LSU matchup versus USC creates new plot twist six weeks before kickoff

The news over the weekend that LSU has suspended cornerback Javien Toviano for off-field behavior is an important development relative to USC. The Trojans face LSU in Week 1 of the 2024 college football season. The stakes are high, and the details of the matchup are evolving now that LSU has had to suspend a player who was competing for a starting spot at corner.

LSU had a bad secondary last season. Toviano played in 13 games but started only three. The extent to which Toviano was a problem on the field for a struggling unit is not easy to pin down. Was he going to be a highly improved piece of a generally flawed unit, or was he part of the problem last season? That’s part of the mystery attached to his story.

LSU has some talented, promising freshmen in its secondary. LSU Tigers Wire has explored the topic of whether Brian Kelly will be able to play these freshmen early in the season. They might not be physically developed enough or scheme-ready in September to be starters. With Toviano out, Kelly might have to go to a freshman by necessity, not choice. We’re not sure if that’s the case, but if we presume that Toviano won’t be able to play against USC, LSU will face a difficult decision one way or the other: Play a veteran who performed poorly last season, or play a freshman who might have more upside but might not be entirely prepared to face USC’s receivers in Week 1.

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