Brian Kelly reveals “the real difference” for LSU Tigers offensively in their massive win over Clemson Tigers in Week 1
LSU Tigers finally find their feet in more ways than one offensively against Clemson
The LSU Tigers struggled in 2024 finding offensive balance and consistency in games against their toughest opponents. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier put up some gaudy passing counting stats last season with over 4000 yards and 29 touchdowns, but often his totals were inflated out of necessity rather than game control or dominance.
Brian Kelly made it known throughout last season that LSU just simply had to find more rhythm and consistency in the run game, but the team never truly figured it out (outside of the South Alabama game). Against Clemson, LSU still didn’t put up crazy rushing stats in their 17-10 victory in Week 1, but according to Kelly their rushing attack was the real difference that helped them get the job done against Dabo Swinney and company.
LSU Tigers’ run game was the real difference in win against Clemson according to Brian Kelly
The 2024 LSU Tigers finished the season ranked abysmally across the board in the running game. 87th in EPA per rush. 88th in rush success rate. 102nd in yards per carry. The run game was horrific.
Yes, Caden Durham found ways to be impressive overall for a true freshman, but the run game as a whole often stalled, and Garrett Nussmeier was never a rushing threat (-38 yards on the year).
Against Clemson it was a completely different story on Saturday. Yes, Nussmeier still impressed as he always does as a passer, but the balance created with the LSU Tigers’ run game kept drives on schedule and the defense off the field.
Garrett Nussmeier himself posted three rushing first downs in the game. The creativity in rushing calls to Zavion Thomas averaged almost nine yards per carry. Then of course running back Caden Durham was even more impressive than usual, forcing 58 of his 74 yards after contact, showcasing improved strength and contact balance in year two. Coach Kelly spoke highly on the run game as “the real difference” following the victory:
“Again, I think we all knew what we needed to be better at from last year. That was a running game that allowed Garrett [Nussmeier] the opportunity to be a complete player. He couldn’t just be a one-trick pony, throw the ball all over the yard. We had to control it. When you play really good teams you have to control the game in some instances. I thought tactically we did a great job calling the plays, sticking with runs, creative runs, different runs. I can’t remember the last time Garrett [Nussmeier] ran for two first downs on quarterback sneaks. Things like that. I know that sounds small, but the real difference here was the ability to carve a run game.”
LSU was able to dominate time of possession in the second half thanks to their run game, but they really controlled things from the start of the game thanks to Caden Durham too (as you can see below on his huge carry early in the first quarter).
If Garrett Nussmeier continues to show poise, making improvements against pressure, executing the right reads, and dropping dimes deep into opposing secondaries that will of course help LSU find themselves in good spots offensively all year long. If the Tigers can also find offensive balance and success in the run game–from their RBs, WRs, and Nussmeier himself too–then the Tigers could seriously make a push deep into the College Football Playoff this season.
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