Truth or Myth: The LSU offensive line has turned itself around

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This was the biggest calling card for hiring Kelly, that he could develop offensive lines. LSU’s were a weakness under Ed Orgeron. Opening night against Florida State, it appeared that would understandably take time. The Seminoles sacked Daniels four times and created havoc.

So LSU made changes. It moved sophomore Garrett Dellinger to guard and Charles Turner to center. And two weeks later — out of injury necessity — LSU plugged in true freshman Emery Jones at right tackle. That meant LSU was starting true freshmen at both tackle spots in Jones and five-star left tackle Will Campbell. And it’s worked.

LSU doesn’t have a lot of depth, but it has six linemen it can trust. The depth issues are why, when LSU played Tennessee without Campbell and Dellinger (one of its best linemen), it got dominated for just 55 yards on 28 carries and consistent pressure on Daniels. But with Campbell back, the line thrived for nearly 5 yards a carry against Florida. Daniels had all day in the pocket. And it was even better against Ole Miss, with LSU rushing for 252 yards while Daniels could do whatever he wanted. And those two games were still without Dellinger.

Eight weeks of data in, LSU ranks No. 8 nationally in pressure rate allowed, per Sports Info Solutions. It ranks No. 10 in opportunity rate (think of this as ability to gain yards an offense is expected to gain) and No. 3 in stuff rate, meaning LSU’s line hasn’t been blown up at the line often. And those numbers include the poor performances against Florida State and Tennessee.

Dellinger is expected to return from his knee injury and play against Alabama, giving LSU more depth in a rotation that includes Miles Frazier and Anthony Bradford. This group has gone from a weakness to arguably a strength.

Verdict: Strength

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