USC and LSU — as noted here and in lots of other outlets — occupy very similar positions entering the 2024 college football season. They both lost Heisman-winning quarterbacks. They both played terrible defense in 2023. They both overhauled their defensive coaching staffs. They both have a lot to prove this year. How is LSU dealing with the loss of its Heisman quarterback, Jayden Daniels? The answer in Baton Rouge has been consistent and clear from coach Brian Kelly and others: Rely on an elite offensive line to build a balanced offense. The skill-position talent might not be spectacular, but if the line dominates every game, it won’t matter.
That confidence starts up front with an offensive line Kelly says is “as good of an offensive line as we’ve put together as a group.”
Junior tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. are ranked among the top 15 players in the 2025 mock NFL draft by ESPN’s Matt Miller.
“I think we have a Joe Moore-worthy offensive line [the Joe Moore Award goes to the best O-line in college football] in my estimation,” Kelly said. “I’ve had a Joe Moore offensive line and know what it looks like. I’ve had a lot of offensive linemen go to the NFL.
“I think we can control the line of scrimmage in the SEC.”
LSU has planted its flag. Let’s see if USC can respond accordingly in Week 1.
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