BYU football: Scouting the LSU Tigers
By Adam Gibby
Defense
Playing Style: 3-4 base, lots of mixed looks but almost always rush four, zone deep
Returning Starters: 6
Key players returning: DE Ed Alexander, DL Arden Key, DL Christain LaCouture, CB Donte Jackson
Key losses: CB Tre’Davious White, MLB Duke Riley, S Jamal Adams
What to expect in 2017: As good as the LSU offense will likely be, the defense will be even better. The LSU defense is likely going to finish as a top ten defense nationwide. Teams will probably not run the ball very well against the Tigers. The secondary is the biggest question for the Tigers. The loss of safety Jamal Adams could expose the secondary, but this does not make the secondary weak. Also, the Tigers may be without one of their best defensive players, DE Arden Key.
How BYU can find success: Tanner Mangum needs to throw the ball to the outside and accept short to intermediate yardage. The deep pass may be available a few times throughout the game and BYU football has to take advantage of that. I just don’t see the run game being successful against the Tigers outside of keeping them from dropping more linebackers into pass coverage. A trick play may also be a very good idea to try against the Tigers for a big play.
Prediction: BYU football is not going to have long drives against the LSU Tigers. A long pass or a missed tackle may lead to some huge plays for the Cougars, however an 18-play, 73-yard drive is just not something that the Cougars or any other team that faces the Tigers this year will be able to do successfully.