OK, here's my expert opinion so pay attention. I put the chance of Tebow playing at about 1%. Brantley is pretty good but young. If we can get a pass rush and if the fans really get into it LSU wins. I don't know if anyone has noticed but LSU has one of the best secondaries in the country. Hurry this kid, shake him up a little bit and we get some picks. A few blitzes would help too. I'm picking LSU in a close one.
Actually, this season we have seen the same LSU offense that played in the 2nd half of the Chck-fil-A Bowl. Led by a young, inconsistent QB, the Tigers ran 27 plays for 108 yards and scored 3 points in Atlanta.
Exactly! The boys need to hear & know that the fans are behind them! One of the guys mentioned CLM's enthusiasm and how the team "feeds off it". CLM always mentions the fans during his press conference, whether it's a road game or home game @ tiger stadium! The team needs confidence this week and I think we all realize there's a chance we may not win this game but, we all know that it CAN be done whether Tebow plays or not! 1) New qb who has never played @ night in Death Valley! 2) The loudest atmosphere in college football, not only to prove Coach Cryer wrong but, back to #1 (new qb, can't hear, being blitzed, nervous, having a bad azz defense all over him!) 3) Same new qb, can't run, not mobile and likes to pass....Chad Jones, get ready.....you could have a very interesting night! 4) CLM + team + LOUD fans + confidence = a win against the #1 Gators! Reading the remarks made by Florida fans saying we aren't in the same class as they are is bad enough, the guys don't need to think their fans are in agreement with them. CParso, you've always loved a good debate and you're good at it! Right now, I think everyone wants to stay positive & let that confidence show. I honestly believe we stand a very good chance of winning. This may not be the game where "it all comes together" but, I think it will be the game these guys want more than anything! After coming off a Georgia win, CLM will have them fired up and ready! :tigereye:Believe & be louder than you've ever been in your life Saturday night! The tiger fans need to show Florida they can't be silenced. We have something to prove! :geaux:
Here are my reasons why a Tiger win is completely within the realm of possibility. 1. The Tebow factor. If Tebow plays, he'll most likely be hesitant to get hit again and will take zero chances. If he does not play, as talented as John Brantley may be, Brantley will most likely have not have perfect rhythm with his receivers, center, and running backs in a live game situation. This could lead to some innoportune turnovers by the Gators. 2. Chavis' defense has gotten better each week and is evolving from a vanilla defense to one of more complexity with new wrinkles working their way into his schemes each week. There is zero film on these wrinkles, which makes it harder for Florida to draw up plays to counter them. 3. Like tectonic plates slowly building up pressure before an earthquake eases them, several of LSU's offensive skill players have not had breakout games and are way overdue. Randle, Tolliver, Keiland Williams, Charles Scott, LaFell, Shepard, or others will have a breakout game at some point? If more than player has a statement game, we win. 4. Lesticles. We've got 'em, Florida doesn't. Anyone else notice that all has been quiet on the Lesticles front? Time for a surprise fake, unexpected bomb on 4th and short, etc. 5. Tiger Stadium. Florida will be playing on our sacrificial alter instead of theirs. It's virgin sacrifice time.
I don't think you are wrong. I predicted a 10-2 season with losses to Florida and Bama and we're right on track for that. This is a minor rebuilding year for LSU and a springboard for a very promising 2010. Florida is not invincible and LSU can win . . . it just ain't very likely.
I agree with all of those factors. But I must balance them with these cold hard football facts: No team in the nation gains more yards per snap than Florida, at 7.7 yards every time the ball is snapped. Also, no team's defense is giving up fewer yards per opponent's snap, at 3.42 per snap. Here are NCAA stat rankings for UF and LSU: .............................UF...............LSU Rushing O................1................66 Pass Eff. O...............1................41 Total O...................3................99 Scoring O.................2................43 Sacks Allowed..........56...............93 3rd Down Converts.....2...............43 Red Zone O..............28...............80 Rush D....................17...............41 Pass Eff D.................1...............13 Total D.....................1................40 Scoring D..................2...............17 3rd Down D................9...............88 Sacks.......................67..............101 Red Zone D................19.............19 Turnover Margin...........42.............8 I surely hope they turn it over a lot, it's the only area that we're better.
Can LSU win this game? Absolutely. The best chance they could have is afforded to them. Saturday night, Death Valley, remembering last year's game, etc.. Can Florida Win? Absolutely. Tebow or not, they are the #1 team in the nation. They are very talented on both sides of the ball. By the way, Steve Spurrier just called.. He said it wouldn't be unheard of for LSU to knock off a #1 ranked Florida in Tiger Stadium. :wave: The weather looks like it may be a factor. This could actually help us a little by forcing Florida to run the ball. It'll do the same to us, but that's the kind of game Miles wants to play anyway. I'm just glad I'll be there for it.
