A cursed season for LSU’s star pass rusher will apparently continue through the team’s postseason as well.
Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron, speaking at a signing day press conference in Baton Rouge on Wednesday evening, confirmed that edge rusher Arden Key, as well as linebackers Corey Thompson and Donnie Alexander, will be among the starters who won’t play in the Citrus Bowl against Notre Dame on New Year’s Day.
Arden Key will not play in the Citrus Bowl, #LSU coach Ed Orgeron announces
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 20, 2017
Orgeron also confirms our report that Corey Thompson and Donnie Alexander will not play in the Citrus Bowl for #LSU.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 20, 2017
Cameron Gamble will also miss the bowl game, as he's ineligible, Orgeron said.
Key has been dealing with hand and knee injuries throughout the 2017 season and has missed time on the field and during practice for LSU this year. He’s projected as a first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft so it seems likely that his career in Baton Rouge is over even if he pops up on the sidelines of the Citrus Bowl.
Just as big of a loss is that of Thompson and Alexander, the latter who has dealt with shoulder problems this season as well. Given the Irish’s ground game is one of the better attacks in the country with two first round picks at left tackle and left guard, it goes without saying that LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda will be earning every bit of his salary over the next few weeks.
Based on the team’s depth charts, it appears that freshman K’Lavon Chaisson will replace Key, freshman Tyler Taylor will take Alexander’s spot, and sophomore Michael Divinity will take over for Thompson. Not exactly the news you want to hear if you’re a fan of the Tigers though such absences might be music to Notre Dame running back Josh Adams’ ears once he gets to Orlando.