Insult to Injury: LSU Tigers Lose Star RB for Season in Agonizing Week 1 Loss to USC Trojans

The LSU Tigers lost more than just a game when they fell to the USC Trojans during their week one Sunday-before-Labor Day matchup.

Former five-star running back John Emery suffered another torn ACL in the game and is expected to be out for the remainder of the season.

LSU Tigers RB John Emery showed flashes of brilliance

In the matchup with the Trojans Sunday, Emery showed why he was a five-star running back coming out of high school.

Emery, who has been a member of the Tigers program since 2019, was finally looking to capitalize on an opportunity after suffering a torn ACL in the past. He did capitalize when he had the chance, averaging 6.1 yards per carry in the matchup with the Trojans.

Unfortunately for Emery, he managed to suffer another torn ACL, stripping him of any more opportunities for the 2024 season. Head coach Brian Kelly talked about how much of a battle it was for Emery to find his way onto the field for week one in an article from On3.

“I think the third thing was that he really did an incredible job rehabbing from the injury. Like compliance-wise. He was very committed to playing again. Like, if he was kind of so, so about playing — he was committed. He was gonna play,” Kelly said.

“So, when we added all that up, it just and Frank and I talked about it, said, ‘Look, we’ve got a kid here that a lot of things didn’t go his way, some of it was self-inflicted but he’s really shown that he wants to do this one more time.’ So, we sat down. We thought about it and we offered him the opportunity, and he had other offers out there and he felt like this was the best opportunity and we’re glad he’s back.”

The LSU Tigers could struggle to replace John Emery

While Emery managed to accrue over 1,000 yards rushing during his time with the Tigers, he was looking ahead to a more substantial role in Kelly’s offense in 2024.

He had 10 carries in the game against the Trojans before getting injured. If that number of carries continued for the rest of the season he would nearly double the amount of carries he’s had in any other season. It was safe to say the sixth-year senior was going to be a big part of the LSU offense.

Now, LSU is left with just three scholarship running backs as another scholarship running back, Trey Holly, is still suspended. Running backs Josh Williams and Kaleb Jackson will require help from freshman Caden Durham if they want to make it through the 2024 season with fresh legs.

Many fans feel intense sorrow for the constant misfortune that has plagued Emery’s career. They are in disbelief that Emery is once again out for the season.

Gotta feel for the kid

— General Will (@GamecockWill69) September 4, 2024

Wow. Absolutely gutted for him and I’m not even an LSU fan 🙏

— Bennett Lehmann (@DCBerk) September 4, 2024

This can’t be real life

— Garrett (@GarrettMiddlet9) September 4, 2024

Praying for this young man 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

— Amber M Holley (@AmberHolley05) September 4, 2024

Crushing for him! Keep plugging away John! Don’t give up man. You’re nfl quality

— Entrepreneur on a journey (@SMB_path) September 4, 2024

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