Probably the most intriguing match-up of the contest. As we all know by now, this years DL is a little smaller, yet faster and stronger than the units we've fielded in the past. It was essentially designed to shut down the spread, but we've had little trouble dominating pro-style teams this year, as well. However, this will easily be the best OL they'll face all year, so the power vs speed match-up will be interesting to see. I think this is where our depth and ability to rotate frequently is HUGE. Our starters will remain relatively fresh while the big OL of bama is wearing down.
I don't know that they will really wear down. Kind of like our OL. We wear down opposing DLs, but mostly, the starters play the entire game. That's the advantage of being able to rotate so many guys, though. They probably won't wear down, but we won't either.
I said this in another thread. The winner in the trenches will win the game. If bama can beat us up on the line we will lose. If our o line can give lee time to throw the ball it will open up the running game. With this balance, we will win. It's pretty simple. Bama has won every game by physically beating the chit out of the other team. If their o Line beats our d line up we lose. If our d line can stop the run without us loading the box we win. If we can throw the ball as we did aginst au, our running game will work and we win. If they can rush our qb without selling out on blitzes, were in trouble. Our offensive line must protect lee. That will open up our passing game and allow our running game to get traction. It all falls on the linemen. The better offensive line wins the power game. It's always been about the big nasties up front in power offenses. Bama and lsu has made it's living beating up other teams. The team that dominates the line wins it all.
Personally, I hope their OL is well rested throughout the game due to all the 3 and outs and their defense is stepping on their tongues by the middle of the 3rd quarter.
My concern is that Bama's OL is built for size and power, while our DL is built for speed and strength. How will our DL respond? I think they will adjust just fine. Bama's line is big, but they will not dominate our DL - too much talent & more importantly depth for that to happen. Richardson will get through some so our LB's will have to play well. I am not concerned about our OL vs their DL. They have a talented DL, but we have an equally talented OL. IMO, with Saban, the bigger concern is picking up blitzes, which I also think will be fine with Ware, etc - so long as Ford is only in for running plays.
They are in no way that inept at throwing the ball to warrant doing that. That would be foolish. They have a passing game and it must be respected as much as LSU's must be respected. By the same token, I have more confidence on blitzes that we cover well vs how Bama's secondary could hold up.
It's a good thing our FB is 280. IMO, we need to stretch Bama often, dump offs to ford/RB will be key... Our RBs must also deliver... No Eason our Oline wouldn't be up for this challenge.
And like I said on that other thread ... if the war in the trenches is a tie, we win ... we have more offensive weapons and a better deep coverage.
It seems to me that both Ware and Richardson get most of their yards AFTER CONTACT. They both run hard and I don't recall seeing alot of huge holes being opened up by the OL for untouched runs up the middle by either of those 2. I think the OL effectiveness in regards to run plays by Ware and Richardson are a wash. BUT, the OL effectiveness in pass protection is a different matter. I can only remember Jarrett Lee being sacked twice all year because of poor blocking on the OL during a pass play. On the other hand, McCarron has been sacked 8 times this year. I think our OL during pass plays is clearly better.
Lee's beens sacked 4 times .. JJ, 3 times. so 7 vs 8. it's a wash. However, I'll disagree with you on Ware and T.R. Trent is a break away power runner, he'll make you miss, then pick his path to maximize big gains. Ware will find the nearest person to hit once he gets past the line. It's like the guy gets a charge out of bustin' people's chops. Ware is good for that 3-9 yards ... T.R., has the ability to tag 20 or more on you in a heart beat. Issy is dead on with this one ... we are going to have to have GOOD Tackling! That's the way you stop Richardson.
