After LSU’s 31-13 loss to Alabama in Week 9, there wasn’t much joy to hand out. The Tigers actually outgained the Crimson Tide 457 to 285, but that yardage never turned into enough points, and the defense still got stuck absorbing 31. So instead of the usual six stripes, only three players get recognized here, and these are consolation stripes - not anything that changes the scoreboard.
DJ Pickett gets the top spot because his day stood apart from the mess around him. He finished with three tackles and a sack, which was enough for the second-best Pro Football Focus grade on the team. Alabama only went after him in coverage a couple of times, and that says plenty about how much respect he’s earning from opposing quarterbacks and coaches.
Jackson Harris was right there in the mix too. He hauled in 11 of his 18 targets for 166 yards, and even with Sam Leavitt having a rough outing, Harris still produced like a true No. 1 option.
On the season, his 47 catches, 800 yards and seven touchdowns lead LSU by a comfortable margin in all three categories. He was expected to matter this year, but becoming the clear centerpiece of the passing game has still been a bit of a surprise.
TJ Dottery rounds out the stripe winners after leading LSU with 10 tackles and adding a QB hurry. His 71.2 PFF grade ranked third on the team, and with Whit Weeks out, his steady presence has mattered even more. If LSU needs someone to keep the group together until Weeks returns, Dottery is the guy.
Trey’Dez Green gets the honorable mention, and he deserves a little more than the usual quick nod. He’s been playing through injury and sickness this season, but when he’s physically able, he keeps showing up and doing the work.
Against Alabama, he caught 10 passes for 85 yards and posted the fourth-best PFF grade on the team at 71.1. The frustrating part is that LSU’s red-zone issues seem tailor-made for his 6’7” frame and basketball-style leaping ability, yet the play-calling keeps leaving him out of that part of the game.
In Other News...
Kim Mulkey Just Landed Another Frontcourt Talent LSU Fans Will Love
LSUs frontcourt plans for the future got a boost in February when Caroline Bradley, one of the nations top recruits out of Oak Grove, Louisiana, chose the Tigers. The highly regarded prospect is set to make it official during the NCAA early signing period, adding another in-state name to Kim Mulkeys growing pipeline of talent.
Bradleys commitment matters not just because of her ranking, but because of the connection she already has with Mulkey and the fit she appears to offer for LSUs womens basketball program. She is expected to arrive with the chance to make an immediate impact starting next season, giving the Tigers another promising piece to build around up front. [Read more 🡒]
LSU Gets A Whit Weeks Boost As Texas Prep Brings New Concern
LSUs first injury report of the week brought a little relief and a little unease as the Tigers turn their attention to Texas. Linebacker Whit Weeks is listed as questionable after sitting out the previous game with a fractured fibula, giving LSU at least the possibility of getting one of its key defenders back in time for a major matchup.
The report also added fresh concern, with offensive tackle Weston Davis and defensive end Gabriel Reliford showing up among the seven players listed. LSU is already working without Phillip Wright III, Dashawn Spears and Charles Ross II, all of whom are out for the season with leg injuries, so the Tigers are managing both the hope of a boost and the reality of a growing health list as the week unfolds. [Read more 🡒]
LSUs Playoff Push Just Took A Hit Fans Cant Ignore
A trip to Alabama was always going to be a measuring stick for LSU, but the Tigers came away with a 31-13 loss that leaves them 6-3 and with plenty to sort through. Even in defeat, there were a few bright spots, with Jackson Harris and TreyDez Green turning in notable performances, but the overall picture was hard to ignore as LSU spent much of the night chasing the game.
Braelin Moore had a rough outing, and the bigger concern was how often the offense seemed to fight itself in key moments. The play calling and coaching decisions drew criticism as LSU struggled to find rhythm, leaving the Tigers with more questions than answers as the playoff push gets tighter. [Read more 🡒]