Three things LSU football’s offense needs to prove vs. Southeastern in Week 4

LSU’s offense has something to prove when it faces Southeastern Louisiana this weekend. A few things, actually.

The Tigers are 3-0, but a stellar defense is doing the heavy lifting. Meanwhile, the offense is yet to find a consistent identity. LSU’s 20.0 points per game rank dead last in the SEC. The Tigers’ 3.7 yards per carry and 5.3 yards per play both rank second-to-last. LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier entered the year with Heisman hype, but has only three touchdowns while tossing two picks.

Advertisement

LSU has faced Clemson and Florida, both tough defenses. But even when LSU played Louisiana Tech, the Tigers struggled to move the ball and finish drives. LSU needs to get it rolling vs. Southeastern, an FCS program nowhere near the talent level of LSU.

This is a tune-up game. LSU has one week to figure it out before SEC play ramps up next week. Here are three things LSU’s offense needs to prove vs. Southeastern.

1. Establish the run

It can’t be said enough and I know it’s cliché, but LSU needs to establish the run. The run game haunted LSU in 2024 and it’s carried into 2025. LSU has too much talent on the offensive line and running back to have one of the SEC’s least effective rushing attacks.

Advertisement

Last year, LSU struggled to run the ball vs. USC in Week 1 and still couldn’t get it going vs. FCS Nicholls in Week 2. That was a sign of things to come. If LSU can’t run the ball vs. an FCS defense this weekend, it’s fair to wonder if LSU will figure it out at all.

Center Braelin Moore should be healthier now, and after three games, the offensive line should start to gel. This is a group with five new starters and it takes time to get used to playing together.

Keep an eye on LSU tackles Tyree Adams and Weston Davis. If LSU continues to feature outside zone, LSU needs the tackles to step up in the run game. Adams has shown signs of progress, but Davis has really struggled. This is a chance for both players to get right.

2. Create big plays with Barion Brown and Chris Hilton Jr.

LSU promised an upgraded downfield passing attack in 2025, but so far, we’ve yet to see the added element of explosiveness. LSU has just seven passing plays of 20+ yards.

Advertisement

There was talk of a true breakout year for Chris Hilton in the offseason thanks to his speed on the outside, but he’s been a non-factor, catching just one pass on three targets. Kentucky transfer Barion Brown is producing, but LSU needs more than 9.7 yards per catch from the big play threat.

Southeastern doesn’t have the corners to run with Brown and Hilton. This is a great chance for LSU to find a rhythm in the passing game. Nussmeier is getting comfortable again after a torso injury bothered him the first three weeks and now the experience of Nussmeier, Brown and Hilton should start to show.

3. LSU needs to finish drives

LSU averages 2.6 points per scoring opportunity. That ranks 123rd nationally. Not great.

Advertisement

LSU kicker Damian Ramos has emerged as one of the best legs in the SEC — he’s made four field goals from 40+ yards, which is tied for the most in the SEC. It’s nice to have a trusted kicker, but LSU needs to convert red zone trips into touchdowns.

This was another issue that plagued LSU in 2024 that’s yet to be fixed in 2025. LSU’s red zone struggles are directly related to the inability to run the ball. When the field condenses and defenses don’t have to worry about LSU’s receivers running down the field, power football becomes critical. LSU needs to get four yards a chunk when it gets closer to the end zone.

If you’re a bad redzone offense, the easiest solution is to score from 50 yards out. But LSU can’t do that right now, either.

I don’t expect LSU to whip out any redzone tricks vs. an FCS defense, but LSU’s bread and butter plays should do the trick. At least we hope.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Three things LSU football’s offense needs to prove in Week 4 game