LSU Running Back to Miss Florida State Season Opener

The Tigers' suspension woes continue ahead of Camping World Kickoff.

Tommy Mire | Aug 31, 2023

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In less than four days, the ball will fly through the air at Camping World Stadium as the No. 8 Florida State Seminoles and the No. 5 LSU Tigers settle their "home and home" series as a country of college football fans flood the city of Orlando, Florida.

It appears the Tigers will be once again without a key piece in their running back rotation when they face the Seminoles, as RB John Emery Jr. is expected to miss the Sunday matchup due to undisclosed reasons.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly gave the news of the senior running back's availability on Wednesday, which will mark the third time Emery has missed a season opener for the Tigers. Academic issues sidelined him last year and he sat out the 2021 season. After serving a two-game suspension last year, the fifth-year senior would go on to rush for 375 yards with six touchdowns, starting twice in 11 games.

John Emery is "unavailable" to play against Florida State, Brian Kelly said. #LSU will lean on Logan Diggs, Josh Williams and Noah Cain at running back.
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) August 30, 2023

This will mark the second major piece for the LSU squad to miss the top-10 matchup on Sunday, as defensive tackle Maason Smith will also be unavailable while serving a suspension for an unauthorized NIL deal dating back to the rule change allowing players to benefit from their name image and likeness. Smith played one series against the 'Noles last season before suffering an injury in New Orleans.

Kelly plans to rely on Notre Dame transfer RB Logan Diggs, RB Josh Williams, and RB Noah Cain to carry the workload in Emery, Jr.'s absence.

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Published Aug 31, 2023

TOMMY MIRE

Tommy Mire joined NoleGameday in 2023 as a writer and editor. He initially worked as lead voice at SBNation's Tomahawk Nation and contributes to football, NFL and recruiting coverage. Connect with Tommy on Twitter at @TommyM3III