LSU football: 5 questions Coach O’s LSU Tigers must answer in 2020

3. Can the offense maintain its potency outside of quarterback play?

We’ve already talked about the notion that LSU must replace Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Burrow, the latter of which we’ll discuss more in-depth in a bit. However, that’s not all that the Tigers must contend with as Orgeron’s club must also replace record-setting wide receiver Justin Jefferson, tight end Thaddeus Moss and four starters from the offensive line last season.

Starting with the skill position players, the wide receiver room shouldn’t be much of a concern, even without Jefferson in the mix. Ja’Marr Chase proved himself as a bonafide star winning the Biletnikoff, with 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns last season and, even if that goes down, he’s talented enough to still produce at a high level. Meanwhile, he also has junior Terrace Marshall returning with him, who had 13 touchdowns in his own right and should see more targets.

As for the tight end room, that could be a seamless transition as well. In fact, the Tigers might get an upgrade over Moss as Gatorade National Player of the Year, 5-star freshman Arik Gilbert, takes over at that spot. Though inexperienced, he’s bursting at the seams with talent.

The major concern is on the offensive line. Right tackle Austin Deculus is the only returning starter and the presumed starter on the left side, Dave Rosenthal, left the program in March and has not yet returned, though he said he would in the summer.

With all of these changes, the question for the Tigers becomes just how much potency they’ll lose from their offense last season outside of the quarterback play. But with the talent pool that they have to work with, there’s a case to be made that LSU’s offense could be every bit as dangerous, outside of the signal-caller, on offense in 2020 — especially if Rosenthal returns and the interior of the O-line steps up.