We're nearing kickoff as the LSU Tigers will take on the Florida Gators in Gainesville in a game that LSU Tigers must win. Earlier in the week we learned that DJ Lagway would return for Florida as would the Gators leading receiver Elijhah Badger. LSU's side of the injury report was less murky as Garrett Dellinger remains out recovering from tightrope surgery while a few rotational pieces were questionable.
We now know that Tyree Adams will suit up and is available for LSU if needed but we likely won't see him play as he recovers from surgery. Freshman Safety DaShawn Spears also ended up on the injury report but he will play this weekend.
In addition to all of the players that have been out for several weeks, the LSU Football team will be without edge rusher Da'Shawn Womack. The Sophomore edge rusher has been a part of LSU's rotation at edge giving LSU snaps when Sai'Vion Jones or Bradyn Swinson come off the field. On the season, Womack has recorded eight tackles and a sack in the role.
In Womack's absence we may see Paris Shand bump back outside to a traditional edge rush role with some of the younger defensive tackles replacing his role on the inside. If any of the younger players are going to get snaps at edge rusher it'll likely be Gabe Reliford who's played a ton for LSU this season.
On the Florida side of the matchup, running back Montrell Johnson Jr is a game time decision and could provide big play ability for the Gators if he returns.
Setting the edge will be key in this game
Missing a player like Da'Shawn Womack in this game is a big blow for LSU considering some of their struggles this season. The past two weeks, we've seen LSU do a poor job of setting the edge allowing Jalen Milroe and Marcel Reed to escape for massive runs. Bradyn Swinson and Sai'Vion Jones will need to do a good job of keeping DJ Lagway in the pocket forcing him to beat LSU with his arm.