are all the time, whether you’re way ahead or you’re way behind,” he said.
