DEFENSIVE LINE
Arguably the shining point of the LSU football defense, the starting line of Rashard Lawrence, Brendan Fehoko, and Glen Logan controlled Miami’s OL all game. Miami’s gameplan seemed to be reading LSU’s defensive ends, and both Lawrence and Logan showed great athleticism to combat this. Miami’s offensive line never got consistent push on LSU’s line, and it showed in Miami’s offensive adjustments.
DL MVP: Rashard Lawrence
LINEBACKERS
With high highs and low lows, the linebackers of the LSU football team were really inconsistent Sunday.
Both Devin White and Jacob Phillips made excellent plays in the open field and showcased their athleticism. This LB corps for this LSU football team will have no lack of speed. However, their speed played against them at times. White, Phillips, and Patrick Queen all had plays where they shot through the A gap only to be side-stepped by Rozier or a Miami running back. Tackling on this LSU football team as a whole needs a little work, and the linebackers were not immune. Jacob Phillips did make an excellent mid-air adjustment to reach down and secure an interception that he returned for a touchdown.
Chaisson and the rest of the OLBs were relatively quiet throughout the night. Chaisson showcased his excellent speed, but needs to master cornering around the offensive tackle if he ever wants to reach that LSU sack record. He’s got the athleticism to be special, but needs to learn how to finish plays.
LB MVP: Jacob Phillips
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Another strength coming into the 2018 season, LSU’s defensive backs got tested Sunday. Jeff Thomas for Miami is the real deal, and LSU struggled to account for him most of the night.
Greedy Williams wasn’t targeted often on the night, but did contest a throw along the sideline. The corner spot opposite Greedy was the real focus of Miami. Richt knew the only way they’d beat LSU would be on shots down the field against LSU’s inexperienced corners. Rotating through Alexander, Fulton, and Joseph, LSU was able to stay in phase through most of the route, but struggled to find receivers and the ball at the catch point. It’s easy to see that will be a focus in practice in the coming weeks.
The safeties, on the other hand, will definitely be relied upon this year. John Battle played well, and topped off his night with an interception on an errant throw by Rozier that was forced by Grant Delpit. In the dynamic safety role often highlighted by LSU, Delpit is a star in the making. He’s got the athleticism to make plays sideline to sideline, the coverage ability to hang with many receivers, and the chops to come down and make plays in the box when needed. Delpit has all the makings of the next great LSU DB.
DB MVP: Grant Delpit