The LSU defense found a way without star cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. last week against Mississippi State, and it appears they'll have to do that again when Auburn comes to town.
When asked Thursday about Derek Stingley Jr's availability, Orgeron said "I don't think there's any way" he'll play after re-injuring his foot during practice ahead of the game with the Bulldogs. Stingley was on the sidelines in a boot for last week's game.
The defense played a picket-fence gameplan to perfection last week, but that's unlikely to be the approach this time around against an Auburn attack that features a much more effective running game. That will put the onus on Eli Ricks, Cordale Flott, Dwight McGlothern and Jay Ward to pick up the slack in the secondary.
Even if the Tigers dial up the pressure a week after relying on a 3-man front, it's likely the defense still looks to keep the play in front of them in similar ways whether Auburn is led by veteran Bo Nix or LSU transfer TJ Finley. That means it'll be on the Tigers to come up and make tackled in the open field, something they excelled at a week ago.
“One of the things we have improved on is our tackling," Orgeron said. "But we’re going to get tested this week."
Related
THE WIRE IS BACK
After weeks of making things work with backups along the offensive line, it appears the starting group will be back to full strength with the return of left tackle Cam Wire.
Wire returned to practice in a limited fashion a weed ago, but wasn't ready to play against Mississippi State. He's expected to be available this time around. Anthony Bradford and Garrett Dellinger have been the primary backups in his absence.
Related
