LSU football report card: Midseason grades

Dec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers guard Vadal Alexander (74) takes the field prior to the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Music City Bowl at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line: A-

It is easy to look at the dominance of the LSU football team’s rushing attack and point to the Tigers’ Heisman hopeful at running back.

It is difficult not to. Leonard Fournette is undoubtedly the best running back in the country. His stat line proves it.

But significant credit is also due to the offensive line, the unsung heroes of LSU’s undefeated start to the 2015 season.

Sure, there are times when Fournette or Derrius Guice make defenders look foolish. But more often than not, they are provided with running lanes that most Division 1 football players could consistently pick up five-yard gains with.

In addition to their superb run blocking, the offensive line has provided Brandon Harris ample time to make plays in the pocket.

The only thing holding the unit back has been penalty issues early in the season, but these problems appear to have been fixed for the most part in recent weeks.

DeSean Smith and Colin Jeter have stepped up at tight end with senior Dillon Gordon missing the majority of the season with an Achilles injury. Gordon is expected to miss the rest of the season after aggravating his injury against Florida last week, something that will place even more pressure on Jeter and Smith to perform.

Neither player possesses the run blocking prowess of Gordon, but this has yet to hinder the Tigers’ lethal rushing attack.

Next: Defensive Line