LSU Spring Game: What to take away from each side of the ball

LSU officially finished up spring practice today, with the annual LSU Spring Game taking place inside Tiger Stadium. It was the fanbase’s first opportunity to see the new staff and many new players in person and in a game setting, creating an exciting atmosphere. There were plenty of interesting things to highlight in this game, as LSU now shifts its focus to the summer and preparing for fall camp in August.

Offense

***The biggest question throughout the spring was about the quarterback competition and who would start to emerge as the starter. That seems even less clear now than before as what initially felt like a two-man race feels a lot more open with Garrett Nussmeier’s play throughout the spring. Coming into the spring Myles Brennan and Jayden Daniels were the two names most in the mix for the job after Daniels transferred in from Arizona State. In the later part of the spring though, Nussmeier started emerge as another possible option in that role. He looked the best out of the three in the LSU Spring Game, making multiple big throws and finishing with the best stat line of the day throwing for 136 yards and a touchdown. This will without a doubt make for an exciting position battle going into the fall.

***The running backs looked good as well, highlighted by Tre’ Bradford and Armoni Goodwin’s explosiveness. Bradford finished the day with nine carries for 86 yards and Goodwin added 71 yards on nine carries. Goodwin’s speed and explosiveness was on full display, something that many fans were looking for out of him going into the offseason. John Emery Jr. only had four carries as he played through injury, adding 24 yards.

***The wide receiver room impressed as expected, led by Jack Bech who finished with six catches for 56 yards and two touchdowns. Malik Nabers, Kyren Lacy and Brian Thomas Jr. all made some impressive plays as well, showing the depth of the wide receiver room. Thomas made arguably the most impressive play of the day, snagging an impressive contested catch over Mekhi Garner near the goal line.

***The first team offensive line to start the LSU Spring Game was (left to right) Will Campbell, Tre’Mond Shorts, Charles Turner, Miles Frazier and Cam Wire.

Defense

***The defensive line put its ability to disrupt the quarterback on full display today. Maason Smith recorded two sacks on the first drive alone and once again proved that he can be an elite pass rusher this upcoming season. Jaquelin Roy also looked impressive on the inside after having an impressive season last year. The depth was also impressive to see as this unit continues to look like one that will be able to challenge even the best of offensive lines in the SEC.

***The tackling was improved today which was good sign after the struggles in that area at last Saturday’s open practice. The safeties and linebackers both looked improved, answering some questions about the back end of the defense. Greg Penn III was impressive at the linebacker spot, living up to some of the hype that multiple coaches and players have created for him.

***The secondary was thin, but still held its own for much of the game, especially early on. The defense was kept simple with Brian Kelly confirming after the LSU Spring Game that only one coverage was used, which allowed for the offense to make adjustments and start wearing the secondary down in the second half.