Will the real LSU please stand up? The Tigers slacked their way into a sloppy win against Louisiana Tech one week after an impressive win at Clemson. The ceiling for this team is uncertain, but pretenders are often exposed when LSU plays Florida.
On that note, South Florida uncovered and capitalized on a few weaknesses in Gainesville, Florida, last week. The Gators are a desperate team that came into the season with high expectations. With six ranked teams left to play, their playoff hopes can’t afford a second consecutive loss on Saturday. There’s always a sense of intrigue and talent all over the field when LSU plays Florida. We dug deeper into the more critical elements that will likely decide the game.
Who Will Have the Most Influence
Slow Baugh Down
Despite all the hype quarterback DJ Lagway received coming into the season, running back Jadan Baugh is the catalyst of the offense. The sophomore is physically imposing, six-foot-one and 230 pounds. But he’s also an explosive player with breakaway speed. Baugh is averaging over seven yards per carry so far, and he torched LSU for almost 11 yards per carry last season.
Florida has a special back, and he’ll be a challenge for every opponent on the Gators’ schedule this season. As far as LSU is concerned, the challenge is accepted. The Tiger defense is allowing just under two yards per carry so far. The Tiger defensive line has been disruptive, linebackers sound, and defensive backs quick to support the run. Although its lofty standards will be harder to maintain as more games are played, this LSU defense is built to stop the run.
Winning the first down battle will be critical for LSU. Forcing minimal to no-gain plays will keep Florida behind the chains. Unproductive first-down plays only put more pressure on the Gators’ star quarterback.
Speed Lagway Up
At first glance, one could wonder why Lagway has struggled to this point this year. This should have been expected. He flashed as a freshman but completed only 59% of his passes. Most assumed he would make progress as a polished quarterback in his second year. The problem is that injuries have prevented him from getting the necessary practice reps required to make that jump in production.
I’m still a believer in Lagway as an eventual top-tier quarterback. But LSU must put the game in his hands on Saturday. In other words, force the quarterback to make more plays than the running back does. We expect Blake Baker to continue his aggressive tendencies in blitz packages and unleash a few new wrinkles in the SEC opener.
Florida has talented receivers in Eugene Wilson and freshman Vernell Brown, but the group doesn’t pose as many issues as Clemson’s receiver room. If LSU continues to tackle well after the short passes, there will likely be opportunities to make plays on downfield passes as Lagway gets rushed and impatient.
Running the Rock
Sophomore running back Caden Durham didn’t find much room to run last week, but he has help. Let’s start with the receivers who add value in the backfield. Zavion Thomas and Barion Brown are explosive and elusive as runners. We expect to see them continue to motion into the backfield and have success in their opportunities as ball carriers. South Florida made positive plays in the run game, and we expect LSU to do the same.
True freshman Harlem Berry has become more visible with every game played. He displays rare acceleration and vision, and he’ll continue to increase his production. The staff now trusts him more after a couple of games. Berry is a valuable addition, and he’ll change the outlook of a game at some point this season.
Playing With Discipline
Both LSU and Florida hurt themselves with silly penalties, missed assignments, and overall sloppy play last weekend. The biggest difference is that Florida played against a better team. LSU must play a clean game against a team that will enter Death Valley desperate and focused.
Discipline starts mentally but ends physically. Garrett Nussmeier must play like the leader he is and be decisive. His anticipation, which allows him to throw the football before his receiver is open, is one of his best traits. We didn’t see much of that last weekend.
His receivers should be held to the same standard. The depth of the room is what makes it special, but drops and pre-snap penalties make offensive coordinators clamor for less rotation. We’re not picking on the LSU receiver room, but this group wasn’t at its best last week.
Whether you call it Death Valley or Tiger Stadium, it will likely be at its best with Florida in town. It will be important for LSU to avoid penalties and keep the crowd in the game. It could be the difference in the latest meeting of these two rivals.
Main Image: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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