LSU - Florida Preview

Tiger fans, Gator fans and college football fans have had this game circled on their calendars since last years epic showdown in Tiger Stadium.  The Tigers secured their #1 ranking and the legend of Jacob Hester reached mythological proportions.  Well, the time has come.

The Florida Gators are much like LSU in that neither team  has played their best game yet.  There are rumblings in and around the Gator nation questioning the abilities of Coach Urban Meyer as well as the coordinators but there is no basis for such criticisms, yet!  The Gators have been riddled with injuries requiring the younger guys to step in ahead of schedule.  Additionally, Chris Rainey and Jeffrey Demps are beginning to find their way in the college game and this will take some of the pressure off of QB Tim Tebow.

QUICK FACTS:

 - Since 1986, LSU has won only twice in The Swamp.  Both victories coming at the expense of Ron Zook. 

 - Tim Tebow's QB rating of 148.05 leads the SEC right now.  However, Jarrett Lee is second with a QB rating of 146.51.  Tim Tebow is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner while Jarrett Lee is making his second collegiate start.

 Offensive Breakdown:

Total Offense -  #47 with 390.20 yards per game

Rushing Offense - #41 with 178.60 yds. per game

Passing Offense - #64 with 211.6 yds. per game

The Gator offense is capable of scoring at any time, however consistency has been their biggest obstacle.  Tebow has struggled at times but he is still capable of producing at a very high level and changing a game with one play.  The emergence of Chris Rainey and Jeffrey Demps gives the Gators a running threat that they haven't had in some time.  Percy Harvin has been fighting injuries this week and it has been reported that he has missed practice a few times this week.  Harvin is a vital weapon in the Gators attack as he is the definition of playmaker. 

If Harvin is healthy, look for him to try and match up with the LSU linebackers and seize the speed advantage.  Also, look for Jeffrey Demps to catch a few out of the backfield as they look to get the speedster in space.  Demps has a speed advantage over everyone on the field except for Trindon Holliday.  Louis Murphy gives the Gators a viable deep threat however through five games he has a total of 17 catches.  The Gators will need Chris Rainey to step up in a big way to keep the LSU defense off balance.  The big question is can the offensive line provide enough protection and open holes.

How to Stop the Offense:

LSU Defensive Stats:

Total Defense - #14  260 yards per game

Pass Defense - #44   191.75  yards per game

Rush Defense - #8   69.0 yards per game

There are two key factors for the LSU defense.  Stop the run and don't give up the big play.  In reviewing the Gator offensive statistics and watching the games, the Gator offense is living off of the big play and they have the talent to do it.  Stopping Chris Rainey and Jeffrey Demps will be key as it then places the burden on Tim Tebow, who has struggled at times this year.  The Tigers need to have their communication problems resolved and the young guys need to maintain their focus for the entire game.

The defensive front, more specifically the tackles, will be very important this week.  If they can clog up the middle, this will allow the ends to apply maximum pressure on Tebow.  For the D-line the main priority should be to maintain gap assignments, the defensive backs need to keep playing at a high level and the linebackers need to make solid tackles.  Big plays are going to happen but they need to be limited.

Defensive Breakdown

Key Stats:

Florida

 Total Defense - #19  265 yards per game

Rushing Defense - #20  99.6 yards per game

Passing Defense - #18  165.40  yards per game

The Gators defense has also been hit hard with injuries and the inexperience has shown at times.  LB Brandon Spikes and Safety Major Wright are the leaders on this side of the ball.  Spikes, who led the team last year in tackles was a first team all SEC player.  Major Wright has solidified his role at free safety after starting for most of last season as a true freshman.  Ahmad Black and Major Wright lead the team in interceptions with 2.  Overall this is a very good defense but the  defensive line will be facing their toughest opponent yet in the massive offensive line of LSU.

How to Beat the Defense:

Key Stats:

LSU

Total Offense: - #28  427.25 yards per game

Rushing Offense - #24  206.50  yards per game

Passing Offense - #53  220.8  yards per game

LSU needs to run, run and run some more.  Wear down their defensive front and force the safeties to come up.  LSU has one of the best O-lines in the country, let them do what they do best, pound on people.  The offensive line or Quinn Johnson will have to find Brandon Spikes and keep him occupied.  Jarrett Lee needs to maintain his poise and limit his mistakes.  Get Richard Dickson involved and this will also help free up Brandon Lafell and Demetrius Byrd.

Keys to Victory:

 - Brandon James may be the most dangerous return man in college football.  Special teams could be a huge factor in this game so it is important to keep him contained.

 - LSU holds a decided edge on the line of scrimmage, both sides, so if they play to their level LSU can win.

 - If Charles Scott can continue his rampage through defenses, Jarrett Lee's job becomes a lot easier.  Lee will have many options as the game wears on as fatigue begins to set in on Florida and the lack of experienced backups hurts the Gators.

 - Communication on the defensive side.  Hopefully the coaches have resolved this matter and the players are on the same page now.  Florida is not a team you want to be "confused" while playing.

 - Florida's offense is going to make plays, they are too talented not to.  The key will be what happens when their playmakers get into "space."  Solid, decisive tackles are needed as you can not let them get loose.

 - LSU can win this game as they have the better lines and they match up with Florida in the talent department.  Maintain gap assignments, know your coverage assignments and make tackles with bad intentions.