"I don’t want anymore"
That’s a four-word sentence to you and me but to LSU players that sentence is like a lyric from Baton Rouge born rapper Boosie Badazz.
LSU players knew early on in their 45-20 upset of #7 Ole Miss that the Rebels didn’t want any more of what the Tigers were dishing out on both sides of the football. Brian Kelly's Tigers opened up a big ole' can of whoop azz to give their coach his first victory in Death Valley against a top ten opponent.
The group of players who felt LSU’s dominance the most were the ones in the trenches. Prior to the season, the Tigers defensive line received all the praise and were considered to be the biggest strength of the 2022 team. The LSU d-line is living up to its lofty expectations. They held one of the nation's best running games to a total of 117 yards. Most of those yards coming in first half. By the middle of the second quarter the Ole Miss offense didn’t want any more. LSU linebacker Micah Baskerville and his teammates knew it.
LSU’s offensive line could feel the same vibes coming from the Rebel defense. The Ole Miss defensive front didn’t want anymore either. It was visible to anyone paying attention. The Rebels lineman were leaning over with their hands on their hips as the Tiger offense turned the tables on Ole Miss with their own up tempo and physical style of play. LSU freshman left tackle Will Campbell attributes the ability to be physical and dominate for four quarters to the conditioning program and the players buying into the process preached by Coach Kelly and his position Coach Brad Davis.
The offensive line is improving each week. We see it in the passing and rushing stats the last two games. It’s also apparent in the teams ability to close out games on the ground. Against Ole Miss, the Tigers drained the last five minutes of the fourth quarter in the 45-20 upset. LSU outscored the Rebels 45-3 over the last three quarters with a balanced attack. What was considered maybe the weakest position group on the team prior to the season is fast becoming one of its strengths. Even with having seven different combinations of starters over eight games. The Ole Miss game was the first time this season the offensive line had the same starters in back to back games. The communication and chemistry being displayed in-game is a testament to the philosophy and process of offensive line Coach Brad Davis. Coach Davis’s work is not going unnoticed as the Tigers are now 6-2 overall and 4-1 in the SEC west and tied for first place with #6 Alabama. LSU will bring in a newly minted Top 25 ranking of #15 into the game.