* The LSU football team was bored last night. The players didn't want to be there and the fans didn't want to be there either as evidenced by the 40,000 no-shows. That "boredom" by the players shows up in the mental part of the game. LSU is ranked 108th nationally in the penalty department. The Tigers turned the ball over 10 times all of last season. This season they have fumble six times and thrown two interceptions already. Unlike last season, this team is not nearly as focused and sharp. Whatever Miles is doing to correct the problems is not work as of yet.
* LSU's offensive problems start up front. The Tigers are giving up over two sacks a game. While some of these are on Mettenberger, the O-line has to take a great deal of blame. Missed assignments and missed blocks are holding the passing game back. Losing Faulk and now J.C. Copeland is a big problem for that group.
* On the positive side, through five games, LSU is averaging over 200 yards passing per game and 400 total yards per game for the first time since 2008. Mettenberger was off last night, but he didn't hang his head and threw some nice deep passes that resulted in TD's in the second half. Beckham also played very well catching two TD's and gaining 128 yards.
*Jordan Jefferson was on the sidelines for the game Saturday. LSU has worst offensive performance all season. Coincidence? I don't think so.
* LSU's first five opponents are a combined 8-14. LSU's next five oppenents are a combined 21-1.
* The big question going into this weekend is: Are these mistakes mentioned earlier systemic or just a function of "boredom?" We will know a lot more about this team next week. Florida is by far the best team the Tigers will have faced this season. The Swamp is as tough a place to play as anywhere in the country. We embarrassed Florida last year so look for the Gators tro be highly motivated.
LSU's defense will be lights out and I'm not sold on Jeff Driskel running that offense. But can LSU get out of its own way on offense? IF the Tigers hold on to the ball and cut down on penalities they can certainly win the game. But execution and play calling must get better. LSU's offensive line is not good enough to just blow people off the ball. The staff MUST insert some plays that will slow down Florida's pass rush and help Mettenberger out. This game is terribly difficultto pick and I expect a close game throughout. As of this writing LSU is a 2-3 point favorite. I hope I'm wrong, but I just don't see a championship team in the making with this group.
UF 23 - LSU 17
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