Starting cornerback Rashard Robinson will not start against Alabama tonight in Death Valley. It is uncertain at this moment why Robinson was suspended. Robinson is no stranger to sitting out games. The 6’3, 177 pound sophomore out of Florida was suspended for LSU’s season opener against Wisconsin the first game of this season. In the past, Rashard has struggled with academic eligibility issues, causing him to be demoted in Spring practice.
This season Robinson has one pass breakup and 17 tackles.
In his place, it is being reported by NOLA.com that Jalen Collins will get the start tonight. Collins is a 6-2. 198 pound Junior that has had a successful career when he gets playing time. This year alone, he’s played in all nine games, but only starting in four of those. He has 20 tackles, one for loss, and six pass breakups this season. During his freshman season Collins racked up two interceptions.
This might cause problems for the No.1 pass defense in the country against the very, very powerful offense Alabama presents. Amari Cooper is the second leading receiver in college football to date and LSU can’t afford not to have their best players on the field and tonight, two backup corners in Jalen Collins and Russell Gage will start.
Coach Nick Saban spoke earlier this week about this talented defense:
“Their defense has been outstanding, one of the most difficult teams to score on – No. 1 pass efficiency defense in the country. They are always ball-hawking. They create a lot of turnovers. Ball security is an issue when you play against these guys. They are outstanding on special teams and have very good specialists. This is a team that has really good players and they are really well coached.”
Lane Kiffin has all the weapons in Amari Cooper, DeAndrew White, and O.J. Howard to expose an inexperienced pair of cornerbacks, which could definitely be a huge set back for LSU’s number one pass defense.
*Section Photo credit to Al Messerschmidt, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Travis Spradling, Baton Rouge Advocate
