Congrats, fellow Tiger fans! We’ve almost made it. We are now one day away from Semifinal Saturday, coming into the game with supreme confidence and every college football award known to man. The key piece, as Les Miles would say, is that all the awards, attention, and fanfare means nothing if LSU loses tomorrow. An otherwise historic season would be reduced to a dark, repressed memory, much like the 2011 season of which I have no recollection. LSU comes in as the prohibitive favorite to win, but we all know anything can happen. Oklahoma can absolutely provide a challenge, particularly on offense. The question is can they keep up for 4 quarters?

OU offense vs. LSU defense

In case head coach Lincoln Riley still had any doubters, Jalen Hurts threw for 3,634 yards and 32 touchdowns this year. That’s 280 yards per game from the same QB that threw for 149 yards a game in his last season as a starter at Alabama. Hurts has shown the ability to pass effectively while remaining a threat on the ground, making him very tough to defend. Don’t be surprised to see LSU play more zone than usual, allowing the back seven to keep their eyes on the QB. When Hurts throws, more often than not he’s throwing to CeeDee Lamb, their All American wide receiver. Lamb doesn’t have one overwhelming trait that scares a defense; he’s a well rounded receiver that consistently makes plays. He has good speed, great hands, adequate size, and he’s great in the open field. DBU will be challenged. Fortunately, the Tiger defense seems to be peaking at the right time. Since the embarrassing effort against Ole Miss, LSU has responded with three dominant defensive games. A healthy Grant Delpit and disruptive pass rush has contributed greatly to their recent success. The play of safety Jacoby Stevens and linebackers Jacob Phillips and Patrick Queen will be critical. I say this because they’re our best open field tacklers. The formula is simple: Don’t let Hurts beat you with his legs. If Oklahoma can’t run effectively or is forced to play catch up, they lose. Advantage LSU.

LSU offense vs. OU defense

Compared to other defenses LSU has played this year, Oklahoma resembles Georgia the most. They’re not as talented, but their team speed is impressive, particularly at LB. This is not the typical Big XII, Swiss cheese defense, and they’ll be fired up after answering questions about LSU’s offense for weeks. Now, disregard everything I just wrote about the OU defense because it doesn’t matter. UGA, Bama, Florida, and Auburn all failed at stopping the Tiger offense, although Auburn was able to keep the point total down. Oklahoma won’t fare any better than those teams. They’re more likely to do worse. Considering the fact that they’re missing their leading tackler AND pass rusher due to injury and suspension, it does not look good for the Sooners. Regardless of what LSU coaches say, I don’t think Clyde Edwards-Helaire plays in this game. I do think that Oklahoma’s fear of the big play will open lanes for Ty Davis-Price and John Emery, both of which have the speed to make the defense pay. Heisman winner Joe Burrow and the LSU passing game will be what it has been all year, unstoppable. Big advantage LSU.

As a football fan, I’m uncomfortable when I’m overconfident. I don’t like when all the experts pick us to win. I don’t like some of the comments LSU players have made leading up to the game. However, we won’t see a letdown tomorrow. The players are confident because they’re prepared. They’re focused on a common goal, and have been all year. LSU has not flinched in multiple big games this year. This team is out to make history. Oklahoma is the next obstacle between the Tigers and their goals, and this won’t end well for the Sooners. 51-24 LSU. The time is upon us! GEAUX TIGERS!!