LSU loses key defensive lineman for rest of season

LSU defensive end Andre Anthony will miss the remainder of the season. Anthony is a sixth-year senior who was a key part of the Tigers’ defensive line. LSU head coach Ed Orgeron confirmed on Monday that Anthony will miss the rest of the year.

“Andre has a season ending injury,” Orgeron said to reporters. “But he will be with us this year. And whatever the next step is from there, we will find out. What an outstanding player. We absolutely love him. It’s sad news. It really is.”

Anthony recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown to give LSU a 14-0 lead over Central Michigan on Saturday before suffering the injury. He tweeted a message to LSU fans on Sunday.

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out, I really appreciate all the love and support,” he tweeted. “Please keep me in your prayers. It’s in Gods hands, praying and hoping for the best.”

Anthony led the way on strong LSU defensive front

LSU leads the country with 17 sacks, and Anthony has 3.5 of them. In addition to his 3.5 sacks, Anthony has eight tackles and four tackles for loss on the season to go along with his fumble recovery for the touchdown against Central Michigan.

Last season, Anthony had 24 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, and one pass defend in eight games for LSU. He played in nine games with two starts in 2019, and got three starts over 13 games in 2018. Anthony redshirted as a true freshman in 2016 and missed the 2017 season due to injury.

In brighter news for LSU, defensive end Ali Gaye is expected to return on Saturday along with safety Jay Ward. Orgeron said on Monday that Gaye, Mason Smith and BJ Ojulari will be part of a three man rotation at defensive end against Mississippi State. Ojulari was named the SEC’s Defensive Lineman of the Week for Week 3 after a 2.5 sack performance.