The last home game the LSU Tigers lost was against Florida in 2009, since then they have been on a 13 home game win streak. Head Coach Les Miles, who is 3-3 versus Florida, and the Tigers, will be looking to extend that streak. This is one historical matchup, since Florida and LSU have played each other annually since 1971, and this is the seventh straight game in which both teams are ranked within the top 25. But this annual rivalry could be coming to end with the entrance of Texas A&M into the SEC, who will most likely be put in the West Division, and thus creating an imbalance in scheduling. This would mean LSU would have to play Texas A&M every year and possibly drop the annual Florida game. Just some food for thought. Now onto the moment we have all been waiting for….the LSU vs. Florida preview.
Prediction: LSU 31-UF 13
[caption id="attachment_91" align="alignright" width="300" caption="There is nothing like Death Valley on a Saturday night. Too bad the game is during the day"]
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LSU
This will be the first ranked opponent the Tigers play at home this year, after defeating three ranked opponents on the road. LSU will continue their hunt for the National Championship by facing arguably their most talented opponent so far. The game will
be played at 2:30 in Tiger stadium, but I need not bore you with statistics showing how the Tigers have a higher win percentage (.780) during night games than (.500) during day games. Florida leads the series at Tiger Stadium 16-13. LSU’s win over Florida last year snapped a two game losing streak in the series.
LSU’s defensive powerhouse
Turnovers are a huge part of LSU’s game plan. The Tigers have caused 12 turnovers this season, while racking up 59 points off of turnovers. One thing that makes this defense so powerful is the depth and talent at every position. Miles is able to sub a lot of players in and out without losing any talent. This accounts for six players already having 20 tackles or more. Another benefit of rotating players almost every play is that it keeps the offense confused and makes the defensive schemes harder to read. Miles will rely on his defense to continue making big plays in order to give the mediocre LSU offense more chances as well as good field position.
Secondary keeps on forcing turnovers
Junior Mo Claiborne has lived up to his preseason First-Team All-SEC selection. Joined in the secondary by senior Brandon Taylor and talented sophomores Eric Reid and Tharold Simon, the LSU secondary allows Tyrann Mathieu to roam around the field wreaking havoc. The LSU back line may be the top unit in the country, despite allowing West Virginia’s Geno Smith to throw for over 300 yards.
Defensive line solid across the board
The Tigers defensive line has been a dominant force this season, only allowing one rush for over 15 yards all season. Sophomore Sam Montgomery was named the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after posting six tackles, two for loss and a one and half sack
against Kentucky. Joined on the outside of the defensive line with dynamic sophomore Barkevious Mingo, juniors Kendrick Adams and Lavar Edwards, the Tigers have registered 44 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Combined with sophomore Michael Brockers and Bennie Logan inside, as well as stud freshman Anthony Johnson, the inside of the Tigers line has held opposing rushers to roughly 60 yards per game.
Line backers are teams’ unsung heroes
The linebacker core, thought to be the weak spot for the Tigers entering the season, has received solid play from vocal leader senior Ryan Baker and sophomore Kevin Minter. Converted safeties Karnell Hatcher and Stefoin Francois have added a new wrinkle in defensive coordinator John Chavis’s defensive scheme.
LSU Offense looks to prove itself as a national championship caliber force
Miles is known for running a run first, ground and pound mentality offense that sets up the play action pass. However, fifth year senior Jarrett Lee has completed 59.3 percent of his passes with seven touchdown passes and just ONE INTERCEPTION! This might be a pleasant surprise for Tiger fans considering Lee’s debut season was plagued with interceptions. Lee set the NCAA career record for most interceptions returned for touchdowns- in his freshman season- with seven. Lee has looked better than ever this year. Once debatably the most hated college QB, Lee has been in the hot seat for so long perhaps he is used to the pressure and now playing with a chip on his shoulder. The return of Jordan Jefferson will also add to the Tiger’s arsenal. Jefferson is known for being a more mobile quarter back that will make defenses pay giving him too much room in the pocket. Jefferson saw limited action in his season debut after being reinstated from a four game suspension. Miles seems to be quite confident with Lee and will give him the start versus Florida. However, expect to see more action from Jefferson as the season unfolds.
Running backs carry the workload
Les Miles is enjoying having a trio of sophomore leading the Tigers in rushing. Spencer Ware, who did not play most of the game against Kentucky due to minor injury, and Michael Ford both have over 300 yards rushing this season. Alfred Blue has also been valuable to the offense with 146 yards and three touchdowns this season. Miles relies on the run game in order to sustain drives, increase time of possession and to set up the big play action pass.
Wide receivers look to bring more consistency
True freshman Odell Beckham Jr. leads the Tiger’s offense with 20 receptions for 268 yards and two touchdowns. Junior Rueben Randle is a close second with 19 catches for 319 yards and three touchdowns. Junior Russell Shepard returned from a three game suspension against West Virginia and will be the Tiger’s home run threat. Senior tight end Deangelo Peterson provides the Tigers with a big target down the middle of the field.
Offensive line fights on despite injury
The Tigers offensive line has provided the team with stability and leadership. Without senior guards T-Bob Hebert, who is day-to-day and Josh Dworaczyk, who is out for the season, LSU’s depth filled in admirably. Both offensive linemen Greg Shaw and Josh Williford have played in their two seasons at LSU in back up roles. Shaw stepped in for left tackle Chris Faulk against Mississippi State.
“We expect the offensive line to be physical, come off the football and to handle the front seven of the opponent,” Miles said. “It does not make a difference which guy we put it. It is their responsibility to that. I have been pleased with Greg Shaw. In a number of games he has stepped in and played a number of snaps. Josh Williford had a full slate last Saturday and I thought he played pretty well. It is a mark of a team to be able to put five guys
into the game, change the lineup and still come up with productivity.”
Florida
Florida will look to bounce back from a loss at Alabama. The loss of starting QB John Brantley is a huge blow to Florida’s offense. I’m not saying Jeff Driskel isn’t talented, but making your first college start at one of the most intimidating stadiums in all of college plus facing a defense like LSU’s would be a tough challenge for any quarterback.
Offensive Speed kills
The combination of fifth year senior running back Chris Rainey and senior Jeff
Demps is the two headed monster of Florida’s offense. Rainey leads the Gators in both rushing (415 yards, 2 TD) and receiving (246 yards, 2 TD) this year. Demps is a speed demon and a good compliment to Rainey in the backfield. Together, Rainey and Demps have produced more than half (.512) of the total offensive yards for Florida. In order to
beat LSU, Demps and Rainey will have to bring their A game. Sophomore Trey Burton is listed as a running back, but his versatility plays a huge factor for Florida’s offensive schemes. Florida relies on its offensive speed to make plays considering most of their passes are behind the line of scrimmage.
Offensive Line is inexperienced
Heading into the 2011 season, Florida’s returning offensive line had only a combined 26 starts. This is the lowest among returning offensive linemen since 2006. Left tackle Xavier Nixon is the most experienced line men with 18 starts under his belt for the Gators. Senior Dan Wenger is a transfer from Notre Dame and earned a starting role during the offseason. This offensive line will be put to the test by LSU’s relentless defensive line.
Florida’s defensive power comes from defensive line
The defensive line has a good mix of veteran and young players. Seniors Jay Howard and Omar Hunter have combined for 34 career starts on the interior of the line. Florida will look to get more pressure out of its d-line. Last season UF only had 21 sacks, the lowest since 2002. Sophomores Sharrif Floyd and Ronald Powell were named to the 2010 SEC All-Freshman Team last season and are looking to have a breakout season this year.
Secondary will look to take advantage of LSU’s shaky pass offense
Sophomore safety Matt Elam is third on Florida’s defense with 22 tackles, and was a key playmaker during the Florida FAU game. The Gators have high expectations for the young safety and will expect him to shut down LSU’s receivers. Sophomore Cody Riggs, who had 18 tackles and one interception as a true freshman last season, is hoping to continue his respectable performance against the Tigers. With these young players in the secondary, one might think being in a hostile environment might be a challenge for the Gator’s
backfield.
Gators will rely on physical line backing core to diminish LSU’s run game
The linebacking group is lead by junior Jon Bostic and sophomore Jelani Jenkins. Jenkins is tied for first in tackles among returners, totaling 104 tackles in his career with 7.5 tackles for a loss. Bostic leads the Gators with 29 tackles this season including four tackles for a loss. If Florida plans on stopping the run it will be to Bostic and Jenkins credit.
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