On Saturday Night, the point where the game and the momentum flipped as Texas A&M came back to beat LSU was when Mike Elko benched Conner Weigman for Marcel Reed. The running ability of Marcel Reed threw LSU's defense into a blender and the Aggies scored on every drive that Reed was in the game.
LSU's defense wasn't able to adjust to stop Marcel Reed and it shouldn't have come as a surprise for LSU fans. The Tigers have had issues stopping the running ability of quarterbacks but, it hadn't been tested as much as you would expect.
South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers gashed LSU's defense for a 75 yard run and LSU would've been in trouble if Sellers hadn't left the game with an injury. South Alabama was clrealy outmatched but, Gio Lopez picked up 33 yards rushing with a long of 12 yards. Jaxson Dart hardly ran but when he did he saw success including a 17 yard run. LSU would've faced a bigger test against Arkansas but, Taylen Green was injured in the previous game so he played as a passer.
After the game, Brian Kelly addressed LSU's issues against Quarterback runs where he seemingly gave opposing teams the playbook on beating LSU.
"It's the million-dollar question. I would say that we need to spend more time, each and every week it's gotta be part of it. Because right now, I would run the quarterback against us."Brian Kelly
Kelly is right that LSU needs to fix this issue especially when you look at the team that's next on the schedule in the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Last season when LSU faced Alabama in Tuscaloosa, it was the Jalen Milroe show as he ran all over the Tigers defense. Jalen Milroe ran the ball 20 times for 155 yards and four touchdowns against LSU which sunk the Tigers.
If LSU can't figure out how to slow Milroe's rushing ability it'll sink LSU again this time ending any chance that LSU can make the College Football Playoff. The Georgia Bulldogs got gashed by Milroe's legs and it cost them and he's beaten nearly everyone with his legs except for Tennessee who is the only team to keep him out of the endzone.
The Tide have had offensive line issues specifically at offensive tackle meaning LSU's edge rushers will need to set a solid edge. The linebackers will have to stay home and quickly shut down any openings especially on Alabama's designed runs.
Blake Baker has done a ton of good with LSU's defense but, what adjustments he's able to make over the Bye Week will determine LSU's season.