Game week...Finally!!

At times I didn't know if we were going to make it.  But we are here!  Game week!

Many national pundits are questioning the Tigers this season.  It is not uncommon to see LSU ranked as low as 4th in the Western Division in some predictions.  The focus has been exclusively about what LSU has lost.  It is a mistake to overlook what LSU has coming back.

LSU goes into this weekend's opener a 16.5 point favorite, telling me the folks in Vegas still have faith in the Tigers.  Three things to look for:

1. Can LSU's three headed running attack get rolling?  Curry, Davis-Price and Emery are all listed as co-starters at the running back position on the depth chart released by Coach O today.  Establishing some rhythm in the running game will take pressure off QB Miles Brennan.

2. What will we see from the defense in terms of pressure and play calling?  Coach O has publicly expressed his displeasure with LSU's 2019 defense on more than one occasion.  In fairness, LSU finished 4th in the SEC in tackles for loss per game and 5th in sacks per game.  The real issue was redzone defense.  Opponents scored TD's on 65% of their redzone opportunities.  That ranked 12th in the SEC and 93rd in the country.

3. Last season, LSU outscored its 15 opponents 249 to 91 in the second quarter.  LSU was never outscored by an opponent in the second quarter in 2019.  The average half time score for the Tigers was 27-10.  Can LSU maintain that first half focus and put early pressure on opponents?

I expect LSU to come out throwing and running tempo against Mississippi State.  State will also come out throwing Leach's Air-Raid offense.  Look for LSU and new defensive coordinator Bo Pelini to pressure State's transfer QB KJ Costello.  I like the match-up of our secondary versus their receivers. Close early, but LSU will pull away with a balanced attack.

LSU 38 - State 20

College Football Playoff

Each week I will post my picks for the playoffs.

Alabama, Clemson, Texas, Ohio State