This is just a prelude to my full Bama-LSU breakdown, but I fully expect this to be a VERY close game. I present the keys to the game: Field Position/Special Teams: If one team has to drive an extra 20 yards each time they get the ball, they will have a much tougher time scoring. Advantage: LSU based on... everything. Better kick offs, punting, and returns. Turnovers: If one team turns the ball over & the other doesn't, there's a huge swing in momentum as well as field position & scoring opportunities. Advantage: LSU based on Tyrann Mathieu and our offense's ball control. Big plays (> 20 yards): If one team can get a few big plays, they move the ball downfield, increasing their chances of scoring and/or making the other team's field position worse. Advantage: LSU based on our QB's ability to throw down-field via play-action passes. Ability to over-come Adversity: It will be a tight game, but one team will go up on the other and the other team will have to keep it's poise to make a big play. Advantage: ????? :yelwink2: What do you think? But, but, but WHY NOT LINE OF SCRIMMAGE, RUNNING GAME, QB PLAY, WHATEVER? Because LSU & Bama are pretty evenly matched in all these areas. Thus, they will not be the deciding factor.
Jefferson's passing game will yield two BIG plays. We're going to need them with Trent Richardson's. JJ is going to shock CFB fans showing how much he's improved with a real coach- book it.
Key battles: 1. Our Linebackers vs Trent Richardson We have to be disciplined, gap controlled and sure tackling like never before 2. Which OC is going to be more aggressive with the passing game? Play action pass is going to open up some big gains, who pulls the trigger more often? 3. Our O-line vs Bama's 3-4 front 7 First time facing a (true) 3-4 defense all year (WVU has some funky version of it, but this one is NFL style 3-4). Entirely different blocking scheme employed. Different looks for our QBs. I think LSU has one of the top 5 offensive lines in the nation and this is the best matchup on the field come Nov 5th. I agree with everything you posted CParso: 1. Turnovers are in LSU's favor 2. Punting and field position are in LSU's favor 3. Redzone TD conversion in LSU's favor (80 % vs 59 %)
Field position .. I agree ... advantage LSU. Turnovers .. I disagree. 5 of the 8 turnovers for Bama were in the first game. Both teams have given up 3 since then. Non issue ... except, I do expect McCarron to throw and int before Lee. [this is where RWilliams point comes into play .. it will depend on how well our OLine holds up against their rush and protects Lee] Big Plays ... I disagree. I say it is a tie. If our defense let's McCarron get off that rinky dinky screen pass to T.R., it will turn into a big play. We counter that with a more potent down field pass threat with better WRs. Adversity ... who knows. .. I'm inclined to give it to LSU, because Lee has experience at comming back from behind. McCarron has never been behind. BUT .. he did a good job against TN when it was tied ..but again, it was that rinky dinky screen to T.R. that made the difference.
lsu is going to have to beat them, bama wont turn it over 3 times, it wont be easy for randle to go over the top of their corners, and lee will not have all day in the pocket like he has all season. lsu hasnt had to fight for squat yet. they have either outclassed the oppt or the oppt has flinched. i dont think either will happen next week. we'll see
Offense v. Defense - Meh.. We all know the battle that's going to take place on these fronts. It could go either way for either team. That said, here's some other things of note.. Penalties - Neither team can afford to make the kind of mistakes that put the other team in a favorable position. Turnovers - This can be the death-blow to both teams. As it stands, LSU has been very good in this area. (drum roll) ... and here's one of the biggest keys not many have mentioned...Well, a couple have. Special Teams Play (Brad Wing vs. Marquis Maze) - Wing has consistently pinned opponents deep in their own territory, and by doing so he has allowed LSU's smothering coverage to get downfield and make the stop. Marquis Maze has consistently eaten up return yards and is currently 2nd in the nation in punt returns. LSU will have to be able to pin Bama back deep, forcing them to drive the length of the field against our stupidly fast and greedy defense to get any points. Bama on the other hand, will have to be able to hold off LSU's coverage to allow Maze to get into space and shorten the field for their drives. In my opinion, over the course of the game this could be the single most important battle on November 5th. If Wing can make the field long for them, I like our chances.
1) run the ball well 2) stop the run 3) convert first downs with play action 4) get turnovers 5) don't turn the ball over 6) block, block, block and block some more on the o line 7) pressure the qb sound quality football wins this game. Balance and composure. No stupid penalities. Move the chains. Tackle well. Block , block and block your arse off. Did I mention block your arse off? Well I will say it again, block your arse off.
It's going to be interesting to see how this team would respond if they were down 2 touchdowns. I think LSU has trailed for all of 6 minutes this entire season. I would rather not find out how they respond, because I don't want to be down 2 touchdowns. But interesting nonetheless. Agreed CParso, 2 biggest things are turnovers, and field position. Both Coaches aren't scared to kick field goals all day.
