LSU fans have been waiting for the Tiger running game to get going in 2025. Brian Kelly has preached the importance of complimentary football, but it hasn't materialized for LSU yet this season. Poor offensive line play and the lack of an effective running game has handcuffed Garrett Nussmeier and LSU's passing attack, which has had its own struggles as well.
But the Tiger running game finally came to life on Saturday night against South Carolina. It was a sight for sore eyes for LSU fans, who watched the Tigers amass a season-high 166 yards and 5.5 yards per carry on the ground against the Gamecocks. LSU's first great rushing game of the season propelled the Tigers to a 20-10 victory over Shane Beamer's Gamecocks.
LSU running game comes alive against South Carolina
South Carolina's rushing defense entered Week 7 ranked 11th in the SEC by allowing 143.2 rushing yards per game to its opponents. Despite LSU's struggles, the matchup presented the Tigers with a perfect opportunity to get back on track. Several players had solid nights on the ground, led by Caden Durham who made his return to the field after missing the Ole Miss game with an ankle injury. Durham paced the Tigers with 70 rushing yards on 15 carries, and is now up to 213 yards and two touchdowns on 52 rushing attempts this season.
Ju'Juan Johnson provided a big boost to the LSU run game, as he racked up 66 yards on just five carries. The majority of his yards came on an explosive 56-yard run late in the 3rd quarter. The run put LSU at the South Carolina 11-yard line, but unfortunately the drive resulted in a Nussmeier interception at the goal line. But still, seeing Johnson put together a big play like that shows what he is capable of. Johnson scored a pair of rushing touchdowns against Southeastern Louisiana in Week 4.
Nussmeier even got involved in the run game, something he rarely does. The LSU quarterback ran for a career-high 30 yards on four carries. His longest run of the day came on a 23-yard scramble in the 3rd quarter, with Johnson breaking his big run on the following play.
There's still work to do - and tougher run defenses are on the upcoming schedule - but LSU's strong rushing performance was great to see on Saturday night. The Tigers are back in action next Saturday against Vanderbilt in Nashville.