October 9, 2009

Things to watch for in the LSU vs. Florida game.

1) We still don't know if Tim Tebow will play (though I've been leaning all week that he won't), but the book on backup John Brantley is that he has a big arm, is accurate, and moves well though not with the toughness of Tebow.  If Brantley starts, expect Florida to take more snaps under center, run the quarterback less on straight keeps (a Tebow short-yardage specialty), and scale back what they do, due to his lack of experience.  It would be huge if LSU could get an early turnover to try to rattle him.

2) Florida returns basically the same defense from last season's National Championship team.  The best two players are #8 Carlos Dunlap, a defensive end expected to come out early in next year's NFL draft and go in the top ten, and #51 Brandon Spikes, a huge senior linebacker with the speed of someone 30 pounds lighter.  LSU will have to have a superior effort from their offensive line.

3) The Gator running backs are experienced, but their wide receivers were semi-struggling even when Tebow was there.  Expect, if Tebow doesn't play, for #3 Chris Rainey and #2 Jeff Demps to do most of the ball handling.  They may be the fastest tandem in college football.

4) Brandon James of Florida has put up great numbers on kickoff returns and lousy numbers on punt returns this season.  It doesn't matter, there is no more dangerous return man in college football.  Last season he broke a 40-yarder early and it helped set the tone in a 51-21 Florida win.  If I were Les Miles, even though the Tiger coverage has been outstanding, I wouldn't kick to him.

5) Defensive lineman Josh Downs is expected back for LSU.  All the lineman that were, ummm, sick, during last week's game are cleared to play.

6) One of LSU's all-time greats, Tommy Cassanova will have his #37 retired at this game.