Three Defensive Keys for the LSU football team against the South Carolina Gamecocks

On Saturday, the LSU Football team will once again face a unique test when they go on the road to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks. Last weekend, the defense left a ton to be desired as Nicholls State was moving the ball at will for most of the football game. While in Week One, USC's passing attack was the biggest worry, this USC's rushing attack will be the biggest worry for Blake Baker. If LSU is going to walk away with a gritty road win on Saturday, they'll need to achieve these three keys.

Keeping LaNorris Sellers in the pocket

After the pass rush and namely Sai'Vion Jones were impressive in Week One against USC, the Tigers pass rush didn't make anything of their few chances against Nicholls State. This isn't really the defenses fault as the Colonels clearly wanted to work the quick passing game to help out their offensive line.

This weekend, the pass rushers are going to need to get up field, and they're going to need to keep LaNorris Sellers inside the pocket. The first year starting quarterback has a chance to beat LSU with his legs if he's able to extend plays. For the most part, when a play is breaking down Sellers is at his best as he extends plays to find an open receiver.

If the defense can keep Sellers in the pocket and take away his path to an escape, he'll be forced to take a sack or he'll likely put the ball in harms way as we've seen at times. The defense will have the perfect chance to get this done, as Sellers has taken eight sacks in two games often as a result of holding onto the football too long.

The Tigers may also get a hobbled LaNorris Sellers as he suffered a hip injury last week against Kentucky and didn't look 100% when he returned.