Tiger Weekly - Serving Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Tigers regroup to face Green Wave

By Christopher Gordy

Whether you blame it on Jarrett Lee or the defense as a whole, the bottom line is LSU got beat down by the Georgia Bulldogs last week in Tiger Stadium, 52-38. LSU’s secondary was abused all day by quarterback Matthew Stafford, while the players up front failed to stop running back Knowshon Moreno. Then there were the two interceptions for touchdowns. So while LSU currently looks to be out of contention in the SEC West, the Tigers will look to rebound against a struggling Tulane team before hosting a must-win game against Alabama next week.

 

LSU quarterbacks v. Tulane secondary

After a three-interception performance last week, quarterback Jarrett Lee may have cost himself the full-time starting position. Andrew Hatch has played improved football as of late, while it appears true freshman Jordan Jefferson will come off the bench to finally get some playing time. While Lee may have the best arm strength on the team, his biggest problem has been staring down receivers, which has lead to four interceptions for touchdowns this season. The Tulane secondary has five picks on the year, with safeties Corey Sonnier and Devin Holland combining for 80 total tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Watch for all three quarterbacks to play well against the Green Wave, and see who has a breakout performance to earn a start against the Crimson Tide.

Advantage: LSU

 

LSU running backs v. Tulane linebackers

One of LSU’s biggest positives this season has been that of their running game, particularly Charles Scott. Scott had a huge day against the Bulldogs last Saturday, rushing 21 times for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Keiland Williams and Richard Murphy round out a stable of backs that is averaging 180 rushing yards a game. Tulane has allowed ten rushing touchdowns on the season, allowing an average of 135 ground yards a game. Linebackers Evan Lee and Logan Kelley have combined for six sacks and six and a half tackles for loss, but should struggle to stop Scott and company this week.

Advantage: LSU

LSU wide receivers v. Tulane cornerbacks

Brandon LaFell ranks second in the SEC in receiving, averaging 75 yards per game behind Georgia’s AJ Green. Demetrius Byrd ranks ninth with 50 yards a game in a passing offense that ranks third in total passing in the SEC. Not bad for an offense that has quarterback issues. LaFell now has 524 receiving yards and five touchdowns this season. Tulane’s secondary has allowed 173 yards per game passing with ten passing touchdowns. No matter who LSU’s quarterback is, the receiving corps should have a big day.

Advantage: LSU

LSU offensive line v. Tulane defensive line

LSU’s offensive line has continued to improve over the past two weeks, and for the most part, the line performed well against Georgia. They did a good job of opening up holes for Charles Scott and did a decent job of holding off Georgia’s constant blitzing. Tulane’s defense has 16 sacks on the season with six quarterback hurries. LSU’s big men should hold off Tulane’s pass rush, but watch for defensive end Adam Kwentua to make an impact.

Advantage: LSU

Tulane quarterbacks v. LSU secondary

Sophomore Kevin Moore leads Tulane’s passing attack with over 1,400 yards passing and seven touchdowns this year. Freshman Joe Kemp is also in the mix, with 265 passing yards and two touchdowns. However, Moore has thrown eight interceptions and will face an LSU secondary that is hungry for a turnover. LSU failed to force any turnovers last week against Georgia, and will be looking to make up for that this week. Jai Eugene and Chris Hawkins should rebound this week after giving up passing plays of 48 and 49 yards to Georgia.

Advantage: LSU

Tulane running backs v. LSU linebackers

LSU’s linebackers have struggled this year to make plays, with Darry Beckwith apparently still hobbled from his early season injury. Perry Riley and Kelvin Sheppard have struggled to fill the shoes of Luke Sanders and Ali Highsmith, and allowed Knowshon Moreno to run rampant last week for 163 yards and a touchdown. Tulane’s leading rusher junior Andre’ Anderson who has 864 yards and seven touchdowns is out for the game with a separated shoulder.

Advantage: LSU

Tulane wide receivers v. LSU cornerbacks

Jeremy Williams is Tulane’s go-to receiver with 87 receiving yards per game and five total touchdowns. LSU is giving up 205 yards passing per game and needs to limit big plays in the secondary. Watch for cornerback Patrick Peterson to get more time, as it appears nobody in the secondary is safe from getting benched.

Advantage: LSU

Tulane offensive line v. LSU defensive line

LSU’s defensive line has failed this year to live up to its’ billing as one of the best in the nation. With all-SEC names like Tyson Jackson, Kirston Pittman and Ricky Jean-Francois, the Tiger line has failed to get a significant pass rush for much of this year. After two great games, Jackson was not much of an impact against Georgia. The most consistent defensive lineman for LSU has been Rahim Alem, who has five sacks and seven tackles for loss. While they may look good against a weak Tulane line, they will need to improve significantly to prepare for Alabama.

Advantage: LSU

LSU special teams v. Tulane special teams

Trindon Holliday continues to be one of the most dangerous return men in the SEC, averaging 22 yards per kick return and 19 yards per punt return. Kicker Colt David set the all-time LSU scoring record last week, making a 51-yard field goal but missing a 49-yard kick. Jeremy Williams and Albert Williams handle Tulane kickoff returns, but both lack Holliday’s breakaway speed. Kicker Ross Thevenot is 7-for-13 on field goals this year.

Advantage: LSU

 

While Tulane has lost three straight games and has a record of 2-5 on the year, it appears on paper that LSU should dominate them. However, it is worth pointing out that they hung in against Alabama, losing only 20-6 in Tuscaloosa. If Tulane brings their “A game” into Baton Rouge, they may be able to keep it close at halftime. But the Tigers will be hungry after their second loss of the season and will be looking to rack up stats before hosting the Crimson Tide next week. Keep an eye out for Jordan Jefferson at quarterback.

 

Prediction: LSU 45, Tulane 24

Originally Published: October 29, 2008

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