The temperatures are cooler, the pumpkin spice lattes are widespread, and LSU hosts a top ten Tennessee team in Tiger Stadium; we are now in the heart of football season. This is one of those weekends that fans circle before the season begins, and this game has turned out to be even more anticipated than one would think in August. In the midst of the excitement of the top 25 matchup, LSU has to prepare themselves for the best offense they’ve seen to this point. Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is a rare player that can throw accurately, run effectively, and avoid turnovers. Even without their most talented receiver, Cedric Tillman, this is an explosive team that will not let off the gas. However, there are ways to slow down the Volunteers.

Stop the Run

Tennessee’s passing attack is easily more intimidating than their running game, but the most important effect of stopping the run is making UT one dimensional. The offense is hard enough to stop with the pace and rhythm with which they play, so LSU Defensive Coordinator Matt House will need to get them in obvious passing situations by limiting yardage on first down. Third and long situations lead me to my next point.

Pressure the Quarterback

LSU must not only pressure Hooker, but they’ll need to get pressure with four men. Teams can’t sit in a zone consistently and hope Hooker makes a mistake; he’s proven that mistakes are unlikely. Fortunately, LSU is built for the job. BJ Ojulari has been unblockable in his money year. Savion Jones has emerged as an effective rusher, and Harold Perkins has been able to rush from different positions and angles. The rush will have to be disciplined, as Hooker is an athletic quarterback, but it’s imperative that the Tigers collapse the pocket.

Man to Man Coverage

I probably worried about the LSU corners as much as any of the position groups during the summer, but they have risen to the challenge this year. Mekhi Garner currently has the highest grade of any SEC cornerback this year. I almost never hear Jarrick Bernard-Converse’s name called during games, which is a good thing. The Tigers will be tested early and often down the field. Zone will be mixed in, but the secondary has to continue to meet the challenge in one-on-one situations. Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt is the prototype slot receiver, and Bru McCoy is a 220 lb., fast, physical problem offensively. The secondary will also have to consistently make open field tackles, as UT tends to move Jabari Small from the backfield to the slot to get him in space.

Just as LSU will have to tackle in space, they’ll need to force the Vols to make open field tackles. Tennessee does not cover well, but they also don’t tackle well in the open field. A missed tackle against Boutte or Brian Thomas can cost a defense six points. Fortunately for LSU, the game tape tells more than the statistics, which heavily favor Tennessee. Vegas has obviously noticed, as the line is down to -2.5 for the visiting Vols. Tennessee Head Coach Josh Huepel has done an impressive job of turning his program around in a short period of time. The Vols are ahead of schedule compared to the national expectations for them when the hire was made. This is Brian Kelly’s opportunity to to show that LSU is ahead of schedule. Early kickoff or not, there is no better place than Tiger Stadium for a top 25 matchup. Home field, defense, and Jayden Daniels’ growing confidence will lead LSU to a 38-31 win. Shout out Robert Royal. Geaux Tigers!!!