Written by Chad Potier
9/21/2010
The 15th ranked LSU Tigers play host to the 22nd ranked West Virginia Mountaineers on Saturday, and for a team looking to find its identity on offense, it's safe to say LSU will be relying heavily on its D. Both teams come in 3-0 but neither has been very impressive so far this season. LSU struggled against an undermanned UNC team in its opener, while WVU needed OT to beat Marshall in week 2. They both looked better in week 3, so here's what I expect in this SEC vs Big East matchup:
LSU - With a struggling Jordan Jefferson (33/57, 344 yds, 2 tds) at QB, look for a heavy dose of the run lead by Stevan Ridley (55 car, 318 yds, 2 tds). If Jefferson can get some time in the pocket, expect him to get the ball often and early to Rueben Randle ( 10 rec, 135 yds, 1 td). Other players on offense to keep your eyes on are RB Alfred Blue, WR's Russell Sheppard and Terrence Toliver.
On defense LSU had a excellent game against Mississippi State, including 5 int's from CB's Patrick Peterson and Morris Claibourne and defensive tackle Drake Nevis. They allowed only 1 score for the Bulldogs. Expect more of the same and an increased pass rush.
WVU: After playing much better in week 3 against Maryland, WR's Tavon Austin ( 21 rec, 281 yds, 2 tds), Jock Sanders (19 rec, 214yds, 1td) and Stedman Bailey (9 rec, 132 yds, 2 tds) are giving QB Geno Smith (74/107 800 yds 7 tds) some nice targets. Helping add balance to the Mountaineers offense are RB's Noel Devine (73 car, 354 yds, 2 tds) and Ryan Clarke (25 car, 107 yds, 1td).
The obvious goals for WVU on defense are to put pressure on Jefferson, stop the big plays, and to try to contain the run game.
While I do expect LSU to win this one, I can see a scenario where, if LSU is looking ahead 2 weeks to Florida, rather than staying focused on the game at hand, they could be in trouble.
LSU - With a struggling Jordan Jefferson (33/57, 344 yds, 2 tds) at QB, look for a heavy dose of the run lead by Stevan Ridley (55 car, 318 yds, 2 tds). If Jefferson can get some time in the pocket, expect him to get the ball often and early to Rueben Randle ( 10 rec, 135 yds, 1 td). Other players on offense to keep your eyes on are RB Alfred Blue, WR's Russell Sheppard and Terrence Toliver.
On defense LSU had a excellent game against Mississippi State, including 5 int's from CB's Patrick Peterson and Morris Claibourne and defensive tackle Drake Nevis. They allowed only 1 score for the Bulldogs. Expect more of the same and an increased pass rush.
The obvious goals for WVU on defense are to put pressure on Jefferson, stop the big plays, and to try to contain the run game.
While I do expect LSU to win this one, I can see a scenario where, if LSU is looking ahead 2 weeks to Florida, rather than staying focused on the game at hand, they could be in trouble.
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