LSU rushing offense
vs. Oregon State rushing defense
It is no secret that the only
weakness LSU has on the offensive side of the ball is a big question mark at
quarterback. Marcus Randall has tasted experience, but is still a bit green.
However, the Tigers rushing attack is in no way is question as LSU ground game
came together at midseason last year, bolstered by the emergence of
then-freshman Justin Vincent and Alley Broussard. Teams in the Pac-10 throw the
ball and are used to defending the pass, this is the SEC where teams run the
ball. Watch as a LSU’s mammoth offensive line clears a path through the OSU
front seven and Vincent and Broussard run wild.
Advantage:
LSU
LSU passing offense
vs. Oregon State passing defense
Much like the LSU Tigers, the
Oregon State secondary returns three of four starters, with the exception of its
strong safety – same as LSU. Cornerbacks Aric Williams and Brandon Browner and
free safety Mitch Meeuwsen return to a secondary that was second in the league
in pass defense a year ago. Granted, the 204 yards per game were surrendered in
the Pac-10. With Marcus Randall making his first start in 14 games and almost
two years, we will tip our cap to the Beavers
Advantage: Oregon
State
Oregon State rushing
offense vs. LSU rushing defense
You will see a common trend here,
if it has anything to do with defense, we are pretty much going to give the
Tigers the nod. Bigger and faster than a season ago, the Tiger stoppers should
again be the class of college football in 2004. For OSU, gone is Stephen Jackson
and his 1,545 yards from a year ago. Dwight Wright steps in at tailback,
however, the only steps he will be taking is backwards. The Tigers led the
nation in rushing defense a year ago, expect much of the same in
2004.
Advantage:
LSU
Oregon State passing
offense vs. LSU passing defense
We hope you see a pattern forming
in terms of the defense. Like we have said countless times, throughout the
spring, summer and in our football preview, teams will be hard pressed to pass
against LSU’s star-studded secondary. Three of four starters are back, including
all-everything corners Corey Webster and Travis Daniels. Oregon State
quarterback Derek Anderson is talented but has a knack of throwing the ball to
the wrong team. Combined with LSU’s blanket coverages and vicious pass rush,
Anderson is going to wish coach Mike Riley had agreed to wearing OSU’s black
uniforms – because the back of his shiny white jersey is going to be awfully
dirty.
Advantage:
LSU
LSU special teams
vs. Oregon State special teams:
Special teams is an area where the
Tigers possess one of its biggest question marks – punting. Donnie Jones is gone
to the NFL after three years as the Tigers punter. Patrick Fisher is having no
trouble with distance, but his hang time is in question. Saban continues the
rotation at place kicker between Chris Jackson and Ryan Gaudet and Skyler Green
led the nation in return yardage last season…. Ahem, don’t think there are any
problems there. Oregon State lost their kicker and punter from last season and
will be breaking in new personnel at both positions Saturday.
Advantage:
LSU
Intangibles:
With all of Saban’s talk of
climbing the mountain, being at base camp and not discussing the Tigers 2003
national title, some would expect LSU to come into this game a little cocky, a
little arrogant, walking with a certain swagger. Well, yes – all of the above.
However, Saban doesn’t make the money he does to allow his team to come into a
game in which they are the defending national champions and not perform up to
their ability. We have already seen USC survive a scare of epic proportions
fending off an upset-minded Virginia Tech team. Oregon State will look to play
spoiler on Saturday. However, with all the pageantry and emotions surrounding
LSU’s first game as defending champions, ESPN Gameday on campus, don’t expect
the Tigers to be flat. But one thing you can bet on, although they say it is no
big deal, be on the lookout for some wide eyes wearing orange and white jerseys
at kickoff.
Advantage:
LSU
Prediction:
Will Marcus Randall be ready? Can
the defense live up to expectations of being better than a year ago? Will the
Tigers come out flat and struggle? All relevant questions and ones to be taken
into consideration with a dangerous team like Oregon State coming into Tiger
Stadium. As for Randall, if the Tigers struggle in the passing game, LSU, in our
opinion, can simply run the football at will on a smaller Beaver defense and
allow its’ defense to keep the Beavs at bay all the while pulling out a win. The
experts are calling this one an upset special, especially after the Trojans laid
a stinker last Saturday. But this game is on the home turf and while OSU is
capable of giving the Tigers more than they are accustomed (a la UL-Monroe) in a
season opener, we are calling it for LSU.
LSU 31, Oregon State
17
- Matt Deville