Bowl Bound

It’s hard to believe that only a few weeks ago there was some concern about LSU reaching bowl eligibility.  After the 41-7 blowout at Auburn, the Tigers looked in desperate trouble.  But two weeks later the Tigers are 6-2 and guaranteed a 15^th consecutive bowl appearance.

The Tigers dominated Kentucky in all phase of the game Saturday night playing its most complete game of the season.  A few observations:

* Easily the best game of the season for special teams. Tre’Davious White had 114 yards on four punt returns with a 67 yard return for a TD.

* The running game pounded out 303 yards with Magee leading the way with 127 yards and 2 TD’s.  Great to see #18 have such a solid game.

* The defense was stout holding UK to 217 yards on 63 plays and giving up only 3 points.  The Tigers are ranked 9^th in the SEC in total defense counting only conference games.  Before the Florida game, LSU was ranked dead last in the conference.

* Jennings managed the game, but I’m not seeing much growth in his game.  I think he is limited in what he can do for the Tigers.  But he has to be the #1 guy right now.  He seems more comfortable on roll outs and getting out of the pocket.  The coaches need to give him a few more first down play action opportunities to continue to build his confidence.  He currently ranks 62^nd nationally in QB efficiency and ranks outside the top 100 in completion percentage.

* I know fans get frustrated with LSU’s offensive game plan, but the coaching staff has to work around the limitations at the QB position.  Anthony Jennings throwing 30 times a contest isn’t going to win games for the Tigers right now.

* Not a stellar night for Leonard Fournette, but he is on pace to gain 1600+ all-purpose yards on the season, the most by a freshman in LSU history.

* LSU’s line backing corps has really improved as the season has gone along.  Kwon Alexander and Kendall Beckwith are starting to make some plays.

Looking Ahead

Huge game this weekend against #3 Ole Miss.  The Rebels come in 7-0 and both teams are ranked while playing in Tiger Stadium for the first time since 1970.  The Tigers have won 5 of the last 6 in the series played in Tiger Stadium.  What to look for:

1. Can LSU get out the gates quickly?  Against Boise State, Memphis, Alabama and Tennessee, Ole Miss only scored a combined 31 points in the first half.  That’s less than 8 points per game for those four games.  In those same games, the Rebels put up 85 points in the second half, over 21 points per game.  It will be key for LSU to be productive in the first half and try to have a lead at half time. Les Miles is 79-7 when leading at the half.
2. Can LSU run the ball against the #6 run defense in the country?  Ole Miss is giving up only 2.87 yards a carry this season.  LSU will need to run some option and spread formations to give the running game a chance.
3. How will Bo Wallace handle the largest crowd in the history of Tiger Stadium?  If the game stays close, like I expect it to, the atmosphere will electric all night.

As much as I would love to see a magical night in Tiger Stadium, I just don’t see the Tigers with enough offensive firepower to win the game.  Ole Miss’ defense is national championship caliber and I don’t think Jennings is up to the task.  I expect a great effort, but Ole Miss has a special team this season.

Rebels 24 – LSU 13

 

Final Four: Week 8

Each week I will be posting my Final Four based a combination of games played thus far and predictions about the eventual participants.  My four is a combination of what has actually happened on the field and my evaluations projecting out to the end of the season.

Semi-Finals

(1)   FSU v. (4) Michigan State
(2)   Mississippi State v. (3) Oregon

National Championship

FSU v. Mississippi State