SDS: LSU's next big thing

Miss St prolly already focusing gameplan around stopping him...

Clyde was last season's big matchup problem. I think Gilbert is this years. In fact, I wouldn't be shocked to see LSU go two TE a lot (Gilbert and Carter), only with Gilbert actually being more of a WR. That could force teams to stay out of nickle because they'd have to be worried about LSU running between the tackles, but then force a safety or LB to spread out wide with Gilbert.

Thats exactly how NE used Gronk and Hernandez. You have to respect their blocking ability, but at the same time its like you still have 3 WRs.

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Not sure if it'll be Carter, but definitely will be a part of every gameplan

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I think one of the most underrated aspects of Moss's game last year was his blocking in the run game. That's probably the weakest spot of Gilbert's game (as it is for most Freshman TE's). We know Carter can block and is more than willing to do so. Plus, he might be a little better receiver than people give him credit for. It got called back because he pushed off, but he made a great catch on a high throw from Burrow vs. Miss. St. last season.

IMO, simply because of the personnel LSU is going to be more run-oriented than they were last season. Brennan doesn't have the experience and (likely) pocket presence of Joe right now. The OL is still built more like maulers than great pass protectors. And most importantly, none of the RB's are Clyde who excelled at making guys miss in tight space. Guys like Curry and TDP are more "downhill" runners who are better when they can get a head of steam heading to the line.

With Carter at one TE defenses are going to have to respect the LSU run game and likely keep an extra LB on the field. Otherwise, LSU might just run it down their throats. But if that extra LB is on the field you can flex Gilbert out as a WR were he would be a matchup issue for whoever the defense decides to cover him with.

How can they focus a gameplan on stopping him? They have no clue how LSU will truly use him? I guarantee they will utilize him in more ways than any TE in the last 4 years (O's tenure).

I can see every team planning to make sure they don’t let arik beat them. But if you double him then what? Leave Marshall, Racey, Boutte or Palmer in one on one battles? All I can say is that yes, this offense will have some things to grow on, but they will be so damn dangerous at any given time.

Remember I said in January he was already better than moss and I got crushed on here

Leach gonna mix up his defenses for the Tigers...not intentionally, of course.

More like a Travis Kelce, but whatevs.....

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I can see every team planning to make sure they don’t let arik beat them

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Take a page from Belichick. Put a brute of a safety, like Jacoby Stevens, nose to nose with him, and brutalize him when he comes off the line. Punch, kick, spit on him, and hold him. Make the refs call you on it, and see if the kid has toughness. Jimmy Graham didn’t.