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Harold Perkins’ usage draws heavy criticism from fans, media in loss to FSU
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Harold Perkins was expected to be a major factor in LSU’s season-opener against Florida State on Sunday night.
That ended up not being the case.
Perkins, who emerged as one of college football’s top pass rushers in 2022, was largely limited to an off-ball linebacker role against Florida State.
That decision severely limited what he was able to do as a pass rusher against FSU quarterback Jordan Travis. Perkins finished the game with just 5 total tackles (2 solo). He didn’t record any havoc plays in the loss.
Last season as a freshman, Perkins broke out with 13.5 tackles for loss and 7 sacks as he helped the Tigers win the SEC West.
Without Perkins as a threat off the edge, LSU struggled to pressure Travis. The Tigers did not record a sack in this game and were credited with just 4 quarterback hurries.
The result was a (mostly) clean pocket for Travis, who fully took advantage of the opportunity. He threw for 342 yards and 4 touchdowns in the game.
Here’s some of the reaction to how Perkins was used:
LSU has one of the most explosive pass-rushers in the nation and they're asking Harold Perkins to stand there and spy Jordan Travis as he throws bombs down field instead of rushing him.
I don't get it.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) September 4, 2023
Defense back on the field. LET HAROLD PERKINS RUSH THE PASSER.
— The Jordy Culotta Show (@CulottaShow) September 4, 2023
imagine if LSU had a guy like harold perkins creating pressure alongside wingo
— Bryce Anderson SZN (@HtxAg19) September 4, 2023
Hope Harold Perkins really enjoys the way he’s being utilized right now
If only a specific head coach offered for him to play whatever role on defense he was most comfortable in
— Jaxson Callaway (AT) (@AggiesToday) September 4, 2023
LSU lost this game by not using Harold Perkins as an EDGE and keeping Daniels in at QB.
— Zack Eisen (@zackeisen21) September 4, 2023
If Harold Perkins isn’t on the edge next time out, I don’t know what the hell to tell ya.
— Jarrett Smith (@Jarrett_Smith) September 4, 2023
They have Harold Perkins out of position. #How #PerkPassRusher
— Jordy Culotta (@JordyCulotta) September 4, 2023
Is Harold Perkins just going to be an off ball LB today?
Some bad coaching on both sides tonight
— Aidan Doc? (@AidanDoc_) September 4, 2023
I don’t mind the LSU OL struggling with FSU’s front, that’s not surprising.
I’m begging LSU’s decision makers to
find a better way to use Harold Perkins moving forward. Dude needs to be moving toward the line of scrimmage if their defense is going to be worth a damn.— David Helman (@davidhelman_) September 4, 2023
It’s criminal what they are doing to Harold Perkins
— Mark Scott (@mark_scott_04) September 4, 2023
I don’t mind losing, but we are getting DOMINATED. Our offensive line was supposed to be our strength. Jaden Daniels was supposed to be markedly improved. Harold Perkins was supposed to be all-world.
We look like we did last year. All the adjustments in the 2nd half were by FSU
— Bradford (@LSUbradford) September 4, 2023
Harold Perkins was schemed out of the game by ourselves
— Balcony Bengals (@BalconyBengals) September 4, 2023
FSU scheming Harold Perkins out of the game? Think you're crediting the wrong (Insert letter here)SU for that feat. https://t.co/OY7gAzefXo
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) September 4, 2023
Watch Harold Perkins on that play. What is he doing?
— FootballScoop (@FootballScoop) September 4, 2023
Turning Harold Perkins into a bystander takes coaching talent. You gotta work hard to do that
— James Moran (@SmartestMoran) September 4, 2023
Someone remind the coaches that Harold Perkins is the best pass rusher in the country. #LSU has no edge rush. Maybe let 4 give it a shot.
— Noah Tingle (@noahbtingle) September 4, 2023
LSU has game planned Harold Perkins out of the game. It’s hard to mess a player up as good as Perk is.
Get out of the odd front. Put Greg Penn inside and put #4 on the edge.
— Jordy Culotta (@JordyCulotta) September 4, 2023
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
