LSU’s X-factor for a CFP appearance could be the emergence of true freshman running back Caden Durham

Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images

The Tigers have found a major spark to their offense with the ascendance of a true freshman.

The LSU Tigers were one of the more intriguing teams in college football heading into the year, as they were facing a major quarterback change — going from Heisman winner Jayden Daniels to the backup-in-waiting Garrett Nussmeier and looking to make that surge into the new 12-team playoff picture.

The Tigers, who finished 10-3 a season ago, were losing some key pieces this offseason alongside Daniels, as receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft and while top running back Logan Diggs transferred to Ole Miss.

That left a key void on the offensive side of the ball for the Tigers, but they looked good in a tight 27-20 loss to the USC Trojans, with Nussmeier tossing for 304 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, while completing 76.3 percent of his passes in the game.

Additionally, top running back John Emery Jr. had a good outing, going for 61 yards on just 10 carries, which was a needed spark, as the remainder of the running back room went for just 56 yards on 16 carries in the loss.

But, bad news broke for LSU as Emery tore his ACL in practice shortly after Week 1, leaving a big void to fill at running back for a program that hoped to be a top-15 team in the country in 2024.

The injury didn’t stop the Tigers from pouring 44 points on Nicholls State in Week 2, with Nussmeier continuing his hot start by throwing for 302 yards and six touchdowns in the 44-21 victory, but the run game woes continued as LSU got just 68 yards on 21 carries against their FCS opponent.

Insert true freshman running back Caden Durham, who entered the season as the No. 4 option, but had a major breakout performance in a tight-knit conference game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in Week 3.

With LSU needing offensive production, Durham answered the call, bursting for 98 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries, leading the way for the Tigers in their 36-33 win over South Carolina.

After not seeing a touch over the first three offensive drives, the four-star true freshman earned his chance with LSU down 17-0 in the major conference battle, and he immediately made an impact, taking a carry 26 yards to the house on his second touch of the game to open the scoring up for the Tigers.

The touches didn’t stop there, as Durham put together rushes of 20 and nine yards on LSU’s first scoring drive of the second half, bringing the Tigers back to within a field goal, with the latter carry resulting in his second touchdown of the game.

LSU continued to rely on their true freshman, trotting him back out for their next offensive possession and he responded with rushes of 10 and six yards, getting the Tigers into the red zone and setting up a Garrett Nussmeier passing touchdown that gave LSU a lead they would not relinquish for the rest of the game.

Overall, Durham easily outpaced the backfield with his 98-yard, two-touchdown day, as the rest of the running backs combined for just 47 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.

The true freshman didn’t see as much action the following week in LSU’s 34-17 win over UCLA, as senior Josh Williams led the backfield with 62 rushing yards and a touchdown. However, he did get some receiving volume, catching two passes for 40 yards and a score, which included this gem.

However, Durham was not to be denied against South Alabama last weekend, as the running back was an explosive machine, torching the opposing defense for 128 yards and a touchdown on seven carries, while also catching three passes for 89 yards and a score.

It was a sensational performance that included a 71-yard receiving touchdown on the first play of the game, as well as an 86-yard carry on LSU’s second offensive play of the game.

Durham was heavily used in the first half, and a foot injury kept him out of the second half of the game, although the Tigers didn’t need him, going up 35-3 at halftime.

Now, working off a week of rest during LSU’s bye week, Durham is all set to go for the Tigers’ big showdown against the No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels this weekend, according to head coach Brian Kelly.

LSU, ranked as the No. 13 team in the AP Top 25 poll, enter the week with a major opportunity to climb into the Top 10. But, win or not, the College Football Playoff seems to be firmly in the cards for the Tigers this year if they can continue to win. LSU has managed to revitalize their run game with the emergence of their star true freshman.

From being No. 4 on the depth chart entering the year to leading the team in rushing through five games, Durham has been a sensational revelation for the Tigers, and very well could be their X-factor as LSU searches for its first playoff appearance since former Heisman winner Joe Burrow led the way back in 2019.