The first true test of the year comes next boys and girls, when the Gators come to town. Glad it's a night game, but this rivalry seems to be back to where it was last decade with this game.
Matchups.
Quarterback
This one is a push as far as I'm concerned, maybe an edge goes to Harris because of his mobility. We have seen defenses give Florida some trouble when they aren't balanced. Kentucky so far did the best job against them, the key for LSU will be the same thing that they key for Florida will be, make the quarterback beat you throwing the football. I look for Harris to have some big runs, as Josh Dobbs ran for over 100 on this defense as did Hurd for Tennessee. Zone read will work for LSU if they choose to do so.
Running back
LSU is clearly deeper and the 1 for LSU is the best in country, advantage LSU. Pound the football, wear out the defense, now that Guice has established himself as some lightning to Fournette's thunder, it will be hard to imagine Florida being able to stop this rushing attack for 4 quarters.
Wide Receivers
LSU is more talented, but will they be able to get out of their own way. This will be the toughest matchup for the Tigers because Florida has the best defensive backfield in the country. Hargreaves is a shut down corner. I see this as a push because while LSU has more talented receivers, it's going to be tough sledding for them.
Tight ends
Our tight ends are glorified linemen, so I'd give the edge to Florida in the passing game, and LSU in the running game.
Offensive line
LSU's offensive line is dominant in the running game. However they still have underperformed in pass protection, they were better against South Carolina but they will need to bring their A game. Florida has 19 sacks on the year and have given up 10 sacks. Can LSU pass protect? That's the question.
Defensive Line
Florida has a better line, but they still have to stop LSU's running game, so I think the edge goes to LSU. They have some players, Bullard and Bryan Cox Jr can play. Will Bower be back? Can Arden Key be disruptive like he was against Mississippi State? Can LSU stop the run and force Florida to be 1 dimensional? Godchaux is gonna have to bring it, so is Key, Neal, and LaCouture. This unit must play well.
Linebacker
LSU's weakest unit on defense. While Beckwith and Jones have played well against the run, neither have played that well against the pass, they will be responsible for tight ends and Florida's backs catching the ball out of the backfield, something that Florida does a lot. Jake McGee TE and Kelvin Taylor RB are both good at catching the ball. This unit will have to play out of its mind on Saturday. I think Beckwith, and Jones are better than Morrison, and Anzalone, but Florida plays better as a unit. Edge to LSU because they still have to stop LSU's rushing attack, something I don't think they can do.
Defensive Backs
Well, this year Florida is DBU. Mainly because of the outstanding play of Vernon Hargreaves. Teams are averaging 204 yards a game, and a little over 6 yards a completion on Florida. They haven't played as talented a corp of wide receivers as LSU though. Ole Miss was the best offense they faced but Ole Miss can't run the football. Edge to Florida on this one, but I look to LSU to have its best game in the secondary this season because Jalen Mills will be back. Having Mills in the game instead of Thomas makes LSU's secondary light years better. Mills is a much better coverage guy than Dewayne Thomas, and having Mills back not only makes the secondary better, it makes the entire defense better.
Special Teams
Florida could suck at special teams and still be better than LSU here this season. Wholesale changes need to be made. Keehn isn't punting well, LSU can't cover kicks. Florida's punter is averaging 45 yards a kick, however they really haven't returned anything over 40 yards this season. LSU needs to figure this shit out and soon because you can't spot a good team field position on every kick. Edge easily goes to Florida.
Coaching
I'm giving the edge to Les and company because I can't give it to a first year coach there even though he has a track record and has been a head coach before doesn't matter.
X factor
Death Valley at night and a freshman quarterback starting. This Grier kid has never seen anything like what he is going to see Saturday night, Death Valley, where dreams come to die. It can do things to young quarterbacks and Death Valley will be rocking.
What say you panel....
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