LSU coach Brian Kelly addressed the media Monday as the Tigers prepare to battle the USC Trojans in Las Vegas on Sunday, at Allegiant Stadium.
Kelly started by reviewing two injuries to key players.
“Wide receiver Chris Hilton is questionable with a bone bruise," Kelly said. "And offensive lineman Miles Frazier is listed as probable.”
Kelly said he was excited about his team. When asked about all of the players he lost to the NFL, Kelly said every team in college football has lost playmakers and leadership.
LSU returns a nucleus of players that are play makers and leaders.
Linebacker Greg Penn and running back Josh Williams, who will put on the No. 18 jersey this season, and LB Harold Perkins and offensive tackle Will Campbell, who will wear the No. 7 jersey, are those players who elevate the play of their teammates around them. Campbell will symbolically have the No. 7 jersey as offensive lineman cannot wear a single-digit number. He will have a No.7 patch on his jersey.
Kelly said the Tigers must limit big plays on offense and slow down USC’s Zachariah Branch on both offense and special teams.
He also said there is a lot of pride on the line when a school lines up against the Trojans.
"There is a lot of history and tradition when you play USC, that it is a part of the fabric of college football," Kelly said. "USC will have great skill players on both sides of the ball.”
Kelly posted an 8-2 record against USC when he coached at Notre Dame.
In addition, Kelly said the defense needs to be tested by other teams outside of scripted plays in practice.
Kelly spoke highly of defensive tackle Jacobian Guillory, who has been consistent throughout fall camp.
"Guillory is strong, plays with good leverage and technique," Kelly said. "He can find the football.”
LSU will be balanced on offense. The defense has to make tackles in space and limit big plays.”
"USC’s Air Raid offense puts stress on a defense with up-tempo pace and spreads defenders out," Kelly said.
