Cole Cubelic’s latest Sunday SEC breakdown put LSU’s loss to Alabama under the microscope, and his read on the Tigers was blunt: they had moments, but not enough finish.
On LSU, Cubelic said the offense moved the ball at times but couldn’t turn those drives into points. He noted that “13 got chances,” but the Tigers couldn’t hit the big play, even though there were a few nice cutbacks.
He also pointed to strong individual efforts, saying “7 was great, physical & found space in pass game, game them YAC” and that “4 had a big game.” Still, the overall issue was clear to him: “Not enough run after catch collectively.”
Cubelic also flagged problems with Alabama’s pressure looks, saying the Tigers dealt with confusion there. He said the quarterback “took free grass,” but LSU still couldn’t create much extra.
There were also some drops, some missed underneath throws, and missed chances off play action. Up front, he singled out the center for praise, calling it a great game, and added that “77 did good things in run game early.”
The backs chipped in a little out of the backfield, but Cubelic’s bottom line was that LSU “just lacked explosives.”
On defense, he said LSU did get after the quarterback and made him uncomfortable. He praised “99 good vs run,” said “1 played hard, played run well,” and noted that “42 found the ball, fought through LOS.”
But the Tigers still had trouble in key spots. Cubelic said they “didn’t cover flat well,” that misdirection caused issues, and that they “didn’t fit gap scheme runs well & play action off those found yards.”
His Alabama notes were much more upbeat. Cubelic called it an “Impressive road win” and said the Crimson Tide “physically showed up.”
He gave major credit to the center, saying he “played great,” and added that the tight ends “added a ton.” Alabama got push in the run game, created targets for the quarterback, and produced good YAC.
He also said the formations helped widen the edges against LSU’s best defenders, with “81” standing out in that part of the plan.
There were some protection issues, though. Cubelic said Alabama “struggled some in pass pro,” with a few defenders coming unblocked and twists causing trouble.
Even so, he said the quarterback moving around was the difference in the game. In Cubelic’s words, “Him avoiding catastrophe & finding yards outside the pocket was it.”
He praised the poise there, saying the quarterback saw the pressures early and recognized them well.
Alabama’s run game drew strong marks too. Cubelic said the Tide worked the middle of the field, that gap scheme runs were effective, and that “17 was successful on those.”
He also pointed to “64” getting after it up front and said the tackles had a few breakdowns in pass protection. The offense also mixed in an end around off the success of the gap scheme and used the defense’s aggressiveness against it.
Cubelic said Alabama won field position and protected the football.
Defensively, he said Alabama tackled well, got pressure home, and forced the quarterback off his spot. When LSU’s quarterback tried to move, Alabama handled it well.
Cubelic said the Tide were patient with him on the move, lost backs a few times, and had a tight end find space. He also noted that Alabama attacked the ball at the line of scrimmage and in coverage.
Among the standouts, he highlighted “88 really good vs run,” “1 had nice pass rush wins,” “11 good on pressures,” “7 active, nice block on the pick,” and “0 rushed the passer well.” His final assessment: Alabama gave up some underneath throws, but limited YAC and didn’t surrender much over the top.
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 🡒]