To say that the LSU Tigers struggled in the passing game last season would be quite an understatement. LSU ranked 11th in the Southeastern Conference, averaging just over 200 yards passing per game. The Tigers were also 11th in the conference in “downfield passing”, with only 26 percent of their passes going for 10 yards or more.
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Quarterback Zach Mettenberger was 207-for-352 (58 percent) through the air for 2,609 yards and 12 touchdowns, while throwing seven interceptions last season. The longest pass play of the season for the Tigers was 56 yards.
During the offseason, head coach Les Miles brought in Cam Cameron as the Tigers’ new offensive coordinator. Cameron has worked in both the college and NFL ranks, and is known as a coach who can develop quarterbacks and passing games. Sounds like just what LSU needs.
Cameron plans to use some of what LSU is known for, the power running game, while instituting a passing game that will include a more vertical approach than what the Tigers used last season.
The LSU offense has some quality receivers to work with, ones that could make the passing game come alive. Jarvis Landry led the team in receptions last year with 56, adding a team-high five touchdowns. Odell Beckham, Jr. led the Tigers with 713 yards receiving, and big things are expected from him in 2013.
Senior Kadron Boone had four receiving touchdowns last season, and should benefit from the new passing strategy. Miles and Cameron hope to get some production from redshirt freshman Travin Dural, as well as true freshman Quantavius Leslie.
The pieces appear to be in place for LSU to improve the passing game in 2013. Now, it comes down to executing the plan.
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