if Jamarcus could play. At least we get a primetime slot without any competition. It is also, along with Michigan-Nebraska, the only matchup of two programs that have won a national championship in the past 15 years. total offense (Miami 391.1 YPG/56th in the country, LSU 386.5 YPG/61st) rushing yards (Miami 145.3/58th, LSU 139.9/67th) passing yards (Miami 245.8/49th, LSU 246.6/47th) scoring (Miami 29.3 PPG/42nd, LSU 28.1/49th) defense (Miami 252.1/3rd, LSU 276.3/5th) scoring defense (Miami 11.9 PPG/2nd, LSU 15.2/8th) The Canes have their own injury issues with RB Tyrone Moss (701 yards, 12 TD in seven-plus games) on the shelf after ACL surgery. They’ll need QB Kyle Wright (59.4%, 2,303 yards, 18 TD, 10 INT) and RB Charlie Jones (457 yards, 5 TD) to pick up the slack without making mistakes against this LSU defense. Les needs this game more than LSU does. If he pulls this off the offseason starting Dec 31st will be a much smoother ride to the spring. He needs it to win the fan's confidence whether some people care to believe it or not. If Les pulls this off I'll say nary a word about his prozac prescription at least for another 6 months. hopefully kyle and wroten are back to normal. there is word that many Miami juniors may be playing not to get hurt in anticipation for the upcoming NFL draft. this wouldnt surprise me and could be LSU's advantage. Not to mention they arent too happy about going to the peach 2 years straight. it'd be like LSU going to the indy bowl. another advantage but with no jamarcus and a suspect running game I dont think it really matters. Miami wins this one by 2 touchdowns with Flynn at the helm--24-10.
I like your analysis for the most part for how the teams match up. That being said, Miami's offense will not score 24 points on LSU, especially without Moss. This is a match-up of two very good defenses and two okay offenses. Flynn isn't JaMarcus. The key to the game will be Flynn playing smart football because otherwise Miami's defense will not only stop LSU's offense, but create some turnovers. If Flynn plays error free ball, this one will be close until the end. If Russell was playing, I would say that LSU had a 60% chance of winning. Without him, LSU has a 40% chance, IMO.
The key lies in turnovers and penalties, no two ways about it. We can survive if they hold us to fourth down. We will lose if we turn over the ball more than once.
they won't, but with Flynn in the saddle, Miami's defense can score 10-13 pts, which can lead to 24 for Miami in a hurry
Y'all really think Flynn won't do pretty good in this game. I can see him rolling out and running the ball as opposed to throwing a stupid pass. If Jimbo calls the plays that Flynn can accomplish, will win for sure.
Where are all the people that were screaming for Flynn to be the starter? I figured they would be pumped up. I like our chances in this game. I'd feel a lot better if JR wasn't hurt, but I have faith in Flynn. It's nice knowing that you have such a competent backup. What other team in the country could be in our position, with the starting QB hurt, and have realistic hopes of winning the game? If Flynn plays up to his potential, we win.
As in any bowl game, motivation is the key. Which Miami team shows up? Which LSU team shows up. I think the lack of smack from either side indicates the old adage about two not-so-willing fighters on the playground: "one's scared and the other is glad of it." I don't think most LSU supporters give us a chance nor do I think most Miami supporters think this is one of their better teams, nor do most of their fans seem to care. Having a month to rest and prepare Flynn gives us a better chance than most believe. LSU 17 Miami 9
Great points!!! I honestly think that LSU fans are frickin' moronic for not being all over this game! Jesus frickin' Christ, this is MIAMI! They're a top ten team, we're a top ten team, and EVERYONE I've been talking to about this game is completely BUMMED OUT! It's unreal. I'm loving every minute of this match-up. I just hope that all of the negative vibes from the fans don't make their way to the players... they need every bit of motivation the Tiger-faithful can muster! Come on Tiger-fans, get excited!!! :geauxtige :grin: BTW, it does suck that JR won't be playing. Not that I don't have faith in MF, but rather we NEED JR's big-play potential.
I would like to see them turn Matt Flynn loose on the ground.. roll him out.. give him a couple checks, then a run option...