There has been a lot of noise surrounding LSU's offensive struggles so far this season. The running game has been non-existent, the passing game hasn't been able to make big plays down the field, and the Tigers are converting just 42% of their 3rd down attempts. Brian Kelly has emphasized playing complimentary football, but that is something that Tiger fans have yet to see this season. As LSU prepares to battle the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday night, one player is taking accountability for LSU's struggles in the run game.
Braelin Moore assesses the LSU run game
After transferring to LSU from Virginia Tech this past offseason, starting center Braelin Moore has already emerged as a vital piece of LSU's offensive line. The redshirt junior is in his fourth season of college football, and his veteran leadership and strong play have made him arguably LSU's most impactful transfer on the offense through five games.
Earlier this week, Moore discussed how LSU's lack of a rushing attack puts even more pressure on Garrett Nussmeier, and how he takes responsibility for LSU's running game woes.
"Running the ball opens up the rest of the offense. With the inability to run the ball, teams are going to drop eight. And that makes it hard for Nuss and the passing game to get going. As an O lineman I take responsibility for that. I feel like that's on us, and we need to get better."Braelin Moore
"With the inability to run the ball, teams are going to drop eight. And that makes it hard for Nuss and the passing game to get going."@LSUfootball Braelin Moore.
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) October 8, 2025
"I take responsibility for that." #LSU pic.twitter.com/6UoO6G3axU
Moore has allowed just three pressures and one sack when pass-blocking on the season, but LSU's inability to run the ball effectively is bothering him. The Tigers are averaging just 104.8 rushing yards per game, which ranks 15th out of 16 SEC teams. As a team, LSU is averaging just 3.6 yards per carry on 147 rushing attempts. The Tigers are throwing the ball over 55% of the time, which is a result of the running game being ineffective and playing from behind against Ole Miss.
Caden Durham is listed as probable against the Gamecocks, and his return could help the LSU run game get going. However, Durham already has two games this season where he has totaled less than 2.5 yards per carry. It hasn't mattered who has been running with the ball, as nobody has been able to provide a spark.
The LSU offensive play-calling has been predictable, which has given opposing defenses little to worry about. Hopefully the bye week gave the offense some time to rest up and get a solid game plan together. Moore and the offensive line could be set up to have a better day against a vulnerbale South Carolina rush defense that ranks 11th in the SEC allowing 143.2 yards per game on the ground. Tiger fans are hoping this is the game where the Tiger rushing attack gets going.