LSU Tigers

LSU's Arden Key Makes Another Bold Prediction

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Before the LSU Tigers had played a down, outside linebacker Arden Key was already making big promises. He began the season guaranteeing that he would finish 2016 with 20 sacks, and with the talent he posses, most people knew better than to question him.

The only thing getting between Key and that goal has been the determination of other teams to stop him. Almost every down the LSU defense has played this season, Key has either been double teamed or the play has been designed to go to the opposite side. Opponents respect him, and for good reason.

“It’s kind of frustrating that I’m not getting it, but they’re game-planning off of me,” Key said. “I’m still getting pressures, I’m still affecting the quarterback. But I’m also opening up the gateways for my other teammates to get sacks and that’s what they’ve been doing.”

Key is consistently putting numbers in the “quarterback hurries” category on the stat sheet, and it’s had a huge impact on the defense. His pressure is allowing his teammates to bring down opposing quarterbacks, and on multiple occasions this year, it has helped to create a turnover for the LSU defense.

But this week, Arden Key says it’s his turn.

“This game, I feel like I’m supposed to have 3 sacks. I don’t see a Laremy Tunsil anymore. We went back-and-forth last year. But I feel like that ain’t going to be there.”

Last year when Key was matched up with Tunsil, who would eventually be an NFL 1st-round draft pick, he was limited to just one tackle for loss and no sacks. Tunsil is a Dolphin now, and Arden says he’s ready to take advantage of hole he left behind.

The LSU Tigers open an extremely difficult stretch of conference games this Saturday against Ole Miss in Baton Rouge, and Ed Orgeron’s team will need everyone playing their best if they are to get off to a hot start. If Arden Key can bully the Rebels’ offensive line and get in the face of star quarterback Chad Kelly, the LSU defense will have a pretty good chance of shutting down the Ole Miss offense.

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