Now that we have seen the pics of Gholston, can someone tell me what would be the best strategy for LSU to handle him? Assuming he would be matched up against Carnell Stewart.
I've seen him swap sides, I think. He is a big concern of mine. I hope our tackles can keep him from going around the outside because that could pose big problems for a spread offense and a lot of plays we like to run. I say we need to get the running game going early and often. If the running game is successful I would keep going at it. Wear the d-line out some and shorten the game. It will relieve pressure off of Flynn early when he is prone to making mistakes.
And you guys are lucky that Rose is out for the game, I think. Unfortunately for LSU, a stud youngster, Gibson, is moving down to take his spot. I actually think Gibson is going to have a huge game if this hold's true. And if he doesnt, look for Gholston to be putting juuust alittle pressure on Flynn and Pairohlou. Love my bucks up front.
I could be wrong but Im fairly certain that Gholston is moved around quite a bit. And yes I believe he merits concern. I would say if hes lined up on the left side (Stewart's side) we have to double him. I just cannot see Stewart handling him alone. I hope he can, Im just not holding my breath.
I'm sure that if we call Tubby, he could give us a couple of ideas on how to block a good defensive lineman.:lol:
He does. Despite the anemic looking zone defense in last year's NC...we do shuffle around quite a bit up front.
Gholston is a big matchup problem as a pass rusher. He can disappear occasionally vs the run. (same with Gibson) In the b10, teams resort to plenty of holding & tackling, but b10 bowl games so far this year have featured this yellow UFO flying onto the field, so perhaps that strategy won't work in this game. Rose was the #3 DE coming into the season, been banged up most of it, and won't play. Wilson was actually OSU's best DE heading into the season (good vs pass & run), but has been out since Sep (broken leg). He's a longshot to play tomorrow, and is likely only 15 plays or so if he can go. Cameron Heyward was a frosh AA (Rivals), and coming along nicely. Prototypical B10 DE, large, good first step, physical against run and pass. Not yet a guy you gameplan against, but can make plays. Pancaked Jake Long on one play in the last game. Gibson is an OLB who bulked up and moved to DE. He's not a complete DE by any stretch, but can be dangerous with his ears pinned back on passing downs. Here's a sign of Gibson's potential (3:13 mark) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4L7Pyp6BAM
As our tackles found out last year, you can't block what you can't catch. Gholston is listed as a sub 4.6 40 guy and is explosive off the ball. Cam Heyward on the other side will pose problems as well. If Ohio State can make LSU one-dimensional as they have against most teams they've played they will wreak havoc defensively. The defensive ends are both outstanding pass rushers and they tend to blitz from angles.
