Changes coming to LSU lineup

LSU came through its 55-3 shellacking of Georgia Southern with no significant injuries and will get back two potential starters for this week’s top-10 showdown at Texas.

Starting left tackle Saahdiq Charles and linebacker Michael Divinity were held out of Saturday’s game despite dressing out and going through pregame warm-ups.

“Both of them will play this week,” head coach Ed Orgeron said Tuesday.

After Saturday’s game, Orgeron said the reason they didn’t play was a matter that “was handled in-house.”

Orgeron said Charles will be the starter at the all-important left tackle spot, where senior Badara Traore started Saturday. However, he was replaced by redshirt freshman Dare Rosenthal who played most of the game.

Divinity, who started 11 games last year, is projected as one of the starting middle linebackers next to Jacob Phillips. But Orgeron raved about the job sophomore Damon Clark did in Saturday’s game.

Clark was the second-leading tackler with nine.

It gives LSU options, Orgeron said, with Patrick Queen also playing well behind Phillips.

“Obviously we’re going to work Michael back in,” he said. “We’re going to go through the week and see what happens.

“Michael is an excellent linebacker for us, can play at the line of scrimmage when we need him.

“We’ll see how we can work those guys in, maybe a first-down situation with one, a third-down situation with somebody else. (Maybe) play all four of them equal snaps. They deserve it.”

SPOTLIGHT: No. 6 LSU and No. 9 Texas will the big game nationally this week, with ESPN’s GameDay going to the Austin campus for its popular show. It will be the 28th time LSU has played a game where the show was hosted.

NEW BLOOD: LSU played 14 true freshmen Saturday, including starting cornerback/punt returner Derek Stingley and placekicker Cade York. York became the first LSU true freshman to kick a field goal in his first game, hitting from 39 and 48 yards.

RARITY: It has happened plenty of times in Southeastern Conference play. But Saturday’s game will mark the second time in its history that the Tigers have been in the top 10 and played a true nonconference road game against another top-10 team.

The other was in 1970 when No. 6 LSU lost 3-0 at No. 2 Notre Dame.

LSU and Texas last met in the Cotton Bowl following the 2002 season when the Longhorns won 35-20. The last meeting on one the school’s home fields was in 1954 in Austin.

Orgeron, despite his varied coaching background, has never coached in a game at Texas.

•COMBO: Orgeron said the play-calling collaboration between offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger and passing game coordinator Joe Brady went smoothly in the opener.

The way it’s set up, Orgeron explained, Ensminger has final say in calling the plays with Brady looking one play ahead and free to make suggestions.

Orgeron said “a bunch” of Brady’s suggestions were used.

“They communicated very well; (Ensminger) had an open mind” said Orgeron, who said he was listening in on the headphones. “He called a great game. Joe had some suggestions. Some went through, some didn’t … It’s both their ideas. I think they work great together.”

Saturday LSU vs. Texas 6:30 p.m., ABC

””

LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) passes as LSU Tigers offensive tackle Saahdiq Charles (77) creates a passing lane while blocking Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Mack Wilson (30) at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Saturday, November 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Lake Charles American Press, Kirk Meche)

Kirk Meche””

LSU Tigers linebacker Michael Divinity Jr. (45) makes the stop on Georgia Bulldogs running back Elijah Holyfield (13) during their SEC matchup at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (Rick Hickman/Lake Charles American Press)

Rick Hickman

SportsPlus

Crime

Sheriff issues warrant for Texas man accused of theft

Local News

Parish facility management team strengthening building infrastructure

Crime

LC woman killed in crash with intoxicated driver

Local News

If FEMA didn’t exist, could states handle the disaster response alone?

life

Program uses locally grown produce to help students with healthier eating habits

Crime

2/10: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

Local News

Eagles deny Chiefs a three-peat

Local News

Trump says he is serious about Canada becoming 51st state

Business

Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business

Local News

Crime & punishment: Amendment would allow more juveniles to be tried as adults

Local News

Guest commentary: Executive orders pivot US energy workers from defense to offense

McNeese Sports

Garcia, Parker lead Cowboys

McNeese Sports

Lady Demons drop McNeese

Local News

Lottery registration for Louisiana Fortify Homes Program grants open Feb. 12

Local News

10 honored for contributions to music during Black History Month Breakfast

life

SW La. school lunch menus Feb. 10-14

Local News

Moss Bluff bicyclist killed in late-night collision

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Landry tries to pull fast one

Informer

The Informer: Historic Arcade Theater destroyed in 1985 Thanksgiving Day fire

Crime

33-year-old LC man accused of indecent behavior

Jim Gazzolo

Jim Gazzolo column: Parity no cause for concern

Local News

US taxpayer funds went to foreign competition for domestic shrimpers

McNeese Sports

Cowboys look to regain touch