Quick Takes: Brian Kelly on LSU's offense, defensive strides

LSU head coach Brian Kelly has the Tigers sitting at 5-2 overall and 4-1 in SEC play as the Tigers move past the midway point of the regular season.

LSU hosts Army this weekend in Tiger Stadium, then the Tigers have a bye week before November’s matchup with Alabama.

Kelly talked about the upcoming stretch, the record-setting LSU offense and more in Monday’s week press conference. Here are some quick hitters from his time at the podium.

*** On LSU’s 48-14 win over Auburn, Kelly called it a “complete effort”, which is something the Tigers have been seeking. He felt like the start by the defense was huge. “A couple three-and-outs set the tone for the game,” Kelly said. “I thought we were physical. The little things we are looking for progress, we see that.”

*** Kelly had high praise for quarterback Jayden Daniels for the season he’s put together, and he leads the nation in a number of quarterback stat categories while helping the Tigers sit atop the NCAA with the most total yards this season. Kelly even joked that Daniels was “human” after throwing an interception this past weekend, though he noted the blame doesn’t necessarily fall on Daniels for it. “He was expecting another route to be run in that situation and it didn’t happen,” Kelly said.

“Jayden Daniels has been amazing in what he’s doing. He lead the nation in total offense and offensive efficiency. I know 2019 is still a trendsetter because it led to a National Championship, and rightfully so. But you should not take this for granted. It’s pretty remarkable stuff.”

*** Kelly had high praise for LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, but also said one of his biggest strengths this season is leaning on the entire offensive staff for input. Kelly said Denbrock has made it a complete “staff effort”. As for the groove Denbrock is in as a play-caller, Kelly said it’s because his offensive coordinator’s philosophy is the right one. Put the ball in the hands of the best players on the team. “He’s in a groove as a play-caller because he knows how to get the ball to the best players,” Kelly said.

*** LSU starting right tackle Emery Jones left the game this past weekend with an ankle injury, though the sprained ankle is one that will simply require rest and rehab. Kelly said he confident Jones will be “back to full strength”, but don’t be surprised if the sophomore doesn’t play this weekend vs. Army. Kelly listed Jones as doubtful, which means the Tigers will turn to backup right tackle and former five-star Lance Heard in a starting spot. Kelly said the freshman impressed this past weekend after coming in cold off the bench.

*** Kelly isn’t ready to say the defense is where it needs to be, but he applauded the performance against Auburn and said they are starting to build on positives on that side of the ball. Kelly said the defensive staff feels they have “found the right players to put in the right spots”, and the defense is settling in.

*** Kelly was asked about LSU coach Frank Wilson’s deep running back room, which has been led by Logan Diggs as the transfer has run away with the bulk of the touches each games. That said, Kelly has been impressed with how guys like Josh Williams, John Emery and Noah Cain have handled their workloads, and he said they’ve delivered when called upon – including this past weekend in a 30-point win over Auburn.

“Williams had a couple touchdowns, Emery with some big plays, Cain comes in late and gets a big first down,” Kelly said. “Coach Wilson has his hands full there. He has a lot of guys who can play, and play at a high level. He has to find roles for them, and he’s done that.”

*** The coming weeks for LSU included a non-conference home matchup with Army and a bye week, then the Tigers get on the road for the final time in the regular season to face Alabama in Tuscaloosa. When it comes to the team’s focus, Kelly said he will approach this week with an even bigger emphasis on the present and not what’s ahead. “We need to focus on our development, our process, and on beating Army,” Kelly said. “This is a football team that can’t play with a dimmer. We are either on or we’re off.”

*** LSU continues to get flagged for “disconcerting signals”, which is a penalty for a defense mimicking the offenses snap count – often in the form of clapping. This past weekend, LSU was flagged for it, but it came on a play when a safety was trying to get the attention of a cornerback.

“If you are 12 yards deep communicating with a corner, I just don’t get it,” Kelly said. He added that he’s had lengthy discussions with the SEC league officials about the calls.

*** Beyond Emery Jones listed as doubftul, the injury report given by Kelly included a “doubtful” tag on defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo, while wide receiver Chris Hilton is listed as probable. Kelly said Wingo has been nursing a lower body injury this year.

“This gives us a chance to get him right going into the bye week and then the rest of the season,” Kelly said.

*** There was no update given on defensive back Duce Chestnut, who has not been with the team the past two weeks. “We are still processing that right now,” Kelly said, adding that he would provide an update publicly once he knows more.