LSU rushing offense
vs. Arkansas State rushing defense
Let’s just put it this way, the LSU
running back corps is definitely going to be looking to bust out. As advertised,
the Oregon State rushing defense was as good as LSU will see this season. Look
for Justin Vincent to break loose several times in this one. Broussard will see
a significant amount of time as well. You might even see the freshman Jacob Hester get a tote or two.
Advantage:
LSU
LSU passing offense
vs. Arkansas State passing defense
All right, who will it be JaMarcus Russell or Marcus Randall. While some think Randall may get a second chance and
get the starting nod, we don’t think that is out of the realm of possibilities.
It all depends on who shines in practice this week. But look for whoever gets
the most snaps to be the starter coming out of this game. Auburn is just a week
away.
Advantage:
LSU
Arkansas State
rushing offense vs. LSU rushing defense
Last week, Oregon State struggled
to run the ball against the LSU defense, and the Tiger stoppers were even having
a bad night. Dwight Wright broke free on one long run, but for the most part
LSU’s defense was solid against the run. Arkansas State is still up in the air
at tailback between Antonio Warren and Shermar Bracey, which isn’t a good thing
against LSU’s front four.
Advantage:
LSU
Arkansas State
passing offense vs. LSU passing defense
The Indians surprised a lot of
folks last week putting up a fight against nationally-ranked Missouri. Led by
quarterbacks Nick Noce and Devin Hollis, the two combined Arkansas State
quarterbacks Nick Noce and Devin Hollins showcased a potent aerial assault. Noce
threw for 240-yards and two scores. The only thing stopping Noce in his first
start was cramping that limited him to just under three quarters of action.
Hollins and Noce combined to pass for 350-yards on the night, the fourth-best
total in school history. While we feel head coach Nick Saban is going to make it
a long week for the Tigers secondary, let’s call it even.
Advantage:
Push
LSU special teams
vs. Arkansas State special teams
After watching the debacle called
Tiger special teams last week, this is going to be even as well. Oregon State
did nothing to affect the LSU specialists, yet there were mistakes abound. Chris Jackson missed two field goals and Patrick Fisher was atrocious punting the
ball. Skyler Green fumbled the opening kickoff setting up a OSU touchdown. This
has to improve
Advantage:
Push
Intangibles
This is where Arkansas State will
be beaten badly. The Indians come to Tiger Stadium for the first time since 1998
when they were beaten 42-6. ASU plays in the worst league in Division I_A (Sun
Belt) and will be playing their second straight ranked opponent after losing at
Missouri last week. Look for a hungry Tiger team to handle this team early
Advantage:
LSU
Prediction:
LSU outclasses Arkansas State at
virtually every position and the talent drop off from watching Oregon State last
week will bi significant. Although the Indians put up the most yards against a
Division I-A program under head coach Steve Roberts (468 yards) last week, this
one “should be” over right around the time it starts. In all actuality, this
game and the OSU game should have been flip flopped because this is the typical
sacrificial first-game patsy.
LSU 42, Arkansas
State 10
- Matt
Deville