Our Offense vs. Their Defense: Texas Longhorns

Each week, the challenge gets more and more difficult. The Tigers will finish out their home schedule facing off against the best defense they will have played against all year in the Texas Longhorns.

This matchup comes at a very intriguing time for LSU. Just two weeks ago, the college football world was ready to acknowledge that the Lane Kiffin era at LSU was officially rounding into form. Less than a week after the Bama game, there is now a narrative from some people across the college football landscape questioning whether Lane Kiffin is really that guy.

Here is a chance for the Tigers to silence the doubters, correct the haters, and announce to the CFP committee that there is still life in Baton Rouge.

If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, and this Texas defense presents exactly that challenge. The only defense in the SEC that is better than Texas is led by Blake Baker and resides on the same sideline as Lane Kiffin and his offense.

The Texas defense ranks in the top 20 nationally in scoring, allowing only 17.4 points per game, as well as in rushing and passing defense, allowing 100.3 and 178 yards per game, respectively. The Longhorns also rank in the top 10 in total defense, allowing only 280 yards per game.

Opposing offenses are completing only 57.7% of their passes against this defense, which features a player who will most likely be the first edge rusher drafted in the spring, Collin Simmons.

Simmons leads the Texas pass rush with 10.5 sacks so far this season. Texas averages about three sacks per game, which ranks approximately 13th nationally.

The stat that means the most for LSU, though, is Texas’ red-zone touchdown percentage allowed. The Longhorns have allowed touchdowns on only 39% of opponents’ red-zone opportunities this year, which ranks eighth nationally.

This is where this game will be determined.

Texas does not force a lot of interceptions, as the Longhorns have only six through nine games. This game will come down to LSU’s play along the line of scrimmage, how effective the Tigers are at running the ball on designed rushing plays, and whether they can score touchdowns when they get into the red zone.

LSU should be able to move the ball consistently because the Tigers have been able to do that all year. However, they have to fix their red-zone issues in order to win this game.

LSU ranks sixth nationally in total yards, fifth in passing yards, 18th in scoring, and 13th in third-down conversions.

Statistically, LSU’s offense is better than the Texas defense in just about every comparable category. However, when it comes to play-calling and having answers for what the defense will present, that is something the numbers cannot show or prove.

The matchup to pay attention to will be LSU’s offensive line going up against Collin Simmons.

Simmons has been ramping up his activity after suffering a high ankle sprain. He was back in action against Missouri in a limited capacity, but how much will he play against LSU, and how much of an impact will he be able to have?

LSU will most likely be without starting right tackle Weston Davis, making this matchup even more intriguing to watch on Saturday night.

This game will have it all. It’s a night game in Death Valley, Senior Night, and the final home game of Year 1 under Lane Kiffin.

It is time for Lane Kiffin to showcase why LSU invested so much to bring him and his system to this program.

Kiffin is currently 5-18 against top-10 teams and 17-26 against ranked opponents, including results from this season based on opponents’ rankings at the time they played.

Texas represents another top-10 opponent for Kiffin, and based on his record, history is working against him.

What is working in his favor, though, is that Kiffin has not lost back-to-back games since 2022.

This offense needs a signature game, and Kiffin needs a signature win this season to show that this program is heading toward the expectations everyone has for LSU.

How do you feel about this matchup for LSU against this tough Texas defense? Do you think Sam Leavitt can avoid the costly mistakes and be the catalyst who leads this team to a win?

Share your thoughts in the comments.