LSU moving on from last year’s dreadful rushing performance against Alabama
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Last year’s LSU-Alabama game is probably something Leonard Fournette wants to forget.
The Crimson Tide bottled him up for just 31 yards on 19 carries as the Tigers’ offensive line generated no push in a 30-16 loss. The game in Tuscaloosa derailed LSU’s undefeated season and Fournette’s Heisman hopes while extending the series losing streak to five.
But as the No. 15 Tigers prepare to host No. 1 Alabama at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, they’re putting that awful rushing performance behind them.
O on Fournette vs. #Bama: "What happened last year is in the past. We're going to have a great game plan for Leonard." #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 31, 2016
Fournette’s latest outing was the best one of his career as he set the program single-game rushing record with 284 yards against Ole Miss. The junior said he was out of shape and still nursing an ankle injury that has forced him to miss three games this season, but LSU interim coach Ed Orgeron on Monday indicated he’ll be closer to 100 percent against the Crimson Tide.
Coach O says Leonard Fournette did some conditioning during the bye week. Thinks he's in better shape that last week #LSU
— James Moran (@SmartestMoran) October 31, 2016
Fournette, however, is just one part of the equation when it comes to the running game.
It’s still unclear if right tackle Toby Weathersby, who is dealing with an ankle injury will be able to play Saturday. Fournette would obviously like his offensive line to be at full-strength against Alabama’s top-ranked rushing defense.
Coach O says practice will determine if Toby Weathersby plays against Bama:
"If he's able to start, we can start him." #LSU
— James Moran (@SmartestMoran) October 31, 2016
He then declines to discuss options for Maea Tuehema, saying that OL coach Jeff Grimes will handle that. #LSU https://t.co/hYtrNrSfzS
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 31, 2016
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
