October 2, 2009

Things to watch for in the LSU vs. Georgia game:

1)  The matchup of the day involves the best player on each team.  For Georgia, WR A.J. Green, a future first-round draft pick, is coming off an SEC Offensive Player of the Week performance against Arizona State, when he compiled career highs in both catches and yards.  He will likely draw LSU corner Patrick Peterson, another future first rounder, most of the time.

Green is a large (6-4, 207-lbs.), physical receiver with great hands and a strong work ethic.  He runs terrific routes and is a superior leaper.  Peterson is also a large, physical player, and is far and away LSU's best cover person.  However, no great receiver can be covered the same way every play, so the Tigers will rely heavily on Peterson, but also get him some help at times.

2) The strength of the Georgia defense is in the middle of the defensive line.  Tackles Jeff Owens and Geno Atkins are both seniors and figure to play professional football.  LSU cannot be stubborn and try to force the run game inside from the I formation.

3) The weakness of the Bulldog defense is their corners.  Prince Miller is 5-8 and Brandon Boykin, who has been sick this week, is only 5-10.  LSU has a clear size advantage with their WR corp. here and must protect Jordan Jefferson enough for him to get the ball down the field.  Jefferson must also be careful not to overthrow into this defense, which plays its safeties deep much of the time.

4) The Bulldogs and Tigers are on opposite ends of the league in turnovers.  LSU is plus 7 and Georgia is minus 9.  Opponents have scored 56 points off of 12 Bulldog turnovers.  The Tigers must take advantage if they get their hands on the ball in good field position created by turnovers.

5) Georgia is the most penalized team in the SEC, while LSU is among the least.  A costly penalty could be a gamebreaker.

6) Special teams belongs to the Dogs.  Kicker Blair Walsh hasn't missed yet this season in eight attempts, and two have been from over 50-yards.  Punter Drew Butler leads the nation in average with 50.1 yards per boot.

7) LSU defensive tackle Josh Downs practiced this week, but was limited.  He should make the trip, but how much he can play is still questionable.  The Tigers are a little thin here.  The good news for LSU is that LB Jacob Cutrera should be back at full speed after being injured in the Mississippi State game.  Everyone else is expected to play for both teams.

8) It isn't something to look for, but the only SEC team that Les Miles has NOT beaten is....Georgia.