If LSU Stops Clemson’s Run, Can Christopher Vizzina Win It? | Clemson Tigers Podcast

What happens if LSU does exactly what Clemson does not want and shuts down the running game? That was the question from a Locked On Clemson listener, and it creates one of the most interesting nightmare scenarios for Saturday night in Baton Rouge. Morgan Thomas breaks down why a bad rushing total does not automatically mean Clemson cannot move the football. The bigger issue is whether LSU controls down and distance and forces Christopher Vizzina into obvious passing situations against Blake Baker’s defense. If Clemson is consistently facing second-and-long and third-and-long, the advantage shifts heavily toward LSU. That allows Prince Will Umanmielen and the pass rush to attack, while LSU can disguise coverage and put everything on Clemson’s inexperienced starting quarterback. That means Vizzina has to be more than a distributor. Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore also have to make LSU pay when opportunities appear. But Clemson does not have to replace the running game with 40 traditional dropbacks. Chad Morris can use quick throws, bubble screens, intermediate crossers, running back screens, motion and quarterback movement as extensions of the run game. The goal is to prevent LSU from dictating when Clemson has to throw. And if the conventional run game really does disappear, Morgan explains why he would not spend the night testing D.J. Pickett and P.J. Woodland outside. Instead, attack LSU’s linebackers, safeties and underneath coverage. Make Whit Weeks and T.J. Daughtry move horizontally. Force LSU defenders to tackle Clemson’s playmakers in space and try to turn an aggressive front seven into opportunities behind it. The biggest stat may not even be Clemson’s rushing total. Watch the third-down distance. If Chad Morris can keep Clemson in manageable situations, the offense can still function. If LSU constantly forces Vizzina into third-and-eight or worse, Clemson could be in serious trouble. 00:00 What if LSU completely stops Clemson’s run game? 14:44 The Clemson players who would have to step up 22:47 Where Chad Morris should attack LSU next Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Poncho Outdoors Go to https://ponchooutdoors.com/LOCKEDON and enter your email to get $10 off and free shipping on your first order. KALSHI For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10. . Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/COLLEGE ! #squarepod ULTRA POUCHES Don’t sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code LOCKEDONCOLLEGEFOOTBALL at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad 5-Hour ENERGY Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https:/5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel College football Saturdays are already packed with reasons to get excited, and this season, FanDuel is giving fans even more ways to get in on every matchup. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.