Joe Sloan took over as the offensive coordinator at Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2023, a significant role at one of the most storied programs in college football. Sloan, who arrived at LSU from an assistant coaching position at Louisiana Tech, faced high expectations as he inherited a program that was coming off an 10-4 season, with a strong foundation built by former head coach Ed Orgeron and the team’s star players. In this article, we will evaluate LSU’s offensive performance under Sloan’s leadership during his first season as offensive coordinator in 2023, examining various metrics, player development, scheme execution, and the overall offensive ranking within the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and nationwide.
1. Background on Joe Sloan and His Appointment
Before diving into LSU’s offensive ranking under Sloan, it’s essential to understand the context of his hiring and his background. Joe Sloan was brought in by LSU head coach Brian Kelly to replace the outgoing Mike Denbrock, who had left to pursue other opportunities after helping the Tigers to a solid first season under Kelly in 2022. Sloan’s hire was seen as part of Kelly’s effort to build a strong, multifaceted offense that could compete at the highest levels of college football.
Sloan had a reputation as an innovative and dynamic coach during his time at Louisiana Tech, where he served as the offensive coordinator. Under his leadership, Louisiana Tech’s offense consistently ranked among the best in Conference USA. His expertise in developing quarterbacks and understanding the nuances of offensive schemes made him an attractive candidate for a program like LSU, which required someone who could elevate its offense and compete against the elite SEC defenses.
2. The Transition to LSU
Transitioning to a new program, especially one with the expectations and pressure of LSU, was always going to present challenges for Sloan. LSU’s offense in 2022, while solid, had its own inconsistencies. Quarterback Jayden Daniels had shown flashes of brilliance but also struggled at times with consistency and decision-making. Additionally, LSU’s running game, while productive, was often more reliant on individual talent than a cohesive, system-driven approach.
Sloan’s primary objective in 2023 was to refine LSU’s offensive identity, implement his system, and make necessary adjustments to fit the personnel he had. He had to work with Jayden Daniels, who was returning for another year, and key skill players like Malik Nabers at wide receiver and a group of talented running backs.
3. Offensive Scheme and Philosophy Under Sloan
One of Sloan’s most significant impacts in 2023 was the way he adjusted the offense to fit the strengths of his players, particularly quarterback Jayden Daniels. As an offensive coordinator, Sloan is known for favoring a balanced offensive attack, combining elements of the spread offense, power running, and tempo-based approaches. He incorporated a lot of spread principles, using formations that stretched defenses horizontally while allowing Daniels to make quick reads in the passing game.
Sloan’s offense also leaned heavily on utilizing the quarterback as a dual-threat weapon. Jayden Daniels, who had shown his ability to make plays both through the air and with his legs in 2022, flourished in this system. Daniels’ ability to extend plays, make accurate throws on the run, and use his speed to avoid pressure gave Sloan the flexibility to open up the offense in new ways.
Another feature of Sloan’s offense was his emphasis on tempo. He often called for fast-paced, no-huddle sequences to keep defenses on their heels and dictate the tempo of the game. This was particularly effective when LSU faced less formidable defenses, but against stronger SEC competition, the offense often had to adjust its tempo depending on the circumstances.
4. LSU’s Offensive Ranking in 2023
In evaluating LSU’s offensive performance in 2023, one must consider several key metrics, including total offense, scoring offense, rushing and passing production, and red zone efficiency. Here is a breakdown of LSU’s offensive ranking in various categories during Sloan’s first year:
Total Offense
LSU’s total offensive production in 2023 was impressive. The Tigers averaged 474.2 yards per game, ranking 23rd nationally in total offense. This was a solid performance, especially considering the strength of LSU’s opponents in the SEC. The Tigers consistently moved the ball up and down the field, balancing a strong rushing attack with efficient passing plays.
Scoring Offense
One of the areas where LSU truly excelled was in scoring. The Tigers averaged 38.1 points per game, ranking 15th in the nation in scoring offense. This ranking reflected the effectiveness of the offense in both the running and passing game. LSU’s ability to put up points, particularly in key matchups against top-tier SEC defenses, highlighted the growth of the offense under Sloan.
Rushing Offense
LSU’s running game was another area of strength in 2023. The Tigers averaged 193.8 rushing yards per game, ranking 30th in the nation in rushing offense. A significant contributor to this success was Daniels’ ability to contribute as a rusher, often gaining valuable yards on scrambles or designed runs. Additionally, running backs like Josh Williams, Armoni Goodwin, and John Emery provided steady production in the backfield, helping to keep defenses honest.
The running game was further bolstered by a solid offensive line that was capable of opening up holes in both zone and power schemes. The mix of power running and mobility from the quarterback created a well-rounded ground attack.
Passing Offense
The passing offense was another critical element in LSU’s success. The Tigers ranked 43rd nationally in passing offense, averaging 280.4 passing yards per game. This was an impressive number, particularly in the SEC, where many teams are known for their elite pass defenses. Jayden Daniels improved significantly as a passer under Sloan’s tutelage. His completion percentage went up, and he became more adept at making quick decisions in the pocket.
A key contributor to LSU’s passing success was Malik Nabers, who emerged as one of the best wide receivers in the SEC. Nabers finished the season with over 1,300 receiving yards, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch. Additionally, tight end Mason Taylor was a reliable target in the middle of the field, giving Daniels a safety valve when under pressure.
Red Zone Efficiency
One of the most important statistics for any offense is red zone efficiency. LSU ranked 32nd in the nation in this category, converting 84.3% of their red zone opportunities into scores. This was a testament to the effectiveness of the offense in critical situations. Whether it was through the air or on the ground, LSU found ways to finish drives in the red zone and capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
5. Notable Games and Performances
There were several standout moments in 2023 that showcased LSU’s offensive prowess under Sloan. In the season opener against Florida State, despite a narrow loss, LSU’s offense showed promise with Daniels accounting for multiple touchdowns, including a long pass to Malik Nabers. This game, though a defeat, demonstrated the potential of the offense and served as a springboard for future success.
LSU’s victory over Ole Miss in Week 5 was another key highlight. In that game, Daniels threw for over 300 yards and rushed for over 100 yards, showing the balance and versatility of the offense. LSU’s ability to put up 45 points against an SEC West rival demonstrated how well the offense was clicking under Sloan.
In their regular-season finale against Texas A&M, LSU’s offense reached a new level of efficiency, putting up over 50 points in a dominant victory. The performance against the Aggies showcased how much the offense had developed under Sloan, especially in the passing game, as Daniels threw for over 350 yards and three touchdowns.
6. Conclusion
In Joe Sloan’s first season as offensive coordinator at LSU, the offense ranked as one of the top units in the country. With a total offense ranking of 23rd and a scoring offense ranking of 15th, LSU was able to move the ball effectively and score points at a high rate. The rushing offense, led by Jayden Daniels and a solid backfield, ranked 30th, while the passing game, buoyed by Malik Nabers and an efficient Daniels, ranked 43rd nationally.
Sloan’s ability to blend the running and passing games, along with his emphasis on tempo and quarterback play, made LSU’s offense one of the most dynamic in the SEC. While the offense still had areas to improve, such as consistency in big games, it is clear that Sloan made significant strides in revitalizing LSU’s offensive identity.
Looking ahead, as LSU continues to recruit and develop talent, the foundation that Sloan laid in 2023 should set the stage for even greater offensive success in future seasons.
