The Not Top 10: Where LSU’s running game ranks

In the day and age of throwing the ball all over the field, the running game has taken a backseat in some offenses. There are still teams that build their offense around running the football.

LSU was one of those teams over the last two decades that could fall out of bed in the morning and get 200 yards per game. The team hasn’t been close to 200 yards in a single game in a couple of seasons. It has been a struggle this year, no run game is hurting this offense. Looking back at the Auburn game, the offense threw for 235 yards in the first half. With zero run game, they threw for just 90 yards in the second half.

Breaking down the rushing offense with their SEC and national rankings.

SEC Ranking in parentheses

Looking at how the running backs have performed this season, there is absolutely no reason why Kiner should get nine carries in two SEC games. He forces more tackles than the starter, with more rushes of 10+ yards. Against Auburn, Kiner was the only running back to force a missed tackle or get a run of 10+ yards. He is your best option if you want to see any success in the run game.

Against Mississippi State, Ty Davis-Price had his best game of the year. The issue is that he hasn’t shown any consistency for two years. A lot of the lack of run success falls on the inability of the offensive line to sustain blocks and provide holes for the backs. If that isn’t going to change, putting Kiner in more to run the ball might help to hopefully get the run game on track.

Looking at the upcoming opponents, running won’t be easy.

Upcoming rush defenses

Here is how the upcoming rush defenses look for LSU with their SEC ranking