TLDR;
This episode of "Behind Enemy Lines" features Ki Riley, the LSU Tigers beat reporter from The Advocate, discussing the current state of the LSU football program and their upcoming game against Texas A&M. The discussion covers the significant issues plaguing LSU, including coaching problems, offensive line struggles, and defensive vulnerabilities. Riley also shares his high opinion of Texas A&M, ranking them as one of the top teams in the country, and predicts a decisive victory for them against LSU.
- LSU's program faces significant issues, including coaching problems and offensive line struggles.
- The defense has vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
- Texas A&M is highly rated and expected to win decisively against LSU.
Introduction [0:01]
Tony Catalina introduces Ki Riley from The Advocate, an LSU Tigers beat reporter, to discuss LSU's football situation and their upcoming game against Texas A&M. Catalina expresses his excitement about having Riley on the podcast to provide insights into the Southeast Central football scene.
State of LSU Tigers [0:58]
Ki Riley describes the atmosphere in Baton Rouge as negative following a loss to Vanderbilt, which felt like a turning point for the program. He points out recurring mistakes, a lack of attention to detail, and poor coaching as primary issues. Despite having a talented roster, LSU struggles with offensive line development and cohesive game plans.
Offensive Line Issues [2:32]
Riley elaborates on the offensive line's weaknesses, noting that they replaced four starters, and the returning starter is playing out of position. The tackles are a significant problem, with a struggling red shirt freshman and a true freshman filling key roles. The interior line isn't strong either, leading to struggles in both the running and passing games.
Offensive Struggles and Coaching [4:34]
The conversation shifts to the broader offensive issues, including a poor running back core and disjointed play calling. Riley emphasizes the lack of flow and synchronicity between the run and pass games, attributing much of the problem to coaching. Despite individual talent at receiver and quarterback, the team struggles due to the offensive line, running game, play calling, and fundamental coaching.
Defensive Performance and Vulnerabilities [6:18]
The discussion transitions to LSU's defense, which has been relatively strong but was out-coached in the game against Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt effectively manipulated the linebackers and exploited LSU's aggressive defensive style. Riley notes that when facing capable offenses, LSU's defense has been consistently burned due to its aggressive nature.
Fan Expectations and Brian Kelly's Future [8:30]
Riley anticipates a testy and strange environment at the upcoming game, with fans ready to turn on the team if things go poorly. He believes that a loss to Texas A&M could put Brian Kelly firmly on the hot seat, though his job is likely safe due to the high buyout cost. The Vanderbilt loss was particularly damaging, as Vanderbilt was clearly the better team.
Ki Riley's Ranking of Texas A&M [11:15]
Riley explains why he ranks Texas A&M so highly, citing their impressive win against Notre Dame and dominant performances against SEC teams. He praises their unstoppable offense, strong running game, improved receiving core, and solid offensive line. Riley sees very few advantages for LSU in the upcoming game.
Texas A&M's Pressure to Win [13:39]
Catalina notes that despite Texas A&M's strong record, there's still pressure to win and gain full fan belief. He suggests that a win against LSU would help shake off past stigmas and solidify their status as a top team. Riley agrees, pointing out that Texas A&M needs a significant win to validate their success.
Game Prediction [15:53]
Riley predicts a decisive victory for Texas A&M, expecting them to win by a significant margin. He argues that LSU has shown nothing this season to suggest they can compete with Texas A&M. Riley points to LSU's struggles against weaker teams and their inability to put opponents away convincingly as evidence for his prediction.
Conclusion [17:11]
Catalina acknowledges the contrasting trajectories of Texas A&M and LSU and the potential for a single game to change everything. He thanks Riley for his insights and asks him to share his social media and website details. Riley provides his X (formerly Twitter) handle and website information for those interested in following his work.