Toby Weathersby set to return as LSU looks for a more “downhill” running game

By JAMES MORAN | Tiger Rag Associate Editor

LSU is getting one of its starting tackles back at just the right time.

Right tackle Toby Weathersby will return to the starting lineup as LSU travels to Oxford this weekend to take on Ole Miss, LSU coach Ed Orgeron said, but reinforcements will be ready if and when the junior needs a breather.

“Hopefully he can go the whole game, but I don’t know,” Orgeron said at his post-practice presser Thursday. “When a guy comes back, you just don’t know. We’ve got to be ready to spell him.”

That task will fall to Adrian Magee, who started in Weathersby’s place as LSU defeated Auburn 27-23 on Saturday.

It seems LSU is opting to return the versatile veteran to his jack-of-all-trades reserve role with Weathersby set to return.

“Adrian is going to have to play several positions for us,” Orgeron said. “He can play the left tackle position. He can play guard. He’s going to have to back up Toby when he needs a break. He’s our swing guy.”

Weathersby returns during a week that Orgeron has challenged his team to be more productive in the running game as running back Derrius Guice gets closer to full speed. Ole Miss has yielded 238.5 rushing yards per game and 5.5 yards per carry this season.

“Physical. Downhill. Do the things that we know how to do here at LSU,” Orgeron said. “We think this is the healthiest Derrius has been in a while. Hopefully we’ll see that on Saturday.”

Weathersby is also an asset in pass protection against a defensive line that’s the far-and-away strength of a leaky Rebel defense. Marquis Haynes leads Ole Miss with 4.5 sacks this season.

According to Pro Football Focus, Weathersby is the most effective tackle in the SEC in terms of pass protection, having allowed two pressures in 104 pass block snaps.