Confident Kelly expecting ‘load’ of TDs from LSU

• Chris Low, ESPN Elder WriterJul 15, 2024, 04:38 PM ET

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  • College football reporter
  • Joined ESPN.com in 2007
  • Graduate of the University of Tennessee

DALLAS– Despite losing Heisman Trophy quarterback Jayden Daniels and 2 NFL first-round draft choices at receiver, LSU coach Brian Kelly isn’t bracing for a drop-off on offense.The Tigers led the

nation in scoring offense(45.5 points)and total offense( 543.5 lawns) last season, however Daniels was taken No. 2 in the NFL draft and his leading two receivers, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., were taken at No. 6 and No. 21 respectively.That said, when Kelly was asked Monday by ESPN’s social media group at the SEC media days what he was most eagerly anticipating in Tiger Arena this season, he stated with confidence,” Scoring a s– load of goals.”That confidence launches front with an offensive line Kelly says is”

as excellent of an offensive line as we have actually put together as a group.”Junior tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. are ranked amongst the top 15 players in

the 2025 mock NFL draft by ESPN’s Matt Miller. “I believe we have a Joe Moore-worthy offensive line [the Joe Moore Award goes to the very best

O-line in college football] in my estimate, “Kelly stated.”I have actually had a Joe Moore offensive line and understand what it appears like. I’ve had a lot of offending linemen go to the NFL.” I believe we can manage the line of skirmish in the SEC. “Daniels’ replacement, redshirt junior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, will be in his first season as a starter.

The Tigers will not utilize him in the run game almost as much as they did Daniels, which Kelly stated makes having a strong, physical offending line all the more essential. He said the getting corps is deep and gifted even with the loss of Nabers and Thomas.Editor’s Picks 2 Related “I don’t understand if we have a receiver like Nabers, but we have speed and we have experience at that position,”Kelly stated.

“I think we have two or 3 tight ends that are inequality issues. It begins with Mason Taylor, and I believe we have actually got enough running backs. I think all of us have actually seen the running back position is truly distinct, capable and you require more than one. And I think that’s what we have actually got.”So, with a running game that is not predicated upon the quarterback running it, that has to begin with an offensive line. That’s why I feel great.

“This will be Nussmeier’s 4th season in the program, and even though he had opportunities to leave and go in other places in the transfer website, he stated there’s a factor he concerned LSU in the very first location.” I felt God brought me to LSU for a reason, and when it was time to make a decision in 2015, I didn’t feel like it was my job to simply up and leave,”Nussmeier stated.”I trust him and his timing and needed to keep my head down and improve and it would all play out the way he wanted it to play out. “Much of Nussmeier’s self-confidence likewise stems from his two tackles, who he stated have set the tempo and pace for the entire offense since last season ended.”They call themselves the bomb squad, and they have this nasty identity,”Nussmeier said of his deals with. “They wish to outwork everyone, and they push everybody to catch them.

“Nussmeier has played in 18 profession games and began in one. He was the MVP of LSU’s ReliaQuest Bowl win over Wisconsin to cap the 2023 season. His profession highs of 395 passing lawns, 31

completions and three goals because game whet the appetite of the LSU fans, Nussmeier’s coaches and colleagues, and Nussmeier himself. “Certainly, I’m all set. It’s been a very long time coming. It’s been a very long time waiting,” Nussmeier said.”I have actually never ever been more thrilled about anything in my life, to get out there on the field for fall camp and into the season.”Kelly, who overhauled his protective training personnel, hasn’t lost sight of how permeable the Tigers were on defense last season and how much they need to improve. They permitted 30 or more points seven times.As Kelly prepared yourself to

leave the interview room Monday, he jokingly amended his preliminary remark about what he was looking forward to this season in Tiger Arena.” I should have stated we ought to not be giving up a bleep ton of points,”Kelly stated.”That would have been more accurate. “