Through two games, LSU's offensive line has been dominant in pass protection resulting in a stellar start for Garrett Nussmeier. The LSU Football team has yet to allow a sack this season a feat of which only 15 teams are able to boast. This weekend against South Carolina, the LSU offensive line may face it's toughest test of the season.
The Gamecocks are 2-0 as they have only allowed 25 points thanks to their incredible defensive line play. Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr will look to prove they're first round picks against South Carolina's pair of dominant edge rushers.
The biggest story heading into the game will be the dominant play from True Freshman edge rusher Dylan Stewart. As a recruit, Stewart was a concensus five star recruit and early on he's proving the recruiting sites right. In two games, Stewart has recorded 2.5 sacks accounting for 26 yards and he's forced two fumbles. Whoever has the job of slowing Stewart better be out of their stance fast as he has unbelievable speed. Kentucky was so worried about Stewart they threw a triple team his way and he still blew up the play.
South Carolina freshman Dylan Stewart is an absolute freak. Beats a triple team to force the incompletion. Living up to the five-star hype. pic.twitter.com/uLYPdorgwe
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) September 7, 2024
The craziest part is, he's not even the most productive edge rusher on his team as Kyle Kennard has recorded 3.5 sacks accounting for 19 yards while also forcing a pair of fumbles. The duo combine to make what is arguably the best pass rush duo in all of College Football.
🏈 SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week: WK 1
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) September 2, 2024
🐓 Kyle Kennard@GamecockFB x #SECFB pic.twitter.com/1BegHnIsTz
The defensive staff at South Carolina will have some solid tape to show the pair for unleashing havoc as USC Trojans Edge Rusher Anthony Lucas showed the country how they should attack LSU's front five.
Every year a number of prospects go from relative unknowns to the 1st round. If I had to predict one based off Week 1 tape I'd go w/ USC DE Anthony Lucas
— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) September 3, 2024
6-5, 275 pounds (3rd Year). Powerful, violent, and versatile. Didn't cede an inch to the best tackle duo in the country pic.twitter.com/8p9Y3J4O4n
On the interior, the Gamecocks have three solid defensive tackles in Tonka Hemingway, TJ Sanders, and Monkell Goodwine who have all combined for 2.5 sacks on the season.
Get the ball out quickly this weekend
When it comes to taking care of the football, LSU's biggest concern this weekend may not be interceptions. This South Carolina has forced six fumbles in two games with the majority coming thanks to South Carolina's edge group on sacks. For the Tigers, running the football will be key for keeping the edge rushers honest as you may be able to break a big play if they get too eager. In the passing attack Garrett Nussmeier will want to get the ball out quickly to help prevent any damage South Carolina's duo creates.