Ed Orgeron announces pair of impact defenders set to return

The LSU defense will have a pair of key defenders back this weekend against Mississippi State. Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron announced in his Monday press conference that defensive end Ali Gaye and safety Jay Ward are expected to play Saturday.

LSU was without both players this past weekend for its game against Central Michigan. With Gaye set to make his return, Orgeron said LSU will use a three-man rotation at defensive end with Gaye, Mason Smith and BJ Ojulari, which will make for a ferocious pass rush for offensive lines to handle.

Ward is expected to play as well, depending how his week of practice goes. Orgeron admitted the Tigers defense will need him to handle Mississippi State’s Air Raid passing attack.

A 6-foot-6, 250-pound senior, Gaye was a second-team All-SEC selection last season. He made four tackles in LSU’s loss to UCLA, but he missed the following two games with an undisclosed injury.

Similar to Gaye, Ward also played in the season opener against the Bruins and finished with two tackles. With an undisclosed injury, he will make his return Saturday.

While the Tigers got off to a tough start with a loss against UCLA, the wins over McNeese State and Central Michigan were a confidence booster. And with two key defenders returning, they are ready to begin their rigorous SEC schedule.

LSU loses key defensive lineman for rest of season

Defensive end Andre Anthony will miss the remainder of the season for the LSU Tigers. Anthony is a sixth-year senior who was a key part of LSU’s defense. 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.”