The Longhorns are coming off a 34-20 win over Missouri, placing them 7-2 and 6th in the CFP Rankings. Now, they have to turn their attention to the Tigers of LSU, who are seemingly on their last CFP chance this weekend. LSU has been an up-and-down product this season but has lost against their three toughest opponents to date(Ole Miss, Kentucky and Alabama). Despite those struggles, Lane Kiffin has a high-talent roster with the ability to catch fire on any given Saturday.
Here are the six Tigers you’ll want to know before kickoff Saturday night:
LSU RB Dillon Jones
The Tigers, much like the Longhorns, have struggled to find a consistent run game this season. Against Alabama, they ran for just 77 yards on 33 carries and Jones totalled just 56 yards on 17 carries.
Jones has been successful at times this season, including a 100-yard performance vs. Ole Miss and 140 total yards vs. Kentucky. The Tigers run game has become Dillon Jones and Sam Leavitt, with very little backup. On the season, Jones has 166 carries compared to 32 for the next highest LSU RB(Harlem Berry). If Texas can continue their success slowing the run, they’ll be taking one of the biggest pieces of the offense out of the game.
LSU WR Jackson Harris
Early in the season, it seemed the Tigers lacked a true WR1. In the last four games, Harris has taken firm control of that role, scoring 5 TDs and topping 150 receiving yards twice(Auburn, Alabama). Winston Watkins Jr. and Eugene “Tre” Wilson will factor in as well at WR, but Harris leads the team in receptions, yards, yards/catch and TDs. If Mascoe, Littleton and Phillips can slow Harris this weekend, the LSU passing attack could be slowed considerably.
LSU TE Trey’Dez Green
There won’t be a better athlete on the field on Saturday night than No. 7 for LSU. At 6 '7”, 237lbs, Green still has remarkable ability after the catch. He suffered an injury vs. Auburn but returned vs. Alabama and logged 10 catches for 85 yards. He’s a matchup nightmare and will require the best coverage performance for Rasheem Biles to date. The future NFL first rounder can change this game, especially in the red zone if the Longhorns LBs/secondary don’t have answers for the 6’7” behemoth.
LSU DE Jordan Ross
Much of the pregame attention will be paid to Princewill Umanmeilen, for good reason. His running mate, Tennessee transfer Jordan Ross, can be a true gamewrecker as well. He’s racked up 5 sacks, 3 PDs and an INT(returned for a TD) and opened opportunities for Umanmeilen on the other side. The Texas OL has struggled mightily with twitchy pass rushers, consistently giving up hits on Manning. No. 29 for LSU will have an impact on this game but limiting him is a must for the Texas OL.
LSU S Ty Benefield
Outside of Arch Manning, this could be the player getting the most NFL scouts eyes in this game. The Boise State transfer checks in at 6’3”, 208lbs and brings remarkable versatility to the table. DC Blake Baker will deploy him in a myriad of different positions, including playing a pseudo-LB, much like Jelani McDonald. Benefield has 3 sacks on the season and considering Texas’ struggles in pass protection, I’d imagine he’ll be used consistently on third down. Arch Manning can’t lose No. 2 or he could change this game in a second.
LSU CB DJ Pickett
Adding to the elite secondary, there are few more physically-gifted CBs in the country. The sophomore measures in at 6’4” and uses every bit of that length in coverage. He’s already logged 6 PDs and an INT this season, consistently being matchup on the opponent’s WR1. His running mate PJ Woodland is another remarkable sophomore and the duo rivals the Longhorns Mascoe-Littleton duo. If Coleman is back as many expect, this will be his matchup for much of the evening and it’ll be an elite battle.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Tigers to watch in Texas vs. LSU: Harris, Green, Benefield, Pickett
