If we know one thing about the LSU football team heading into its week one matchup versus Florida State, they do not want to head home with a loss. This is always true, but it could mean more in 2023 following last year’s matchup. Recently, quarterback Jayden Daniels discussed the game and what last year did for this year’s preparation.
LSU football quarterback Jayden Daniels has not forgotten the feeling of last year’s season-opening loss
September 2nd, 2022, created a rollercoaster of emotions for many LSU football fans. On one hand, it started a new era in Baton Rouge. New head coach Brian Kelly was set to begin his time with the Tiger program, which brought plenty of unknowns.
Furthermore, it was the day of the opening game for LSU football. As most fans are aware at this point, that game was a rollercoaster in itself.
In the end, Brian Kelly’s squad left New Orleans with a record of 0-1, which would be a disappointing way to start a largely successful season.
Now, we’re heading into 2023, and the players from last year’s team still remember what happened nearly one full calendar year ago. Namely, senior quarterback Jayden Daniels wants to make amends for the 2022 loss versus Florida State.
“We’re night and day better than what we were last year at this time. Going back and watching the tape, it’s kind of heartbreaking and disheartening. To go out there and seeing how many plays we left out there, how we could have really adjusted and played better,” quarterback Jayden Daniels discussed regarding last season’s matchup. “But that’s what you learn from it; now we’re going in more prepared.”
Daniels is more than aware of how dangerous the Florida State defense can be
When thinking about the Florida State defense, there’s one player in particular that the LSU football offense needs to be aware of. That player is edge rusher Jared Verse.
Verse easily could have gone into the NFL draft last season and was a potential first-rounder. Through the season, he recorded 47 total tackles and nine sacks – it wouldn’t have surprised anyone if he elected to make the jump. However, he had other plans and stayed in Tallahassee for another season.
This is notable, particularly for the 2023 LSU offensive line and quarterback. He has the potential to ruin a play at any moment, and if the Tiger offense isn’t ready for it, it could mean a loss for a second year in a row versus the Seminoles.
“They’re experienced together. They played together last year, they brought in some new transfers, but their front-seven, they can get after the quarterback, they can wreak havoc,” Daniels spoke on the Florida State defense. “We always got to be on high alert for the different pressures that they bring and their athleticism on the edges. They can come out there, and they can really cause havoc if we don’t have the pressures right, if I don’t make the right calls or I don’t get the ball out. Taking negative plays, they feast on negative plays. Once they get you in third or second and long situations, know they’re coming after you.”
However, Brian Kelly’s squad is aware of it and has been preparing for it all offseason.
With Daniels’ elusiveness outside of the pocket, as well as the overall improvement from the offensive line, the Tigers are set up well to counter the 2023 Florida State defense. Still, it’s something to keep an eye on as the Tigers look to score on Sunday.
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