Brian Kelly wants physicality in running game

In 2022, LSU won the SEC West. This season, head coach Brian Kelly wants to take the Tigers back to the SEC Championship Game, looking to win it this time. To do that, LSU is going to need to be physical in the running game.

Kelly explained why having a physical running game is so important for the Tigers this season during SEC media days.

“So when we talk about a running game, what I’ve always wanted to do from an offensive structure is create physicality at the line of scrimmage,” Brian Kelly said. “So we want to be a physical — we do not want to be a finesse running team. We want physicality at the point of attack.”

Last season, LSU was 41st in the country in rushing offense, averaging 183.9 yards per game. As Kelly explained, being able to build on that and running physically will help the offense to remain balanced.

“When we’re talking about a running game — look, if you’re going to put eight guys on the line of scrimmage or nine guys on the line of scrimmage you’re going to limit our opportunities. We’re going to have to throw the ball really well, and in that particular game, we may not have a great running game. It doesn’t mean we can’t be physical at the point of attack and continue that physicality.”

One key addition for LSU this offseason was Logan Diggs, a transfer from Notre Dame. While with the Irish, Diggs rushed for 1,052 yards in two seasons. He also had seven touchdowns on the ground and had a massive Gator Bowl against South Carolina.

“When we talk about offensive structures that I like to build, it’s physicality up front, and I think we’re going to have that this year with returning veteran players, with our strength training and conditioning program into its second season. I like where we sit in that position.”

Brian Kelly on how LSU improved its secondary

One key for Brian Kelly this offseason has been to improve the LSU secondary. To do so, Kelly and the Tigers have been willing to dip their toes into the transfer portal.

“Again, I think when we talk about areas within your program that you’re coming, but you’re not there yet.” Brian Kelly said. “When you have to dip into the transfer portal — and this is just my perspective — but when you have to dip into the transfer portal and bring in that many guys on defense, that’s an area of concern, because you really don’t know what you have until you play against Florida State.”

Among the players LSU added were Denver Harris from Texas A&M and Darian Chestnut from Syracuse.

“There are going to be a number of new players back there. We do have some returning players that we’re excited about back there, [Greg] Brooks and [Major] Burns in particular are two veteran players that are going to help us a lot back there.”