LSU HC Brian Kelly explains how Tigers' run game can improve

There's a ton of pressure on LSU head coach Brian Kelly heading into the 2025 season. He needs to get his team into the College Football Playoff or he may end up facing the wrath of a fanbase with some high expectations.

That means this Tigers team has to be better than the squad that went 9-4 last season, and one of the biggest places LSU can improve is in the run game. 

The Tigers were dead last in the SEC in rushing offense last season, averaging just 116.4 yards per game.

The rushing attack and, specifically, the blocking up front has been a big focus for Kelly and the Tigers in camp, and he recently relayed that he's happy with where things are at.

That doesn't mean there can't be improvement, though, especially because LSU's inexperienced offensive line hasn't quite picked up some of the movement concepts up front.

“I think we’ve made some progress. We struggled a little today with movement. As you know, we’re moving a lot up front and this is the week we’re installing some of our movement, so that becomes a little more difficult on our guys up front in handling our movement,” Kelly said in a recent media availability (h/t On3). “(But) the guys up front are pretty good. So I think more than anything else it’s just handling the movement up front. But I’m pleased with the structure of the run game, the way it’s progressing from a direct snap to shotgun — a variety of different looks. And we still have a lot to install at this point."

The idea behind movement up front is that LSU is looking to keep defenses off guard by keeping its linemen in motion. Whether that's pull blocking on a counter or trap play or reach blocking on a sweep, there's a lot an offensive line can do to pin defensive players and open up some big holes for the rushing attack.

Speaking of, Kelly has to also be excited about sophomore running Caden Durham, who rushed for 753 yards and six touchdowns last season as a freshman. While LSU's rushing attack as a whole was disappointing in 2024, Durham was a bright point.

He's got a young and inexperienced offensive line in front of him in 2025 — sophomore center DJ Chester is the only returning full-time starter  — but if they keep gelling in camp, the sky could be the limit with Durham behind them. LSU has a former five-star running back on the roster in freshman Harlem Berry.

Now the Tigers just have to put it all together, but that's what practice is for.

“So where am I now with it? I feel pretty good, (but) we’ve got to do a better job up front handling the movement," Kelly said.