Red's five concerns for LSU: 1. Field position -- This was paramount in the Auburn game and will always be in a tight defensive struggle. LSU is allowing 18 yards a return on punts which is not typical of this team over the last five years. I fear this will cost LSU another game this season. 2. Time of Possession -- LSU can run the football, especially in the red zone, and has 14 rushing TD's this year to lead the SEC. But LSU has not been able to conduct long, time-consuming running drives to protect a lead. Leak and Tebow cannot score if they can't get the ball back. State got beaten by 32 points but they had the same time of possession that LSU did because LSU scored quickly with long passes on every drive. LSU cannot affort to give Florida that much time with the ball. If the running game doesn't sustain a drive, Russell must be able to conduct a controlled, short-pass, ball control offense to eat up clock. 3. The new clock rules -- This has severely changed the game this season. LSU lost at Auburn because they were out of time outs and couldn't stop the clock. On the last play LSU was 4 yards short of the win with more plays available but the clock ticked away. Russell will have to squander his time outs and manage the clock well in the last two minutes 4. Field goal kicking -- LSU has two acccurate kickers from short range but nobody who is really consistent beyond 40 yards. LSU could have kicked two field goals at Auburn and won if they had confidence for a 50-yard field goal. If this turns into a field-position and field-goal game, LSU is at a disadvantage. 5. Getting rattled in The Swamp -- LSU has done well there recently, but there are a lot of new faces playing. The crowd is very close to the bench and the field and players have to listen to a lot of stuff that can take their focus away from the game. A quick couple of touchdowns to take the crowd out of the game would be nice, but no one is counting on that this year.
My main concern is game plan. IF we CANNOT run against Florida, let's all say a prayer that the game plan will modify and open up the air attack that we're so good at.
LSU is not at a disadvantage to Florida in field goal kicking. Florida hasn't made a field goal yet this year. It is a weakness for us, but more of a problem for them than it is for us.
I agree with all except #5, if they were not intimidated at AU earlier this year I don't think they will be intimidated in hickville.
this game will come down to offensive gameplan. If we come out of the gates in that damn bunch formation, it is gonna be a long day, unless we all the sudden learned how to run block. While it would be nice to use the short passing game to eat clock, I don't think you can plan for that. If UF wants to give us the long field we need to take it. If we score on 4 play drives than so be it. There is no defense in CFB that I would feel more comfortable with in a TOP battle. If we come out three or four wide in shotgun formation, there is no doubt we will not only win this game, but we will win big.
Running Game - Les and Jimbo can not continually try to run the ball if it is not working as was done in the AU game. Give Scott a shot in the big game, he is a hard hard runner that hits the hole harder and is quicker. They need to face the music and pass first and run second, not the other way around as it was against AU. If the line isn't making holes, then use the pass to open up the run. Defense Scheme - Be disciplined and watch for misdirection. The speed and talent of the D is awesome and are very capable of stopping UF. They must be disciplined and know the UF offense via film. Offense Scheme - If the running game is weak, don't be afraid or too conservative to pass more. Don't try and force the running game, play to the strengths of the offense. Use the pass to open up the running game. Be aggressive on the play calling. Throw some deep balls to keep the UF D off balance and honest. You have the best long ball thrower in the NCAA that is unbelievably accurate. Use it. JR - He has to be comfortable, take control of himself and stick with his mechanics. Set his feet in the pocket when he has time and drill the ball, no more throwing off the back foot and lobing and guiding the ball as in the AU game.
My Worries: 1. What time will I wake up following my pre-game party on friday night. 2. Do I start drinking immediately or do I play with my kids a little first? 3. How many people will I have over? I live in Texas, so it may get a little lonely with the spooners and gay horns playing. 4. Where will I go celebrate following the game, Dallas has lots to choose from. 5. Will I be able to wake up and make it to church on Sunday to ask forgiveness for my Saturday's sins?:grin:
Play with the kids and go to church, the rest- I know nothing about TX. And concerns, the battle for field position will be number one. We cannot start drives behind the 20 and expect to do well. We can, but we shouldn't expect it. The running game will either solve itself, or it won't. It's a concern that can't be fixed easily.
Five Concerns For Florida On Saturday: 1) Jamarcuss Russell 2) Early Doucet 3) Craig Davis 4) Dwayne Bowe 5) Every Member of LSU's Defense. That is all. LSU - 24 Florida - 10
