LSU Football: Ed Orgeron needs running backs to perform

Following the LSU Tigers second scrimmage on Saturday, Ed Orgeron was pleased with the performance of many players. However, running backs John Emery and Tyrion Davis-Price weren’t able to bask in the praise with their teammates.

After speaking highly of running backs like Josh Williams and Armani Goodwin, a vexed Orgeron pleaded for more consistency from Emery and Davis-Price. 

“We need these guys to come out and perform,” said Orgeron, via LSU Sports on YouTube. “These young running backs have been out there every day, Tyrion [Davis-Price] and John [Emery] have been off and on.

“Again, I believe in them. They’re great backs. But we need some consistency out of both of them. We haven’t got it, really, in camp.”

Evidently, Orgeron knows the duo became much more important to the Tigers offense following the injury to quarterback Myles Brennan. If Emery and Davis-Price can perform to the best of their abilities, the pressure will be lightened off of the shoulders of quarterback Max Johnson.

Prior to LSU’s opening game against UCLA, it’s evident that Orgeron will be hard on the running back duo to ensure they’re ready.

Ed Orgeron breaks down second LSU scrimmage and provides stats

Aside from his comments on his starting running backs, Orgeron seemed satisfied overall following Saturday’s scrimmage. He began his press conference encouraged by his team’s play.

“Excellent job by our team and coaching staff of getting the intensity up there,” said Orgeron. “It was a great day.

“A lot of enthusiasm on both sides of the football.”

Continuing, Orgeron went on to provide stats as well, starting with the offense and his quarterbacks.

“Garrett [Nussmeier] was 18 of 32 for 308 yards, one touchdown, one interception,” read Orgeron. “Max [Johnson] was 11 of 19 for 125 yards, one touchdown.”

Rushing the football, Josh Williams and Armoni Goodwin carried the load throughout the scrimmage. As the aforementioned  Emery and Davis-Price didn’t practice, there was no way to get a better look at the duo.

“Josh Williams had seven rushes, 66 yards. Armoni Goodwin had six rushes for 25 yards. Corey Kiner, five for 15. Those young backs look good.”

As for the wide receivers, Orgeron went out of his way to heap praise on Devonta Lee prior to listing the receiving corps’ stats.

“Devonta Lee, who I’ll say was having a good camp, had five receptions for 85 yards. Malik Nabers four receptions, Deion Smith three receptions. Brian Thomas, Jack Bech, all those guys had pretty good days.”

As you can see, it seems as if the LSU offense was clicking yesterday. Specifically, the performances of Nussmeier and Lee stick out as impressive.

Moving forward, it’s up to Emery and Davis-Price to no longer draw the ire of Ed Orgeron as the start of the season rolls around.