| It's difficult to win in the Southeastern Conference, or anywhere else really, when you don't have adequate blocking up front. It was most evident when LSU won the national title just two years ago, but it's a stark reminder that it's so vital when it's not there — like this season. That's why coach Ed Orgeron pointed to that during his weekly news conference Monday as the thing the current Tigers have to improve on as they move deeper into their conference schedule. Protection has been an issue throughout the season and Orgeron wants to shore up that area, especially with some big games coming up — starting with Saturday night's showdown with No. 22 Auburn in Tiger Stadium. When the Tigers don't have to use max protection for Max Johnson, meaning they don't have to keep a running back or tight end in to block, they might be able to do some of the things that record-shattering 2019 offense did. Sending more weapons out to put more pressure on defenses would be more conducive to having a balanced attack, forcing opponents to respect their anemic running game. Continuing with that theme, columnist Scott Rabalais says the Tigers are obviously scuffling to run the football. But he notes that there’s a whole college football nation out there full of teams with imperfections. Also Monday, Orgeron said there was nothing new to report on All-American cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who missed Saturday's game against Mississippi State with a foot injury. Orgeron did say that Stingley will see a doctor this week for his injured left foot. The junior from Baton Rouge was hurt in practice last Wednesday, re-injuring the same foot that caused him to most of preseason camp. In other news, the SEC announced LSU's Oct. 9 matchup with Kentucky will kick off at 6:30 p.m. with the contest to air on the SEC Network, and senior linebacker Damone Clark was named the league's defensive player of the week. Until next time, Sheldon Mickles | 
