Showdown at the Swamp

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By Christopher Gordy

Never before has an LSU team been so confident heading into the Swamp, as the #4 Tigers visit the #11 Florida Gators this weekend. The Tigers (4-0) head to Gainesville with the second-ranked scoring offense in the SEC, scoring 35.5 points per game. However, the Gators (4-1) boast the first-ranked scoring offense with 36.0 points per game. So with these two high-powered offenses going up against one another, who has the overall edge?

LSU quarterbacks v. Florida secondary

The Gators’ secondary is allowing 165 yards passing per game, while LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee averages 160 yards passing per game. In his first start ever against Mississippi State, Lee threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. Florida has seven interceptions on the season; while safety Major Wright has 2 INT’s to go along with 27 total tackles. Lee will have to play a good game to counter a pretty impressive Florida secondary.

Advantage: Push

LSU running backs v. Florida linebackers

Florida’s defense is holding opposing running backs to under 100 yards rushing per game this season. However, they will face a pretty tough test in stopping the SEC’s second-leading rusher in Charles Scott. Through four games, Scott has totaled 540 yards, with six touchdowns, while averaging 7.5 yards per carry. Linebacker Brandon Spikes is a leader of the defense, with 41 tackles and a sack. But Scott needs a big game to give the Tigers hope.

Advantage: LSU

LSU wide receivers v. Florida cornerbacks

LSU receiver Brandon LaFell has had an impressive year so far, totaling 348 yards receiving and three touchdowns. LaFell has been a go-to target for Lee, while Demetrius Byrd is still waiting for his breakout game this year. Expect both receivers to step up their game against a stingy Gator secondary. Tight end Richard Dickson is still waiting to prove his preseason All-SEC selection.

Advantage: LSU

LSU offensive line v. Florida defensive line

Much of the Tigers’ success this season has been credited to the play of their big offensive linemen, led by Ciron Black and Herman Johnson. The Gators defense has totaled 13 sacks already on the year, and defensive ends Carlos Dunlap, Lawrence Marsh and Jermaine Cunningham have been a big reason for that pressure. LSU’s line should face a tougher test than Auburn, as Florida has five quarterback hurries and a ton of pass breakups.

Advantage: LSU

Florida quarterbacks v. LSU secondary

Though his statistics are not as eye-popping as his Heisman-trophy season stats from last year, quarterback Tim Tebow continues to be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the nation. A young Tiger secondary has struggled to be consistent, with safeties Danny McCray and Chad Jones proving to be liabilities in coverage. Cornerbacks Chris Hawkins and Jai Eugene have played well, but facing a dual threat quarterback could give LSU’s secondary fits. Tebow has eight passing touchdowns on the year, to go along with 1,025 yards and a quarterback efficiency rating of 148.

Advantage: Florida

Florida running backs v. LSU linebackers

One of Florida’s biggest problems this season is one that gave them fits last season: the inability to establish a running game. Chris Rainey leads all backs with 220 yards and two touchdowns, while Jeff Demps has 178 yards with three rushing touchdowns. But most of the Florida ground game is reliant on Tebow’s mobility and the athleticism of Percy Harvin. Linebacker Darry Beckwith hopes to return to the Tiger line backing corps, while Perry Riley and Jacob Cutrera have played well against the run.

Advantage: LSU

Florida wide receivers v. LSU secondary

Percy Harvin is ultimate threat in one-on-one coverage in Florida’s offense, as he is responsible for 284 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Receiver Louis Murphy has reliable hands and tight end Aaron Hernandez is a red-zone target for Tebow. LSU’s secondary will have to play well and avoid costly penalties to keep the passing attack contained. But Tebow is completing 61 percent of his passes with only one interception on the season.

Advantage: Florida

Florida offensive line v. LSU defensive line

LSU’s highly-touted defensive line still has yet to put up the gigantic statistics that much of the nation expected them to have. With the most depth in the country, LSU’s d-line was expected to rack up dozens of sacks this season. The Gators’ offensive line has already allowed seven sacks this season. Expect defensive ends Tyson Jackson and Kirston Pittman to play with a chip on their shoulder as they go after Tebow this Saturday.

Advantage: LSU

Florida special teams v. LSU special teams

With Trindon Holliday averaging 25 yards a punt return this season, as well as a 92-yard return for a touchdown, one would think that he would have the apparent edge in this category. However, Gator return man Brandon James has been unstoppable, averaging 20 yards a return, with two returns for touchdowns. James also averages close to 30 yards on kickoff returns as well. Gator kicker Jonathan Philips is perfect on the season, going 6-for-6 on field goals. Tiger kicker Colt David is 6-for-7, missing only a 50+ yard kick.

Advantage: Push

Despite LSU being ranked higher in this match-up, Florida is the early favorite in the game. But Tiger fans can expect another dog fight, as the winner of this game the past two seasons has gone on to win the BCS National Championship. While this year’s winner may not produce those hefty results, expect offensive coordinator Gary Crowton to give the Gator defense fits his secret schemes. But Tebow still should have a great statistical day.

Prediction: LSU 34, Florida 31

Originally Published: Issue 776 - October 8, 2008

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