2018 Canes Football Preview: Week 1 vs LSU

quote:

---

LSU on Offense
The most talented QB on the roster might be the one who played for a certain Urban Meyer-led team last year. Graduate transfer Joe Burrow has some buzz around him and is expected to compete with sophomore Myles Brennan for the job. Burrow is a big-armed pro-style QB who might be the best option here even if he still needs to learn the LSU system. Brennan is a pro-style guy as well, has a howitzer for a right arm but is still figuring out how to be comfortable in the pocket and make consistently accurate throws.

---

quote:

---

LSU on Defense
This is where LSU is going to be tough to beat. Consistently known as a defensive team, the Tigers will be tough to throw and run on this year, even with pass-rush specialist Arden Key and corners Donte Jackson and Kevin Tolliver leaving for the pros.

Rashard Lawrence, Breiden Fehoko and Ed Alexander are strong interior presences along the D-line and should be expected to be tough to run on. Stand-up rusher K’Lavon Chaisson is the real x-factor up front, a four-star in 2017 who has the mix of speed and power to be a dynamic edge player in his first year as a full-time starter.

At Linebacker, Junior Devin White leads the way after an impressive 2017. White led the team in tackles last season and has the athleticism to be an asset in pass coverage. He still needs to improve though and could stand to be more patient against the run. The spot next to him is open, where sophomores Jacob Phillips and Tyler Taylor are expected to compete for it.

The best player on this LSU defense is, without question, Cornerback Andraez “Greedy” Williams. Living up to his name, Williams is a long, lithe corner with a nose for the ball. He was an All-American last year, grabbed six interceptions and should be expected to lock down the offense’s primary receiver.

---

quote:

---

The Game
LSU will have an entirely-new offense, from their coordinator down through QB, RB and WR. Suffice it to say, cohesion and comfort playing alongside each other may be a struggle in Week 1 against a stout and speedy Canes’ defense. Miami’s offense, meanwhile, has a lot of old faces although QB could be the biggest difference.

---

quote:

---

This is a game Miami has to, and should, win. They need to break the “streak of four” curse that has thus far plagued Richt. Starting the new season off with a big win over an LSU team that is in-flux is a must and should go a long way to propelling the Canes to a great season.

---