Spring Game Reveals Brian Kelly’s LSU Tigers Struggling with Major Issues on Offense and Defense

When Brian Kelly took the helm at LSU, expectations were sky-high. The LSU Tigers, a program known for its storied history of college football success, were looking for stability, consistency, and a return to championship-caliber play. However, the recent spring game exposed several fundamental flaws within both the offense and defense that continue to haunt the Tigers. While Kelly has certainly brought a disciplined approach to Baton Rouge, there is no denying the significant work still needed to compete at the highest level.

Offense: Uncertainty at Quarterback and Lack of Cohesion

At the center of LSU’s offensive struggles is the ongoing uncertainty at quarterback. The spring game highlighted a lack of consistency and precision from both the returning quarterbacks and the incoming freshmen, further exacerbating concerns about the Tigers’ ability to execute at a high level. The quarterback position has been a revolving door in recent seasons for LSU, and it appears that this year is no different.

Quarterback Play: Inconsistent and Unpredictable

The most glaring issue that emerged during the spring game was the erratic play at quarterback. The Tigers fielded several quarterbacks, including incumbent Jayden Daniels and promising backup Garrett Nussmeier. Neither player distinguished themselves as the clear frontrunner for the starting position.

Daniels, a transfer from Arizona State, showed flashes of his dual-threat ability but struggled to maintain rhythm in the passing game. His decision-making appeared hesitant, and his accuracy was inconsistent, especially on deeper routes. Though his ability to scramble and extend plays with his legs is a valuable asset, the lack of precision as a passer could hold the offense back against more formidable defenses.

On the other hand, Nussmeier displayed a stronger arm and a more aggressive style but also seemed prone to making poor decisions under pressure. His deep ball was often overthrown or misdirected, and his attempts to fit the ball into tight windows were frequently intercepted or knocked away by defenders. While Nussmeier’s raw talent is undeniable, it seems that he still needs time to develop a more refined understanding of Kelly’s offense.

Additionally, both quarterbacks struggled to develop chemistry with the wide receivers. The passing game never seemed to click, as timing routes were consistently off, and receivers were often forced to adjust to poorly thrown balls. This lack of cohesion is a concerning issue, especially considering the Tigers’ aspirations of becoming an elite offensive unit.

Offensive Line: Missed Assignments and Inconsistent Protection

Another significant issue that became apparent during the spring game was the offensive line’s inability to provide consistent protection. Despite having some talented individuals on the line, including senior left tackle Will Campbell, the unit as a whole struggled to establish a strong, cohesive front. The defensive front frequently overpowered LSU’s blockers, forcing the quarterbacks to scramble or take sacks.

The offensive line showed serious lapses in communication, with missed assignments and breakdowns in pass protection. In particular, the right side of the line appeared to be a weak point, as defenders were able to penetrate the pocket with ease. These issues were exacerbated by LSU’s inability to establish a strong running game, which further limited the offense’s ability to move the ball effectively.

Running backs such as Josh Williams and Noah Cain showed promise, but they were unable to find much room to work due to the porous offensive line. As a result, the Tigers’ offensive scheme appeared predictable and one-dimensional, unable to establish balance or sustain long drives. Without solid offensive line play, LSU’s offense will continue to struggle in 2025, regardless of who is under center.

Wide Receiver Play: Lack of Separation and Execution

Despite a wealth of talent at the wide receiver position, LSU’s pass-catchers were not able to create consistent separation during the spring game. The Tigers boast players like Malik Nabers, Kayshon Boutte, and Jack Bech, who are capable of making big plays, but there was a distinct lack of explosive moments in the passing attack.

Several times, receivers appeared to be well-covered, with defenders sticking tight to their assignments. The lack of separation was a significant problem for both Daniels and Nussmeier, who struggled to find open targets downfield. The receivers also failed to track the ball effectively, leading to several miscommunications and incomplete passes.

Part of the issue may stem from LSU’s offensive scheme, which has undergone changes under Kelly’s leadership. While Kelly is known for his meticulous approach, the offense still lacks the fluidity and tempo necessary to take advantage of mismatches. The wide receivers, despite their individual talent, need to improve their route running and focus on creating space, especially against top-tier cornerbacks.

Defense: Missed Tackles and Poor Coverage

Defensively, LSU has always prided itself on being one of the toughest and most aggressive teams in the country. However, the spring game revealed significant issues in both the secondary and linebacker corps that must be addressed before the start of the 2025 season.

Defensive Line: Pressure but Inconsistent Play

On the defensive line, LSU showcased its ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, but the results were inconsistent. The Tigers’ defensive front was able to create disruption at times, but there were also moments when opposing blockers were able to neutralize LSU’s pass rush. The defensive line’s inability to apply constant pressure on the quarterback led to long drives and extended possessions for the offense.

While defensive ends like Ali Gaye and BJ Ojulari are capable of being game-changers, they must become more consistent in their ability to collapse the pocket and close out plays. A lack of depth along the defensive line also made it difficult for LSU to sustain its pass rush, and the Tigers’ defensive front was often neutralized by a lack of execution in crucial moments.

Linebackers: Coverage and Tackling Issues

One of the most concerning aspects of LSU’s spring game performance was the play of the linebackers. The unit was consistently out of position, often failing to read plays quickly enough to make an impact. In pass coverage, the linebackers were often caught flat-footed, unable to react to quick throws over the middle or screen passes.

In addition to poor coverage, LSU’s linebackers also struggled with fundamental tackling. There were numerous instances where Tigers defenders failed to wrap up the ball carrier, allowing for extra yards after contact. This inability to execute basic tackling techniques led to multiple missed opportunities to stop the offense behind the line of scrimmage.

These issues are concerning, especially when considering that LSU will face some of the most explosive offenses in the SEC, where missed tackles and blown coverages will be punished. The linebacker corps needs to become more disciplined in both its coverage assignments and tackling techniques if LSU is to succeed defensively in 2025.

Secondary: Communication Breakdowns and Big Plays Allowed

The LSU secondary, a unit that has historically been a strength of the Tigers, also showed cracks during the spring game. Despite having talent at cornerback, including junior Kary Vincent Jr. and sophomore Derek Stingley Jr., LSU’s secondary allowed multiple big plays, particularly in the passing game.

The most glaring issue was the communication breakdowns between the cornerbacks and safeties. On several occasions, LSU defenders appeared to be out of sync, leaving receivers wide open or allowing them to gain significant yardage after the catch. These lapses in coverage were especially problematic in situations requiring discipline and awareness, such as in third-down scenarios or deep passes down the sideline.

The secondary’s inability to close down passing lanes and execute coverage assignments could prove costly in the upcoming season. LSU’s defensive backs will need to develop better communication and chemistry to prevent long gains and ensure that the defense can maintain a high level of performance against the pass-heavy offenses they will face in the SEC.

Special Teams: Inconsistent Kicking and Coverage Issues

Though not the focal point of the spring game, LSU’s special teams also revealed issues that need to be addressed before the season opener. The kicking game, in particular, was inconsistent, with missed field goals and poor kickoffs that failed to reach the end zone. The return game was similarly unremarkable, with few opportunities to break through due to poor blocking and a lack of explosiveness.

While special teams often play a secondary role in overall team performance, the Tigers cannot afford to overlook this phase of the game, especially when facing tough competition in the SEC.

 A Work in Progress

As Brian Kelly continues to build his program at LSU, the spring game was a sobering reminder that there is still much work to be done. The issues on offense and defense, including inconsistency at quarterback, struggles along the offensive line, and communication breakdowns in the secondary, highlight the challenges facing the Tigers heading into the 2025 season.

Despite the talent that exists within the program, LSU must address these fundamental flaws if it hopes to compete for championships in the near future. Kelly’s disciplined approach and emphasis on development will be crucial in transforming these areas of weakness into strengths. However, the road to success will be a long one, and LSU must show significant improvement if it wants to restore itself to its former glory.

For now, LSU fans can only hope that the spring game was a wake-up call for the coaching staff and that the necessary adjustments are made before the start of the regular season. If not, the Tigers could be facing another disappointing year, one in which their lofty aspirations fall far short of reality.