Stock Up, Stock Down: LSU wins first game of the season against Nicholls

Let me say this upfront, this team has some issues. I have no idea what the Tigers coaching staff needs to do to fix those issues either. Just like last year’s team, this team can not run the football. LSU has two of the top offensive tackles in the country and some solid starting linemen but can’t provide the push it needs to run the ball.

It’s not like LSU was taking on an SEC opponent or USC again, this is Nicholls State. If there is a team you would think you can impose your will on, it would be these guys. Yet the Tigers were only able to run the ball 21 times for 64 yards. Three yards per carry against a non-Division I team is atrocious. Sure, Garrett Nussmeier and the LSU passing game are good, but they need the run game to help open up the passing game.

Let’s look at who saw their stock rise and who saw their stock fall in this game.

Stock Down: The Run Game

LSU has to find a way to run the football. This was a huge problem in 2023 but Jayden Daniels was able to pick up a lot of that slack. The Tigers need to run the ball with their actual running backs instead of their quarterbacks.

Stock Up: Kyren Lacy

For the second week in a row, Kyren Lacy had a great game. He finished the night with five receptions for 65 yards and three touchdowns.

Stock Up: Greg Penn III

Greg Penn III was all over the field for the Tigers’ defense. He finished the night with the most tackles on the team as he had nine tackles.

Stock Up: Garrett Nussmeier

Another great night for Nussmeier as he was nearly perfect. He finished the game after going 27-for-37 for 302 yards and six touchdowns. He definitely did not get “outplayed” this week.

Stock Down: Injuries

The last thing this team needs is to have a lot of injuries. Jacobian Guillory left the game with an injury and did not return. He was later seen in a wheelchair with a cast on his leg. Nussmeier and Lacy also exited the game with injuries for moments as well. LSU needs to stay healthy.

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