Tigers Will Split Punting, Backup QB Duties per Kelly

Brian Kelly addressed reporters a final time before Sunday’s kickoff.

Among the updates he gave was the plan for the specialists. The head coach announced that Peyton Todd will be the holder on field goal tries for returning placekicker Damian Ramos.

Todd and Louisiana Tech transfer Blake Ochsendorf will share punting duties as the season begins.

“We want to include the ability to rugby punt for sure,” Kelly said. “Jay Bramblett was not somebody that felt comfortable in a rugby fashion. He wanted to be a down the line kicker, but Blake is accomplished in that and feels comfortable in that Aussie, rugby type environment. Peyton Todd is much more of a down the line guy, so it gives us two weapons.”

Kelly was asked about his backup quarterback behind Garrett Nussmeier, and, like punting, he alluded to shared duties between AJ Swann and Rickie Collins.

“We think they have different skill sets, and we’re going to utilize both of them to give us the best No. 2 situation.”

Swann started 12 games over two years at Vanderbilt. Collins, a former three-star prospect, redshirted last season at LSU.

On the injury front Kelly confirmed that senior guard Miles Frazier will be ready to play. Wide receiver Chris Hilton, who has missed more than a week with a bone bruise, remains questionable for the game.

LSU isn’t expected to rely on many true freshmen early on in the season, but Kelly singled out defensive tackle Ahmad Breaux, cornerback PJ Woodland and safety Dashawn Spears as freshmen likely to see the field.

LSU and USC will kick things off Sunday at 6:30 central in Las Vegas.