Friday, September 28, 2007

WEEK 4: LSU faces Tulane


SU may be tempted to look ahead to Florida next week, but I doubt they're taking the Green Wave lightly.
What to look for when LSU has the ball: LSU has adapted the two QB offense with great success. Fifth-year senior Matt Flynn is the starter, while redshirt sophomore Ryan Perrilloux also gets significant playing time. LSU wide receiver Early Doucet has not practiced this week, but LSU coach Les Miles said he was encouraged by Doucet's efforts at trying to come back from a groin injury he suffered on Sept. 14.
"He's making very good progress. He's winding into health and shape. We're optimistic," Miles said.
LSU has a stable of backs that have been running the ball well, namely Jacob Hester and Keiland Williams.
WR Brandon LaFell has picked up Doucet's slack in his absence as the Tigers passing game continues to churn.
Senior Antonio Harris is the unquestionable leader of Tulane's defense. He has started EVERY GAME of his career. Last week, he had a career-high 11 tackles, four for a loss and three sacks. Harris aside, the Wave's defense is filled with holes.
What to look for when Tulane has the ball:RB Matt Forte was offensive player of the week last week when he rushed for 303 yards and five touchdowns in Tulane's win over Southeastern Louisiana.
Forte's impressive performance broke Tulane and Conference USA records. But that was Southeastern Louisiana; this is LSU.
This LSU defense leads the nation in four categories. The Tigers are No. 1 in scoring defense (5.75 points a game), total defense (161.5 yards a game), rushing defense (26.75 yards a game) and pass efficiency defense (67.69 rating).
LSU's rush defense is allowing less than a yard per carry and has allowed just 107 yards total, which is the best through four games since the 1969 team allowed 84 yards through the first four games. The 1969 team holds the school record for fewest yards allowed in a season with 389. Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson are anchors on the nation's best D-line. They returned all three starters at linebacker (namely Ali Highsmith) as well as both CBs. SS Craig Steltz also leads the nation in INTs.
No. 2 LSU (4-0) plays Tulane (1-2) at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Superdome in New Orleans on ESPN2. PREDICTION: LSU 38 - TULANE 9

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