What To Watch For: Harold Perkins, Jared Verse in LSU vs. FSU Battle

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers are just days away from their Top 10 matchup against Florida State in Orlando with this program eyeing revenge over the Seminoles after last year’s loss.

It’ll be a star-studded contest on both sides of the ball, but the headliner on defense will be LSU’s Harold Perkins and Florida State’s Jared Verse.

Verse, a Preseason All-America selection, is one of the nation’s top defensive end prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. After returning to Tallahassee for another year, the Seminoles’ defensive mastermind has the chance to propel his name into the Top 5 conversation of next year’s draft.

For the Tigers, it’ll be the Harold Perkins Show. He’s worked primarily at inside linebacker this offseason, but make no mistake about it, he’ll be all over the field and getting into the backfield to put pressure on Florida State signal-caller Jordan Travis.

Here’s a breakdown of what to watch for between the two All-America candidates heading into the Top 10 matchup:

Harold Perkins’ Savvy Ways

Perkins has mainly worked at inside linebacker this offseason as defensive coordinator Matt House and his staff get their star acclimated to his ideal position. Last season, Perkins worked as a “pass rush specialist” with LSU now focused on a more niche role.

Kelly detailed that despite Perkins mainly taking on inside linebacker duties, opponents will have to keep an eye on Perkins at all times and “account for him” every single play. They will continue maximizing his skill set.

“We’re going to be in really good shape internally. Maason just gives you a dominating presence, but we feel good about the middle of our defense. Harold is going to be able to impact the game with everything we’re going to do with him,” Kelly said on Monday. “He’s going to be moving around. He’s not just going to be at inside linebacker. You’re going to have to find him and you’re going to have to account for him.”

The Versatility

Perkins has the ability to get into the backfield and disrupt plays on a routine basis and against Florida State it’ll have to be much of the same. The NCAA ruled LSU defensive tackle Maason Smith ineligible for Sunday’s contest after receiving improper benefits in 2021, and with his suspension, it’s imperative Perkins makes his presence felt in the backfield on Jordan Travis.

In 2022, Perkins shined as a true freshman with his ability to pass rush, but also fall back as a true linebacker and protect the second level. Come Sunday night in Camping World Stadium, his versatility must be on full display in order to slow down a firepowered Seminoles offense.

Jared Verse's Tenacity, Strength 

Florida State’s defense is led by Preseason All-America selection Jared Verse. The dominant defensive end returned to Tallahassee with the chance to take college football by storm in 2023 after a standout season in 2022.

Make no mistake about it, Verse would have been a surefire first round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, but now returning to the Seminoles, their defensive leader could hear his name in the Top 10, or even Top 5, conversation. LSU must monitor Verse on every snap with sophomore tackle Will Campbell taking on the assignment against the Preseason All-American.

The 6-foot-4, 260-pound menace has the ability to overpower offensive lineman due to his sheer strength, and with his technique becoming more reliable, it’s a recipe for success. In 2022, Verse totaled nine sacks, but constant disruption in the backfield is what helped this Seminoles defense succeed. Fast forward to Sept. 3 and it’ll be of the utmost importance LSU slows down Verse.