GAMEDAY! Well…not really, but nobody has time to read tomorrow on the first day of SEC play, so this is close enough. We’re only one day away from seeing the latest version of the LSU Fighting Tigers. Each year I’m intrigued for different reasons; this year I don’t even know where to start. How will the offense operate under Myles Brennan’s leadership? Who will step up after the losses at wide receiver? Can Bo Pelini get the defense back to the consistently dominant unit it once was? LSU can’t answer all my questions against Mississippi St., but we’ll learn more than the weekly scrimmage stats tell us. MSU also comes into this game with many unknowns. Coach Mike Leach enters his first year at the program after building explosive offenses at Texas Tech and Washington State. Leach has put up points at every stop, and he has also given up points. The scoring will continue in Starkville, but the question is how long it will take his team to get acclimated to his offense. Let’s dig deeper into the first game of an all SEC regular season.

Mississippi State offense vs LSU defense

Mike Leach excels at developing quarterbacks and tailoring the offense to their strengths. Surely his reputation played a part in landing KJ Costello, a senior transfer from Stanford. Costello is a 6’4” former 4 star recruit wtih NFL tools. He’s the most physically talented QB the Bulldogs have had since Dak Prescott. They’ll return their leading wide receiver in big bodied Osirus Mitchell, who is somehow listed as a backup on a team that goes 4 wide more often than not. State also returns Monroe, LA native Geor’quarius Spivey. I have no idea how good he is, but let’s hope he makes a play so CBS commentator Brad Nessler will be forced to pronounce his name. One player LSU will not lose sight of is running back Kylin Hill. Hill is State’s most pro ready player and an All-SEC talent. He’ll likely be asked to do more in the passing game than ever before, but Leach would be smart to incorporate the running game to protect his quarterback. One of the reasons his quarterbacks succeed is the amount of high percentage passes his offense allows them. LSU must tackle well on bubble screens, hitches, and other short routes while remaining disciplined enough to avoid biting on double moves. There’s no doubt LSU has the athletes to be successful, but tackling tends to be an issue in early season games. With Pelini back at the helm I expect plenty of man press coverage, which should help stop the short passing game. When Miss St. is in 3rd and long we’ll get to see what true freshman defensive end BJ Ojulari can bring as a pass rusher. Pelini will also send linebackers or safeties on blitzes, so expect to see preseason All-SEC safety Jacoby Stevens in the backfield tomorrow. In the end, there are too many new faces for Mississippi State and too much talent for LSU for the Bulldogs to be successful. LSU holds a big advantage in this matchup.

LSU offense vs. MSU defense

While never ideal to break in a new quarterback in SEC play, I’d rather do it against Mississippi St. than Florida or Bama. This Bulldogs defense is far removed from the dominant defense that boasted 2 first round defensive linemen in 2018. Don’t get me wrong, MSU still has NFL talent. Defensive tackle Marquiss Spencer was in opposing backfields often last year, as his 6.5 tackles for loss would indicate. Senior defensive end Kobe Jones will need to step up in the absence of their sack leader Chauncey Rivers, who’s off to the NFL. Senior MLB Erroll Thompson is State’s best defensive player. He’s not as good as former LSU star Devin White, but he has a similar frame and is the unquestioned leader of this defense. While I believe that the LSU coaching staff believes in Myles Brennan, I do think this year’s team will be slightly more run oriented. It’s hard not to be when returning three backs as good as Chris Curry, Ty Davis-Price, and John Emery. Terrace Marshall will prove to be a bonafide no. 1 this season, but look out for the chemistry between Brennan and WR2 Racey McMath. This chemistry was built while running the 2nd team offense at practice and it showed in the limited action Brennan has gotten as a passer so far. This is a game where I could see the Tigers rushing for over 150 yards and passing for over 300. Once again, the advantage goes to LSU.

It’s been a long time coming. Tiger fans have survived Covid, hurricanes, opt outs, and toilet paper shortages like the true champions that we are. We survived to get here, the first game of the year in a year like no other. I’ve enjoyed the past two weeks of JV football, but it’s time for the big boys to play. You can bet that the 25,000 fans in Tiger Stadium will be sauced up, fired up, likely obscene, as well they should be. We’ve earned it. 41-17, Tigers. GEAUX TIGERS!!

Welcome back, Tiger fans! In a year like we’ve never seen before, we’re now less than three weeks away from seeing the defending champs (or what’s left of them) line up against Mississippi St. After the first game of the 2019 season, I joked that LSU had obviously proven themselves as the best team in history. Little did I know they would go on to break every offensive record of significance in an effort to prove themselves at least worthy of being in the conversation. 14 players from that team were drafted and 6 more signed as undrafted free agents. No biggie; we still have Ja’Marr Chase and Tyler Shelvin, right? Wrong. Chase, Shelvin, and nickel back Kary Vincent all chose not to play this year due to Covid related concerns. Welcome to the 2020 College football season, where the only thing I know is whatever I think I know will change. Today, I’ll move forward in previewing the 2020 LSU Tigers’ offense.

Quarterbacks

In the age of constant transfers, I respect Myles Brennan for waiting his turn at quarterback. He’s the unquestioned starter in what’s now his junior season. Brennan has prototypical size at 6’4” 215 lbs with a stronger arm than Joe Burrow. He appears to be accurate, but only time will tell if he can display the toughness and resilience needed to be successful as a QB. There is a healthy competition at backup QB between Max Johnson and TJ Finley. Johnson, son of former NFL QB Brad Johnson, is the more athletic of the two. Finley resembles Jamarcus Russell with his 6’6” height and cannon for an arm. Coach O has commended Finley for improving his accuracy in the off season. Any time you’re replacing Joe Burrow, there is going to be a drop off in play. That being said, Brennan has the physical talent to be an All-SEC QB. LSU is still in good hands, but it’s imperative that they get game experience for the backups when they can due to their inexperience.

Offensive LIne

LSU returns two offensive line starters in LG Ed Ingram and RT Austin Deculus, but also return sophomore LT Dare Rosenthal, who started multiple games early last year. Rosenthal’s light feet and athleticism gives him more potential as an NFL LT than LSU’s 2019 starter, Saadiq Charles. Harvard transfer Liam Shanahan has surprised many by earning the job as the starting center. His emergence has allowed junior OG Chasen Hines to remain at guard, his more natural position, as he was expected to move to center for the 2020 season. Don’t be surprised to see talented redshirt freshmen Anthony Bradford and Kardell Thomas see meaningful minutes at either guard spot. LSU will remain athletic and physical on the offensive line, but I’m careful not to underestimate the loss of center, Lloyd Cushenberry. He was an unsung hero of last year’s team at a critical position on the offensive line.

Running Backs

Last year I assumed one of the highly recruited freshmen would supplant Clyde Edwards-Helaire at some point in the season as the starter. Eventually, I stopped wondering what was wrong with the newcomers, and appreciated Helaire for what he was: a first round, every down back. The talented freshmen, John Emery and Ty Davis-Price, are now sophomores and will battle yet another overlooked recruit, Chris Curry for snaps. Curry burst onto the scene in the playoffs against Oklahoma with a one cut, bruising style reminiscent of Alley Broussard. I expect Curry to start, but all three of the aforementioned RB’s to get meaningful snaps. Coach O has repeatedly mentioned true freshman Tre Bradford when speaking to the media, the only RB taken in this year’s class. That leads me to think the staff will find ways to get the ball in the hands of the explosive back from Lancaster, TX.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Losing Ja’Marr Chase this close to the season felt like getting blind sided while chasing a ball carrier; I was dazed and confused. I don’t blame him for leaving, but the timing of the decision was surprising. The good news is this is the deepest position group on the team. Terrace Marshall (Jr.)  is now the go to guy, and he’s equipped with all the tools necessary. He has elite size, good speed, and catches the ball with his hands extended away from his body. If you watch his jump balls closely, he often catches then turns away from the defender, denying him the chance to knock the ball loose. 6’3” senior Racey McMath has produced whenever given the opportunity, and he’ll have plenty of them now. I’m excited to see sophomore Trey Palmer and true freshman Kayson Boutte. They’re similarly built, speedy playmakers that should excel in the slot. There are some players whose athleticism jumps off the screen and Palmer is one of them. Boutte appeared to be polished beyond his years when watching him in the Under Armour All-American game. LSU also returns lengthy sophomore Jaray Jenkins and senior Jontre Kirklin at WR. The Tigers signed the highest ranked TE in the history of 247 Sports in 6’5” freshman Arik Gilbert from Marietta, GA. This is a freak that will start from day one, overshadowing the fact that they also have freshman TE Kole Taylor, who has shown good hands and fluid movement at 6’7”. Ja’Marr Chase is gone, but this group is loaded.

The volatility of 2020 has instilled a fear of a letdown that has tempered my enthusiasm since March. As I write about this version of the Tigers, I find myself letting my guard down. I think of the possibilities, and the fear subsides. The enthusiasm won’t be denied. The Tigers are almost back, and I honestly need them for the sake of my sanity. After 6 months of phases, masks, bars disguised as restaurants, lost loved ones, and working all week, every week, looking forward to NOTHING, we have a light at the end of the tunnel. Walk into the light, my friends! GEAUX TIGERS!!!

Tiger fans, it doesn’t get any bigger than this, the College Football National Championship. We’ve learned more about this team after every game, and this season has been a hell of a ride. Texas was the first test. The Tigers passed, but questions remained. Florida would provide the first legitimate defense they’d face, then LSU put 40+ on them. LSU went on to break an 8 game losing streak to Alabama, IN Alabama. Joe Heisman scored at will against Georgia in the SEC Championship, handing the Bulldogs their worst loss since they came to Baton Rouge in 2018. From there, the Tigers thoroughly embarrassed Oklahoma in a CFP semifinal game where they realistically could’ve scored 100 points if they wanted. After 14 games, we have one final test, the Clemson Tigers. Clemson, the defending champions, doesn’t have the resume LSU has, but they do have big game experience. They also have a talent laden roster with several NFL prospects. Can Clemson do what nobody else has been able to do? I don’t know. What I do know is they won’t be intimidated.

Clemson offense vs. LSU defense

QB Trevor Lawrence has been regarded as the best quarterback of the 2021 class since last year, and for good reason. He shredded Alabama for 347 yards and no picks as a TRUE freshman in the championship game last year. You could see the size, arm strength, and accuracy in his repertoire last year. This year he’s shown toughness that I didn’t know he had. Lawrence won’t back down, and he’ll be the best QB LSU has faced this year. To make things worse, he’s surrounded by NFL level skill players. Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross are both 6’4”, athletic, and prototypical outside WR’s that will make millions barring injury. In the slot they’ll have 5’10” Amari Rodgers, the son of Tennessee great Tee Martin. Rodgers is quick, shifty, and elusive after the catch. This will be the best receiving corps LSU has faced since Alabama, but their size will present different challenges. I’m encouraged by the success LSU had against Collin Johnson of Texas and Seth Williams of Auburn. Elite route runners have more success against LSU than big bodied receivers. I’m not saying Clemson’s receivers can’t run routes, but there are no Devonta Smiths on this roster. Up front, Clemson has a very talented offensive line, but Tyler Shelvin has been unblockable lately. DE Rashard Lawrence always seems to play his best in the biggest games. It’s imperative that our defensive line plays great to free up the linebackers, because if RB Travis Etienne gets past the second level of the defense he’s gone. LSU has faced some great backs, but none as explosive as the Jennings, LA native. LSU must stop Etienne AND Lawrence in the run game, and force Clemson to be one dimensional. Even with LSU’s defense trending in the right direction, I’ll still give Clemson a slight edge in this matchup.

LSU offense vs. Clemson defense

When it comes to LSU’s offense, I feel like I can only say so much, but at the same time I can’t say enough. This is easily the best QB and offense LSU has ever had. Who would ever think LSU would have the best QB, WR, and offensive line in the country, with a RB in Helaire that’s the perfect complement to this system with his ability to run, catch, and block. A healthy Helaire is icing on the cake. Clemson has a strong defense and proven defensive coordinator, but they lost THREE first round defensive linemen to the draft, so there is a drop off from last year. Their most versatile player is S/LB Isaiah Simmons, who we might see lined up at all three levels of the defense. He is a future 1st round pick that can cover, tackle, and rush the passer. Clemson has lengthy, talented corners in A.J. Terrell and Derion Kendrick, and their strength is at the back end of the defense. Expect LSU to attack the safeties and Simmons when he’s isolated in coverage. Please understand that I take the purple and gold glasses of when projecting results, and I respect Clemson’s defense, BUT…nobody has stopped LSU’s offense all year. They won’t be stopped now. The LSU offense gets the nod in this matchup, big.

Prediction:

Here we are again, in New Orleans for the national championship. The last time we were in this spot, the game left me with a feeling I’ve never felt before. Sad. Speechless. Numb. The program wouldn’t be the same over the next few years. We had 8 win seasons, QB’s we didn’t believe in, and absolutely no hope of beating Alabama. I’m fine with those years, because that’s what it took to get here. We’re here with the right coach, one of our own. Our coach hires good help and allows them to do their jobs. In 2014 LSU had a WR, James Wright, to get drafted without having a single catch his senior year. That shows how much respect scouts had for our talent. This year LSU had 2 receivers with over 1,000 yards. This is a new era of LSU football. Coach Orgeron has changed the perception of the program, and changed the hierarchy of the SEC in the process. Clemson is an outstanding team, but only the next test for LSU to pass on their way to greatness. It’s time. It’s time to exorcise the demons of 2012, and enter a new era of dominance! Set your DVR’s to record and enjoy this moment in history. LSU 45-21. Geaux Tigers! The real Tigers!!

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!!

Let’s start this column by going back in time. It’s September 30, 2017. Ed Orgeron just put the clamps down on his OC’s gimmicky, motion based offense, and your LSU Tigers just lost to Troy. The fans that didn’t want Coach O are cursing the administration to no end. The fans that wanted him are silently wondering, “What the hell have we gotten ourselves into?”

LSU has come a long way in two years. The 13-0 top ranked Tigers are SEC champs (led by the coach of the year) with a soon to be Heisman trophy winning quarterback. We’ve just witnessed the greatest season for a QB in SEC history. This statement might be bold, or maybe even downright crazy, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Coach O was the right man for the job. Now that I’ve shown my appreciation for the state of the program, let’s look back at the SEC Championship.

LSU won the coin toss, and opted to receive the kickoff in the 2nd half. I only mentioned this because it set the stage for what has recently become a recurring theme – a dominant defensive effort. I felt that Georgia actually had a good offensive gameplan. They knew they’d need explosive plays to stay in the game, and they were aggressive early. The problem was they didn’t execute when the opportunities were there. Dropped passes and errant throws killed the slim chances UGA had to keep the game competitive. LSU held the 4th ranked team in the country to 2.4 yards a carry and a 46% completion percentage. Delpit looks healthy, Shelvin is unblockable, and Stingley is simply not to be played with. The defense is looking better every game, finally looking like an LSU defense, and at the best time possible. Offensively, I think I’ve run out of superlatives to describe the play of Joe Burrow. The combination of accuracy, decision making, toughness, pocket awareness, and elusiveness has made the Heisman ceremony a mere formality. The scary part is LSU beat the brakes off a top 5 team without playing their best game. JaMarr Chase misjudged a ball he comes up with 9 out of 10 times. Terrace Marshall is probably still kicking himself after dropping what should have been an early touchdown. Mistakes notwithstanding, the game was never in doubt.

Now the Tigers are in the CFB Playoffs for the first time, and the games can’t get here soon enough. In the meantime we’ll be inundated with coaching rumors, but that’s what comes with a championship program. As the 1 seed (FINALLY) LSU will play No. 4 Oklahoma. Anything can happen and blah blah blah, but Edwards-Helaire will run for 150+ and LSU will score 50 on Oklahoma. And yeah, I might be a homer, but I’m an accurate homer. The real question is who we get in the finals. I expect Clemson to beat Ohio St., but that will be a much closer matchup. Then it’s LSU/Clemson on 1/13 in the Superdome where Burrow is going to set it off! I’ll stop now, because we have two excruciatingly long weeks to talk playoffs. Until next time, enjoy the hype and individual awards. It’s a great time to be a Tiger!

On to the next one. The 12-0 number 2 ranked (eye roll) Tigers are off to Atlanta for the SEC Championship against #4 Georgia. Coming off a 50-7 win against Texas A&M, this is as complete as LSU has looked all year. After holding the Aggies to their lowest point total all year, this finally looks like an LSU defense. This game was exactly what I wanted to see after the drama following the 2018 game. This comes at a good time, as 11-1 Georgia comes into the championship game with an elite defense. Georgia won’t be intimidated, as this is their 3rd SEC Championship appearance in 3 years. The question is can they generate enough points on offense to keep up with LSU?

Georgia offense vs. LSU defense

QB Jake Fromm is a third year starter with high draft projections. Why can’t Georgia pass the ball? The easy answer is depth at WR, with leading receiver Lawrence Cager out with an injury. To make things worse, Fr. George Pickens, their most physically talented receiver, is out for the first half after throwing a punch in the Ga Tech game. Starting RB Deandre Swift is a an absolute problem when healthy. Swift is battling a shoulder injury which has been affecting his ball security. Georgia has other talented backs, such as former 5 star recruit Zamir White, but they will have to make plays down the field to beat LSU. Frankly, it’s strange to see the lack of confidence in Fromm when watching Georgia’s play calling. The offensive staff is conservative and unimaginative. Georgia doesn’t have the talent LSU has at WR, but they have a QB that has experience in big games. They’ll have to trust him to have a chance tomorrow. This is the ideal game for LSU to put 8 in the box and trust their DB’s. UGA needs to run to set up the play-action pass. I expect the Tigers to sell out against the run, forcing Georgia to pass in obvious situations. No bueno. If the Bulldogs can’t successfully run the ball, this one will get ugly. Advantage LSU.

LSU offense vs. Georgia defense

I’ll start by saying this Georgia defense is legit. They allow only 71 yards rushing and 186 yards receiving a game. Both stats are impressive, but that tells me they put a heavy emphasis on stopping the run. LSU will throw early and throw often. I’m not saying the Tigers won’t be balanced, but Brady/Ensminger will simply take what’s given. Clyde Edwards-Helaire will find his groove once the passing game is established. Burrow will have an eye out for J.R. Reed, UGA safety and son of former Saints TE, Jake Reed. Reed might be UGA’s best DB. His film study empowers him to be in position to jump routes. Look for LSU to find a way to match Justin Jefferson against Reed. I’d expect to see our best route runner using a double move against their most aggressive DB at some point in the game. Beyond that, LSU simply has too many weapons. Georgia might have the best defense LSU has faced all year; I just don’t see them or any other defense stopping this LSU offense. More of the same, advantage LSU.

From what I’ve seen, the playoff committee is obsessed with Ohio St. and the rest of the Big 10. It would not surprise me if LSU beats the #4 team by 20+ and remained at #2 in the rankings. This might come off as dismissive of Georgia, but this weekend is more about LSU vs. Ohio St. than LSU vs Georgia. Regardless off the rankings, enjoy this team. We’re likely watching the second Heisman Trophy winner in the history of the program, a highly sought after OC in Joe Brady, and a Biletnikoff award winner in JaMarr Chase. The LSU offensive renaissance is the biggest story of 2019. The Tigers will be out to make a statement: LSU is better than Ohio St. UGA does not have enough firepower to keep up. Regardless of the final rankings, eyeball test, resume, or any other means of judgement, LSU has been the best team in CFB all year. This won’t change Saturday. LSU 38 – UGA 14. Georgia’s defense is good enough to limit the embarrassment, but LSU is the far better team. Allow me to be the first to introduce you to the SEC champs with even bigger aspirations. GEAUX TIGERS!!!

LSU made a statement. The Tigers came out of Bryant-Denny Stadium with a 46-41 win, establishing themselves as the clear cut best team in the country. I give Alabama credit for making plays to get back in the game, but LSU controlled the game more than the final score would indicate. The Crimson Tide had no answers for Joe Burrow, who threw for 393 yards and 3 touchdowns. I mentioned in my last post that Clyde Edwards-Helaire was underrated; that’s no longer the case. Clyde was unstoppable against the Alabama defense, finishing with 103 yards rushing and 77 yards receiving. The offensive line held their own after getting embarrassed last year. The defense repeatedly made critical plays to get off the field on 3rd and 4th down. To put it simply, Alabama did not have many answers on either side of the ball for this Tiger team. Several Tigers made plays we’ll remember for years, so I won’t attempt to single out an MVP. However, I will give props to a few players along with their contributions to ending the long, frustrating, gut-wrenching, agonizing streak.

Offense

Kevin Faulk, Justin Vincent, Alley Broussard, Jeremy Hill, Leonard Fournette, Derrius Guice…Clyde Edwards-Helaire? Nobody expected the 5’7” 3 star recruit to become the next star running back at LSU. Nonetheless, when you look past his size you see star traits. He has vision, quick feet, power, pass blocking ability, pass catching ability, and HEART. On 3rd down after 3rd down, he wouldn’t be denied. What more could you ask for from a running back?

What is there left to say about Joe Burrow? No matter what Bama tried, Joe knew where to go with the ball. Love him or hate him, Nick Saban is one of the greatest college coaches ever, particularly on defense. Burrow had 457 total yards against Saban’s defense Saturday, cementing his place as the 2019 Heisman trophy winner. Burrow’s most impressive attribute is his mental toughness, which is contagious to his teammates. By the time the next play starts, the last play is forgotten. This is a quality you can not teach; this is what makes him the best QB in the country. Enjoy him while you can. This is the best QB in LSU history.

Ja’Marr Chase is a physical freak. Strong and explosive, the sophomore receiver had only 6 catches for 140 yards. He made a future NFL cornerback look like a Louisiana College backup on the first quarter touchdown against Trevon Diggs. Some players exhibit a different type of athleticism that stands out, even when they don’t play a lot. I saw it with Odell, Deion Jones, Michael Clayton, and Jamal Adams. We saw it in Chase last year. We’re witnessing the first WR off the board in the 2021 draft. Enjoy.

Defense

Rashard Lawrence set the tone early. A TD drive on the first possession of the game would’ve given the Tide confidence, and we could have been looking at a different game. Lawrence tips what would’ve been a TD pass, Tua goes on to fumble, and that was the last time Alabama would have a chance to take the lead in this game. Not to mention, he also had 4 tackles, a sack, and another tipped pass. This was a great game for the Sr. in his last chance to beat Alabama.

K’Lavon Chaisson is a complete player. Fans would like to see higher sack numbers, but Chaisson is effective against the pass AND the run. Even when he doesn’t get sacks, he disrupts plays. Chaisson finished with 10 tackles, many of them coming on crucial 3rd downs.

We didn’t hear Kristian Fulton’s name a lot Saturday, and if you’re a defensive back, that’s a good thing. Fulton gave up 1 catch on 2 targets and to go along with a questionable holding call. That’s as lockdown as it gets. I was also impressed with Cordale Flott, but Fulton lined up against Jerry Jeudy often, which makes his play even more impressive.

Coming into this game, I was bothered by the fact that I felt the playoff committee would put Bama in even with a loss. Today, I don’t care. I have doubts that their resumé (or lack thereof) will warrant them a spot in the final four. Even if they do get in, LSU is the better team. This wasn’t a fluke, luck, scheme, or tricks. The Tigers are better. This win came down to Jimmy’s and Joe’s, not X’s and O’s. I’ve noticed fans of the other side saying “It’s about time.” They’re right. It’s about time that we understand that this is a new era of LSU football. Aggressive. Offensive. Innovative. WE COMIN! GEAUX TIGERS!!!

Finally. After 2 long weeks of Tua talk, player dismissals, opinions, unrest, and nervous excitement, we’re here. It’s officially the weekend, and I don’t have to be distracted with trivial things like work and real life decisions. It’s time for our annual measuring stick, the Saban Bowl. This team has broken records with a Heisman trophy candidate at QB. This is the best offensive LSU team to ever play. Excitement is at an all time high, but even the biggest LSU homers still quietly wonder: Can we do it against Bama? The world is about to find out. These teams are mirror images of each other in many ways, so let’s take a deeper dive into the matchup.

Alabama offense vs LSU defense

Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa will not be 100%, but he’s still extremely dangerous with his accuracy and a fleet of NFL receivers. LSU will need to make him uncomfortable by generating pressure against a rock solid offensive line. Much has been said about LSU’s lack of a pass rush, but the defensive line has proven to be disruptive; the issue is finishing plays. Many near sacks have turned into QB’s scrambling for positive yardage. “Almost” won’t cut it against this offense. Plays will HAVE to be made when given the opportunity. Watch out for Tiger freshman OLB Marcel Brooks to make plays in the absence of Mike Divinity. Brooks’ athleticism jumps off the screen when watching him play, and he’s getting better with every rep. Alabama has at least 2 1st round receivers in polished Jerry Jeudy and speedy Henry Ruggs. Louisiana native Devonta Smith and return specialist Jaylen Waddle round out a quartet that Saban feels is the best group he’s ever had. These guys will make plays, but LSU must tackle well to prevent short plays from becoming chunk plays. I expect Dave Aranda to move Kristian Fulton to nickel for much of this game due to the depth of this receiving group. Najee Harris is Alabama’s leading rusher, and has all the physical tools to be great, but he’ll have to buy a red hat to be great against this LSU run defense. Tyler Shelvin has been unblockable, freeing up the ILB’s to make plays. The Tigers are giving up 97 yards per game, THIRTY yards less than Alabama. Overall, I give Alabama’s offense the advantage over any defense, but LSU has the personnel to slow them down.

LSU offense vs Alabama defense

Joe Burrow’s stats look remarkably similar to Tua’s, although Burrow has more yards and a higher completion percentage. No slight on Tua, but Burrow’s poise and confidence sets him apart. He never gets rattled. You never doubt that he’s getting up after a big hit. Burrow has everything you want in a QB and a lethal group of receivers to choose from. Much is made of the receivers, but TE Thad Moss is having a great year blocking and receiving. I expect him to continue the trend tomorrow. Bama has solid cornerbacks with Pat Surtain and Trevon Diggs, but nobody can stop LSU’s receivers this year. This was the lucky group to actually get opportunities after years of toss dives on 3rd and 7, and they are making the most of it. Up front, the Crimson Tide is still good, but Quinnen Williams is gone. Williams singlehandedly beat LSU last year, and it was embarrassing. Raekwon Davis is a force at DE, and WISNER, LA native Phidarian Mathis (shout out the hometown) and Byron Young are future pros…BUT, the offensive line is the most underrated unit on the LSU team, which leads me to an underrated player. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been as impressive as any back in the SEC. The first defender never tackles him, he never goes backwards, and he’s a skilled receiver out of the backfield. His quick feet and physical running style is ideal for matching up with the Alabama defense. I’m saying this not as an LSU fan, but as a football fan: LSU will successfully run the ball tomorrow. With two teams so evenly matched, time of possession will be critical. Once again, LSU’s offense has the advantage in this matchup.

Games like these are tough to predict. A single play can and will swing the momentum in one team’s way. Turnovers, missed kicks, and bad calls will happen. When they do, players have to remain poised and focused. That, along with a historic offense, is the difference this year. This group of Fighting Tigers are over the mental hurdle that awaits every year in November. They’re no longer hoping to win; they’re expecting to win. I don’t care where the game is played. The time is now! LSU BY 50!! But seriously, LSU wins 36-31, securing a spot in the CFB playoff. GEAUX TIGERS!!!

I realize that I did not write a recap of the Mississippi State game, so I’ll provide one now: We beat ’em, and it was boring. Now, buckle up your chin straps! We’re on to Auburn. The national hype for this game has not been at the level you would expect from a top 10 matchup. However, this is LSU’s third top 10 battle of the year, with another one waiting in Tuscaloosa in two weeks. I’ve even heard talk of LSU possibly overlooking this game. I’m confident in saying there is no chance that LSU is looking past a 9th ranked Auburn team. In the early to mid 2000’s the LSU/Auburn games were looked at the same way LSU/Bama is seen today. It’s a good thing for LSU that they get a bye week after this game, because Auburn is as physical as they come. Auburn is a tough, physical game even in their down years. Needless to say, this is not a down year. This is a very talented team that only lacks experience at QB. Let’s take a closer look at how the teams match up.

Auburn offense vs. LSU defense

In a bit of a surprise, we learned that formerly injured starting RB JaTarvious Whitlow was cleared to play and would travel with the team to Baton Rouge. If healthy, this is a huge boost to an Auburn team that desperately wants to run the ball. Gus Malzahn always leans on more heavily on the run than pass, but even more so this year with freshman QB Bo Nix. Nix seems to have the pedigree (his father played for Auburn) along with all the physical tools needed to be a successful QB. It’s asking a lot of an 18 year old to step in and perform well in the SEC. In the history of this position there are a lot more Mitch Mustain’s than there are Trevor Lawrence’s. When Nix makes the right reads, he definitely has weapons. WR Seth Williams is the prototypical big bodied red zone nightmare with next level body control and hands. We must contain no. 5, Anthony Schwartz. Schwartz might be the fastest player in college football. If we don’t stay at home to force him inside on end arounds he’ll break one. Surprisingly enough, slot receiver Will Hastings is back for a 20th year. Aranda will need to disguise coverages and get pressure on Nix to prevent Hastings from having 10 catches for 10 3rd down conversions. He reads coverages and runs routes as well as anyone on the team. I’ll give a slight edge to LSU in this matchup because of the ability to stop the run.

LSU offense vs Auburn defense

Auburn has a dominant DT in Derrick Brown and another pro up front in Marlon Davidson. Their linebackers are talented, but teams have had success against their secondary. I don’t think LSU can simply line up and run up the gut on this Auburn team. However, the LSU Tigers have had success this year using the pass to set up the run, and that will have to continue. Brady/Ensminger must get the defense on their heels to run the ball on this defense. LSU hasn’t rolled Burrow out of the pocket often this year, but this might be the game to mix it in if Auburn creates pressure up the middle. This is an NFL matchup up front as the strength of both Tiger lines are up the middle. This might be the best defense LSU has faced, but I don’t expect to pick any defense over the LSU offense this year. The Tigers have been unstoppable, even on off days, and that won’t stop today.

I have a love/hate relationship with Auburn games. I loved it when we won 31-7 in 2003 to avenge a loss by the same score the year before. I hated it when Scam Newton played a highlight reel of a game in a winning effort for Auburn in 2010. There have been countless memorable games in this rivalry, but I don’t want one today. Unfortunately, I think this Auburn team is too good to blow out. We’ll score one last touchdown late to put the game away. LSU 35 – Auburn 24. Geaux Tigers!!!

How bout them Tigers?! As far as talent goes, LSU and Florida are two heavyweights. They traded blows as such in this 42-28 thriller, with LSU able to deliver a knockout punch in the form of a Joe Burrow touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase late in the 4th quarter. To his credit, Florida QB Kyle Trask played a great game in his first college start in an away game. The same player that didn’t start in high school (University of Houston’s D’Eriq King’s backup) and came into the season as a backup threw for 310 yards and 3 TD’s in Tiger Stadium. That’s pretty damn impressive, and also says a lot about the scheme/playcalling of the UF coaching staff. That being said, credit goes to Dave Aranda for getting more creative in the second half. He was able to generate pressure with blitzes and more importantly, stunts, which allowed him to keep more defenders in coverage.

On offense, I can’t say enough about the offensive line. All year they’ve been questioned, and all year they’ve delivered. It’s time they get their due, specifically LG Adrian Magee. This was Florida; there are no more disclaimers. Nothing can be said about the level of competition. This OL balled out. LSU averaged over 9 yards per rush and 12 yards per pass. You simply can’t ask for more than that. RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been overlooked in the same way as the offensive line, and he’s continued to produce. This is truly an elite, pick-your-poison style of offense.

MVP

This is getting redundant, but Joe Burrow. He went 21/24 with 3 TD’s against a loaded defense. Burrow has thrown for 2,157 yards in 6 games. In the Les Miles era it took QB’s 4 years to throw for 2,000 yards (only a slight exaggeration). LSU has elite receivers, but as a tiger fan I know how important it is to have someone to get the ball to them. If he’s not the top choice for Heisman at this point then just throw the whole trophy away.

Best Defensive Player

Tyler Shelvin. To describe Shelvin’s influence on the game I’ll use Coach O’s favorite word: tremendous. While he didn’t garner a lot of stats, he could not be blocked during this game. Run or pass, he made life tough on the Florida offensive line. He’s the biggest reason Florida averaged under 4 yards a carry. Against the pass he repeatedly pushed the pocket, either flushing Trask out or forcing him to get rid of the ball. This guy has come a long way, evolving into the dominant force we expected when he was the top ranked high school player in the state.

This LSU team has continued to answer questions and pass tests. The offense really did change. The same offense worked AT Texas. Now, nobody can say the Tigers can’t do it against a “real” defense. As a fan, I can’t wait until this team travels to Tuscaloosa. As a self proclaimed, wanna-be coach, I hope this team remembers the 37-7 butt kicking they got the last time they went to Mississippi St. Make them feel the way us fans felt; drunk and embarrassed. 2019 is the year of the LSU offensive renaissance; enjoy it, folks. GEAUX TIGERS!!