Les Miles has said over and over again that this team will run the football. UNC's defense is very good across the board, and especially in the front 7. I know we "cain't know"... But what's your gut tell you? Will LSU be able to run on this defense, and what will it take to make that happen? Personally, I think JJ is going to have to hit Shep and Peterson in the seam between the LBers and Safeties on a couple of play action routes to loosen them up. At that point, I think we are in business. If that doesn't happen, then UNC's talented front 7 may make this a long day for the offense. Of course if JJ can hit RR and TT on flag routes a few times, that might keep the chains moving as well....:thumb: But the topic is the running game...
For forty plus years, I've always felt optimistic about LSU beating who ever we are playing. However, from a rational point of view, none of us knows what to really expect, especially after last year's offense.
I think we will be able to run, as long as we keep the running between the tackles, thier de's are pretty good at containment. also we can't run plays that take a long time to develope...We need to hit the holes hard, and take what they give us...good thing about people stacking the box against us is that if you can get past the first level, with speed like shep and murphy you can pick up yardage in chunks But your right a few good passes will make things alot easier... i expect Shep to break one on a handoff similar to what he did last season against Auburn....
Expect teams to load the box until LSU's QB's prove they can read a defense and hit open receivers. If they can do that, LSU will be able to run on anyone. If not it will look eerily like last years offense.
I think we'll be able to run, but I think more of a finesse run game will win it. UNC's DLine is loaded, and I think we can nullify them if we spread the field. I think IF we run from the Shotgun in 3-4 WR sets, then we will be able to move the ball on them while their DEs are rushing upfield at Jefferson. I know Miles wants to pound the ball with two TEs, but Peterson isn't the best blocker, and Austin and Quinn will create havoc for them. I think we have some success with power running, but better success with a more finesse run game.
We'll be able to run if we set up the run by passing the ball. Take a traditional approach to it and you're doomed to utter failure.
My gut tells me that we will be able to, but it won't be pretty to start off with. Judging by the people we have returning and what has been said on this forum and in the advocate regarding newer people, I think that we will probably see more mixing at tailback than we did last year. I look for Murphy, Ridley, and Ford to mix up regularly, with Sheppard for the occasional off balance. But, in order to run against them, I think we are going to have to throw out anything that takes too long to develope. Witht the attrition we've seen on the offensive line, and the fact that Stud is still here, I'm worried that they will cream us if we try too many options/WR sweeps/draws. I also think that we will probably see a little of last year's playcalling at first, then giving way to better judgment. Overall, I think we can ran against them, but I'm not looking for 200+ yards on the ground.
