One would think our LSU Fighting Tigers have absolutely no chance to beat the undefeated Georgia Bulldogs after such a demoralizing loss against Texas A&M. As the legendary Lee Corso would say, “Not so fast, my friend!” College football is an emotional, unpredictable game; one week has no bearing on the next week. It would be even more of a surprise to the college football world for LSU to beat Georgia, but it’s easily within the realm of possibility. Although Georgia has clearly been the best team in the country this year, they’re not the dominant force that they were last year. Offensive lulls and slow starts have plagued the Bulldogs all year. An inferior Missouri team held a lead on Georgia into the fourth quarter. Kentucky held them to 16 points. In short, they’re mortals. However, they will have plenty of motivation to win an SEC Championship, as they’ve only won one of the last four in which they have played. As for the game itself, I have three keys for LSU to pull off the upset.

Run Defense

Georgia does not have a Todd Gurley or Nick Chubb on this team, but they average an impressive 5.5 yards per carry. They go three deep at running back with Kenny McIntosh, Daijun Edwards, and Kendall Milton. All three are capable and physical backs, but Stetson Bennett is also a threat to run on passing plays when the play breaks down. LSU’s defense was inexplicably undisciplined against Texas A&M. The inside linebackers were not gap sound and the edge defenders habitually allowed Devon Achane to get outside of them. The Tigers have the talent on the defensive line to match up at the line of scrimmage. They’ll need all 11 players to consistently focus on their individual responsibilities only. If they do so, Bennett has shown that he can be reckless in the passing game.

Contain the Georgia Tight Ends

One of the more challenging aspects of stopping Georgia’s rushing attack is that defenses can’t predict run/pass by personnel. UGA will lineup with two tight ends often due to their inordinate amount of talent at that position. Brock Bowers is dominant, but Darnell Washington would be a focal target for most teams. LSU will have to center their game plan to stop the pass around the tight ends and make the wide receivers make plays. The Bulldogs have talented wide receivers, but not game breakers.

Take Shots

Most would agree that LSU needs Jayden Daniels to be 100% healthy to win this game. They’re right, but there could be a surprising bright side to Daniels not being at full strength. It could encourage him to pass more and run less. Georgia has too much talent on the field and within the coaching staff to allow Daniels to run the ball consistently. The Tigers have to pass early and often, and they have the personnel to do so. Georgia’s Kelee Ringo could be the first cornerback taken in the 2023 draft, so that gives Georgia flexibility on the other side of the field. Even so, they can’t double everybody. If Daniels sees Malik Nabers, Kayshon Boutte, or Brian Thomas in single coverage down the field he has to throw it. These are advantageous match ups that have not been exploited enough. LSU has nothing to lose.

The LSU coaching staff has done an excellent job this year of establishing winning habits and expectations; this team is not satisfied with making it to the championship. We’ll see a different version of the Tigers than the one that got bent over and spanked against the Aggies. The problem is we’ll also see a more focused Georgia team that is primed and ready for the playoffs. The Tigers will fall, albeit in valiant fashion, 27 – 21. It’s still Geaux Tigers!!