LSU vs Florida: Tigers In Need of a Win

The LSU Tigers, 4-2, 0-2, visit The Swamp this Saturday to take on the Florida Gators, 3-1, 2-1. It seems too early in the season to say it’s a must-win for LSU, but it really is. The Tigers are not accustomed to being in this position, starting 0-2 in SEC play for the first time since 2001, and experiencing major issues on both offense and defense.

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The problems on both sides of the ball have been well-documented in the media and the message boards. Hopefully, coming off the blowout loss to Auburn, the worst loss for LSU during the Les Miles’ era, the coaching staff can come up with the necessary adjustments to steer the Tigers back on course.

Oct 4, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Kenny Hilliard (27) carries agains the Auburn Tigers during the second half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn beat LSU 41-7. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

The Offense

Looking quickly at the quarterbacks, LSU does have a quarterback controversy of sorts on its hands, with both Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris taking turns as the starter. The way things stand currently, Miles stated this week that both quarterbacks are still in competition for the starting job. As to which one starts this Saturday at Florida, Miles said on Wednesday after practice “we’ll wait till we get to the game.” Needless to say, the Tigers will need the quarterbacks to play better than they have if the Bayou Bengals are to win an SEC game.

The other major problem on offense concerns the offensive line, which has been inconsistent at best. Whether this is due to the new OL coach this year or something else is difficult to say; the bottom line here is the OL has underperformed and improvement is needed.

As to the play calling, there is the question as to whether Cam Cameron’s game plans are playing to the quarterbacks’ and by extension, the strengths of the offense. There’s no question that the talent is there among the skill personnel. During Miles’ Wednesday night radio show, he was asked why LSU doesn’t run the spread offense with spread quarterbacks in Jennings and Harris – Miles responded “the quarterbacks were brought in to run our offense, spread or not.” He further stated that “We have a spread facet of our offense. I think our quarterbacks operate in that equally as the other styles of formations we have.”

LSU’s play calling has taken on much predictability with a run-first mentality, and opposing defenses, particularly the SEC teams the Tigers have played thus far, have planned for this.

The Defense

Oct 4, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) is defended by LSU Tigers safety Ronald Martin (26) during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

The strength of the defense going into the season was the defensive backfield; however, it has not been immune to the overall problems on defense. It’s somewhat of a domino effect, in that poor performance up front, e.g., lack of pressure on the quarterback, and weakness up the middle has adversely affected the play of the LSU secondary.

Some good news relative to the defensive tackle position is Miles stated on Wednesday that Quentin Thomas has practiced this week and should play on Saturday. Additionally, Trey Lealaimatafao has been cleared to play, although Miles is not certain when he will see action. Depth at DT has been an issue, and hopefully having these two players back in the rotation will help to shore up the defensive line.

Furthermore, Travonte Valentine has been practicing and is ready to go once he’s cleared by the SEC.

The middle linebacker spot has not been without its problems, and at this stage, Miles announced that Kendell Beckwith will see most of the action at MLB, replacing D.J. Welter.

What Can We Expect on Saturday?

Well, if there is good news for LSU, it’s that Florida has not been without its own struggles. The quarterback position stands out as a major issue for the Gators. Jeff Driskel will get the start. He has thrown six interceptions on the year, which does play to one of LSU’s strengths on defense, the Tiger secondary. Forcing some turnovers will likely be key in this contest, which on the surface has the appearances of being a low-scoring game.

Florida does have a strong running game, averaging nearly 190 yards per game rushing. In order to be successful, the LSU defense will need to find some answers in limiting the Florida rushing attack.

The Gators on defense are strong in rushing defense, but not so much in passing defense. If the Tigers can find some initial success in the passing game, this likely will assist in opening up the running game. Getting the ball to the Tiger playmakers is crucial.

Given what has been seen of both teams, expect a low-scoring contest. As I stated in my Q&A with Hail Florida Hail, I think LSU prevails in a close one, 21-17.

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