Mean Green give LSU one more warm up

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By Christopher Gordy

As of print time for this preview, LSU Associate Athletic Director Herb Vincent has announced that LSU has every intention of taking on the Mean Green of North Texas this weekend, as scheduled. The only question is where they will play.

With Tiger Stadium undergoing repairs from damage caused by Hurricane Gustav last week, and the ensuing danger of Hurricane Ike, plans are being discussed to move the game to either the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, or Texas Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

After having to reschedule last week’s game against Troy to an open date in November, LSU is ready to get back into the groove of football. And with only one game under the belt this season, LSU will need one more warm up game before traveling to take on Auburn next week. So let’s breakdown North Texas:

LSU quarterbacks vs. N. Texas secondary

There’s no doubt that after only one game, there is still a question at quarterback for LSU. Both Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch looked decent against Appalachian State. And though it would have been nice to get one more game of experience, one of the two will have to step up this week before heading into Auburn.

Last week against Tulsa, North Texas’ secondary gave up 418 passing yards and six touchdowns through the air. Enough said. If Tulsa is throwing six touchdown passes against them, then just imagine what Lee or Hatch can do. This is a confidence builder for both.

Advantage: LSU

LSU running backs vs. N. Texas linebackers

Two weeks ago, Charles Scott was a men amongst boys as he tore through Appalachian State’s defense, rushing 16 times for 160 yards and two touchdowns. With Keiland Williams, Richard Murphy and Trindon Holliday all in the mix, LSU amassed 266 net yards rushing against the Mountaineers, and probably could have amassed more if they had wanted.

North Texas is allowing 300 rushing yards per game this season, a statistic that definitely works in LSU’s favor. Linebackers Tobe Nwigwe and Craig Roberson lead the team with 42 combined tackles; however, they will have to play the game of their lives to stop LSU’s rushing attack.

Advatage: LSU

LSU wide receivers vs. N. Texas cornerbacks

Against Appalachain State, Demtrius Byrd and Brandon LaFell showed that it doesn’t matter who is throwing the ball to them, just as long as the quarterback gets it in their general vicinity. Both combined for 121 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while tight end Richard Dickson also showed he is set for a huge year.

Cornerback Royce Hill has 11 tackles and a fumble recovery on the year, while freshman corner John Shorter has the team’s lone interception. But in a secondary that has allowed over 700 passing yards and nine touchdowns through the air, don’t expect them to stop LSU’s speedy threats.

Advantage: LSU

LSU offensive line vs. N. Texas defensive line

LSU’s offensive line abused Appalachian State for much of the day in their first game, so expect more of the same against North Texas. Senior defensive end Ryan Davenport leads the line with nine tackles and a pass breakup. But on a defensive unit that has no sacked the quarterback once this season, expect LSU’s line to protect the quarterback well.

Advantage: LSU

N. Texas quarterbacks vs. LSU secondary

LSU’s secondary did a good job of keeping App. State quarterback Armanti Edwards in check, holding him to just 187 yards passing in the game. Though LSU has inexperienced cornerbacks, they got the job done.

North Texas’ sophomore quarterback Giovanni Vizza has 347 passing yards on the year, with three touchdowns. Last week against Tulsa, he passed for 247 yards and has not thrown an interception yet this season. Vizza should have a tough time this week, as safeties Harry Coleman and Chad Jones will be looking to put a lick on him in the pocket.

Advantage: LSU

N. Texas running backs vs. LSU linebackers

Junior running back Cam Montgomery leads the Mean Green with 117 yards rushing on the year, while freshman back Lance Dunbar has 72 yards and a touchdown to his credit. The running back unit compiled 203 rushing yards against Tulsa last week. But LSU’s linebackers will be licking their chops this week as Darry Beckwith, Perry Riley and Kelvin Sheppard will be looking to put a stop to any movement on the ground. After only allowing 52 net rushing yards to App. State’s attack, the Mean Green won’t have much place to go to.

Advantage: LSU

N. Texas wide receivers vs. LSU cornerbacks

Casey Fitzgerald is North Texas’ leading receiver with 13 catches for 113 yards and touchdown. LSU’s cornerbacks will go to work once again on stopping the pass this week, as corners Jai Eugene, Chris Hawkins and Patrick Peterson continue to get reps. North Texas could surprise with a big play or two, but don’t count on it.

Advantage: LSU

N. Texas offensive line vs. LSU defensive line

All I can say is that if you play for North Texas’s offensive line, you may want to fake an injury this week. Going up against Tyson Jackson, Ricky Jean-Francois and Kirston Pittman is no easy task. Not to mention the fact that the defense already has three sacks and several quarterback hurries. Good luck protecting your Mean Green quarterback.

Advantage: LSU

Special Teams

The one thing North Texas has going for them is the fact they have a decent return game. John Shorter is averaging over 16 yards a return on kickoffs, while Lance Dunbar has four returns for 51 yards. However, Trindon Holliday is averaging 24 yards a return, while Chad Jones is always one tackle away from breaking a big one.

Advantage: LSU

So while LSU goes through one more week of a “scrimmage” type game, watch for which quarterback steps up and takes on the starting role. Also look for another strong performance from Charles Scott as he continues to fill the shoes of Jacob Hester. Watch for the defensive line to continue to rack up stats as they prepare to head into Auburn for the game of the year.

Prediction:

LSU 49, North Texas 9

Originally Published: Issue 704 - September 10, 2008

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