LSU: A closer look

CONDITIONS

WEDNESDAY’S WEATHER: Partly cloudy and 92 degrees during the hottest part of the afternoon, which took place after LSU’s practice.

WEDNESDAY’S FORECAST: 88 with a 40 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms at 4 p.m., when LSU’s scrimmage is set to begin.

COMING UP

After mini-scrimmage Tuesday and a single practice Wednesday, the Tigers are set for their second preseason scrimmage at 4 p.m. Thursday in Tiger Stadium.

IN FOCUS
J.C. Copeland

NO.: 44
POSITION: FB
HEIGHT: 6-1
WEIGHT: 280
CLASS: Jr.
WHAT HE’S DONE: A converted defensive lineman, Copeland emerges from sharing the fullback duties with James Stampley last season into more of a full-time role in 2012. He played in all 14 of LSU’s games, starting four, but had just two carries for no net yards.

AT HIS BEST: With his size and strength, Copeland is like a sixth offensive lineman on the field for LSU, blowing open holes for a fleet of tailbacks. Second level would-be tacklers beware.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN: Copeland hasn’t had much of a chance to prove himself as an offensive weapon, and there will likely be times this season when he is called upon in short-yardage situations. How he responds could be critical in a tight contest.

NUMBERS TO KNOW

0 Number of times LSU has led the nation in any major offensive category (scoring, total yards, passing, rushing).

6 Number of times LSU has led the nation in any major defensive category (scoring, total yards, rushing).

1,172 Total number of games LSU has played since 1893 (733-392-47).

WORTH REPEATING

“I think we’re going to be a lot more productive than we were last year considering all the talent we have coming back on the offensive line and at running back. We have an almost experienced quarterback who can make plays in the pocket and who is comfortable back there. So I think we have the assets to do anything we want to do.”

—Copeland

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Defensive tackle Bennie Logan was given No. 18 this season, considered a mark of leadership and honor on the LSU team in a tradition that started with Jacob Hester in 2007. It’s something that Logan takes quite seriously. “I can’t be complacent,” he said. “When you have that number on … you’re depended on to be a leader.”

DIGITAL FOOTBALL

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