Kelly Sees Texas Protection as LSU’s Opening

Texas’ trouble protecting quarterback Arch Manning could give LSU an opening in the teams’ November 14 matchup at Tiger Stadium, former Tigers coach Brian Kelly said. Kelly, now a CBS Sports analyst, argued that Texas’ protection problems are unlikely to be fixed in a week, with the Longhorns having allowed 27 sacks this season, tied for ninth-most nationally.

Kelly also pointed to LSU’s offensive shortcomings in its 31-13 loss to Alabama. The Tigers gained 457 yards to Alabama’s 285 but failed on all four fourth-down attempts and scored once in four trips to the red zone. He said those situational problems are more manageable to correct than Texas’ difficulty protecting its quarterback.

CBS analyst Aaron Taylor highlighted another concern for Texas: its inconsistent rushing attack. The Longhorns are averaging 128 rushing yards per game, 14th among the SEC’s 18 teams. Taylor said Texas will need a run game as well as its defense to succeed in a night road game at LSU, warning that a lack of rushing production could put more pressure on Manning.

The matchup carries major postseason implications. Texas is 7-2 and LSU is 6-3 after its loss to Alabama. Kelly characterized the game as an elimination contest, and a defeat could seriously hurt LSU’s College Football Playoff chances.