What are the keys to the game?

[KSVOL]

Keys to our win -

1 - Play good defense/don't give up the big play (Lemarcus can throw the ball about 80 yards)/bend but don't break.

2 - On offense - protect EA (and hopefully he will be at least at 80%) We don't have a run game, but we must be able to have success at short yardage (first downs/goal line).

3 - Special teams - get some good punt returns as we have been/kickoff returns - never ever return one out of the endzone. Dear God take it out at the 20.

4 - And finally, don't turn the ball over.

 

[hohenfelsvol]

Keys:
Reduce penalties
Hold onto the ball
O-line improve blocking for running game

Vols have been good in most other area in last couple games. Even returns. Wow has that been a nice change.

 

[SWIL]

I seriously doubt we're gonna win with 40 pass attempts by Ainge.

Didn't we nearly beat an extremely talented Gator team with negative rushing yards?! Can Lsu really be put in the same boat as the Gators?

Even if so- that means there is certainly a chance we can beat them exclusivly thru the air.

We won't though. I think Hardesty will show up, and establish contol for us.

 

[milohimself]

Didn't we nearly beat an extremely talented Gator team with negative rushing yards?! Can Lsu really be put in the same boat as the Gators?

Even if so- that means there is certainly a chance we can beat them exclusivly thru the air.

We won't though. I think Hardesty will show up, and establish contol for us.

I never had the notion during any point of our game against Florida, after the first half, that we would win.

 

[Volunteer Rebel]

What do you think? Heres what I came up with.

1. Revenge Factor -- For LSU, last years game in Death Valley. For Tennessee, avenging all of last season.

I think it's a bad call for LSU to get all hyped up. They were hyped up last year, and it lasted through the half and then they had a mental letdown. Just remember that Tennessee was supposed to be the sacrificial lamb so that the state of Louisiana could get over Katrina. I would even say that LSU had a revenge mindset last year, as tennessee was supposed to be the whipping boy so you all could feel better. As for Tennessee, there is no revenge mindset. We won. Nothing to take out on you. If anything, I don't think last year was a fluke, I think in hindsight it showed us the true potential that this team fell short of last year. Emotions will carry you so far, but the letdown can hurt you just as much in the third and fourth quarter.

 

[Lexvol]

I never had the notion during any point of our game against Florida, after the first half, that we would win.

I actually did, but that notion was dispelled when we decided to run the ball and sit on the lead.

 

[VolinArizona]

I think the team that scores more points will win.

 

[SWIL]

I think the team that scores more points will win.

Now that's profound right there

 

[red55]

Revenge Factor -- For LSU, last years game in Death Valley. For Tennessee, avenging all of last season.

Tennessee probably has a point to make about last season, but this game is no worse than any other in that regard. LSU is not vengeful about Tennessee's win last year. LSU knows it blew that game by getting worn down in the 4th. Two hurricanes took its toll and a dozen players cramped up on the sidelines because they had lost weight, lost sleep, and were mentally exhausted. LSU blames that loss on itself and the storms, not Tennessee. I don't think revenge will be a factor.

Special teams - get some good punt returns as we have been/kickoff returns - never ever return one out of the endzone. Dear God take it out at the 20.

This may be a key weakness for LSU who is last in the SEC in net punting, allowing some very big returns. LSU's punt return yardage defense is #117 out of 119 Division I schools.

Pressure Russell. He'll make mistakes if he has the chance

LSU pass protects very well and Russell has not taken many sacks. His errors have not come from being pressured, he rolls out and improvises very well. When he makes a mistake, its going to be in reading defenses and in clock management.

Coaching. Les Miles is in deep water.

And doing the backstroke. The guy went 11-2 and took his team to the SECCG in his rookie season in the SEC, despite the hurricanes, before blowing away a top-10 team in the bowl game. This year he's on track for another double-digit win season and has only lost to top-10 teams on the road. Where is the evidence that he's in over his head?

LSU has faced two major tests this year and has been pretty much flopped both times.

The loss to Auburn on the road was a very close 7-3 game and LSU had a chance to win at the end despite the controversial calls that helped Auburn. The loss to Florida was because of two fumbled kicks that Florida turned into TD's. It's not like they kicked LSU around their home field, they didn't. I don't think is "flopped" is the right word, amigo.

IMO Russell's presence alone elevates LSU a coupld solid notches over Bama. I know he's flopped mostly, but the capability is there.

Another "flopper", eh? How so?

Russell is #1 in the SEC in pass efficiency (#4 nationally) and has a higher completion percentage (69.95), higher yards per attempt (9.9), higher yards per completion (14.15), and half the interceptions (4) than Ainge.

Ainge has more total yards, more completions per game, and and 1 more TD than Russell, but that's not too surprising, considering Tennessees #86-ranked rushing offense. Tennessee has to throw the ball and they can get it done. I hardly think that makes Russell a flop.

 

[milohimself]

Another "flopper", eh? How so?

Russell is #1 in the SEC in pass efficiency (#4 nationally) and has a higher completion percentage (69.95), higher yards per attempt (9.9), higher yards per completion (14.15), and half the interceptions (4) than Ainge.

Ainge has more total yards, more completions per game, and and 1 more TD than Russell, but that's not too surprising, considering Tennessees #86-ranked rushing offense. Tennessee has to throw the ball and they can get it done. I hardly think that makes Russell a flop.

I know his stats are good. Look at his list of opponnents not named Auburn or Florida. And in those games, LSU has combined for 13 points.

Still, Russell is a good player, and he alone makes LSU's offense better than Alabama's.

 

[Atreus21]

I know his stats are good. Look at his list of opponnents not named Auburn or Florida. And in those games, LSU has combined for 13 points.

Still, Russell is a good player, and he alone makes LSU's offense better than Alabama's.

Pay due attention to Red55. One of the best informed posters on tigerforums.com.

Although, we tend to disagree politically at times.

 

[milohimself]

Sorry if I don't really feel like looking at an LSU forum...

 

[jakez4ut]

Tennessee probably has a point to make about last season, but this game is no worse than any other in that regard. LSU is not vengeful about Tennessee's win last year. LSU knows it blew that game by getting worn down in the 4th. Two hurricanes took its toll and a dozen players cramped up on the sidelines because they had lost weight, lost sleep, and were mentally exhausted. LSU blames that loss on itself and the storms, not Tennessee. I don't think revenge will be a factor.

This may be a key weakness for LSU who is last in the SEC in net punting, allowing some very big returns. LSU's punt return yardage defense is #117 out of 119 Division I schools.

LSU pass protects very well and Russell has not taken many sacks. His errors have not come from being pressured, he rolls out and improvises very well. When he makes a mistake, its going to be in reading defenses and in clock management.

And doing the backstroke. The guy went 11-2 and took his team to the SECCG in his rookie season in the SEC, despite the hurricanes, before blowing away a top-10 team in the bowl game. This year he's on track for another double-digit win season and has only lost to top-10 teams on the road. Where is the evidence that he's in over his head?

The loss to Auburn on the road was a very close 7-3 game and LSU had a chance to win at the end despite the controversial calls that helped Auburn. The loss to Florida was because of two fumbled kicks that Florida turned into TD's. It's not like they kicked LSU around their home field, they didn't. I don't think is "flopped" is the right word, amigo.

Another "flopper", eh? How so?

Russell is #1 in the SEC in pass efficiency (#4 nationally) and has a higher completion percentage (69.95), higher yards per attempt (9.9), higher yards per completion (14.15), and half the interceptions (4) than Ainge.

Ainge has more total yards, more completions per game, and and 1 more TD than Russell, but that's not too surprising, considering Tennessees #86-ranked rushing offense. Tennessee has to throw the ball and they can get it done. I hardly think that makes Russell a flop.

Nice Post red...i pretty much agree with this....although, i would call the FL game a flop by LSU...they were in position to take control of that game and just kept giving it away.

LSU lost that game more than Florida won it.

and imo, some of that will have to happen again Saturday afternoon for us to win. I think offensivley, we're pretty even, the run games being the big weakenss for both.

Special teams for both have been hit and miss...

the big advantage in this match up is LSU's defense. Defensively, i think LSU is better than us. the question will be if our offense can negate that advantage and give our defense a chance....

this will more than likely be a very good and entertaining game.

 

[volwarren]

I think we'll see more of Ainge throwing to the backs getting them involved like the first half of the SC game.

I like the Idea to me a backfield pass is just like a run it opens up the D line. Also the tight end pass could make a big difference in this game.

 

[Lexvol]

This year he's on track for another double-digit win season and has only lost to top-10 teams on the road. Where is the evidence that he's in over his head?

If taking the best talent in the SEC and losing two games (that should have been won) is ok with you guys, you will get no argument from me.

 

[GVF]

What do you think? Heres what I came up with.

1. Revenge Factor -- For LSU, last years game in Death Valley. For Tennessee, avenging all of last season.

2. Home Crowd -- Can LSU take the crowd out of it, or can RockyTop make things tough on the Tigers?

3. Coaching -- Jimbo Fisher vs. John Chavis, Bo Pelini vs. David Cutcliffe, Les Miles vs. Phil Fulmer

4. Battle of the Trenches -- Last year in the first half of the LSU/UT game, Ainge was harrassed the whole time, and LSU's front dominated UT. Protecting the QB will be important as well as establishing the running game.

1. Score more points during the 60 allotted minutes of playing time.

2. If you are in OT, you didn't take care of #1, so tighten up and score more this time.

3. It's a big game, so expect some choking from Russell, and take advantage of it.

 

[volfanbill]

1. Score more points during the 60 allotted minutes of playing time. QUOTE]

boom. that's the only key i can think of

 

[red55]

Special teams for both have been hit and miss...

the big advantage in this match up is LSU's defense. Defensively, i think LSU is better than us. the question will be if our offense can negate that advantage and give our defense a chance....

this will more than likely be a very good and entertaining game.

We are more than a little disppointed at special teams play this year after about four outstanding seasons. Two special teams fumbles cost us the Florida game and lack of a 50-yard field-goal kicker cost us the Auburn game. If Tennessee wins because of an LSU special teams breakdown, it would not shock me.

An LSU defensive breakdown would shock me. We're pretty proud of this defense. They are as strong as last year, deeper, scary fast and very hard hitters with a DC that knows his business. If Tennessse lights it up against this defense, my hat is off to you.

The Big Question is . . . can LSU move the ball effectively against Tennessee and the home crowd. Having already played two top-10 teams on the road, I don't think LSU will be intimidated. But the close calls always go to the home team.

It should be a good one.

 

[Lexvol]

An LSU defensive breakdown would shock me. We're pretty proud of this defense. They are as strong as last year, deeper, scary fast and very hard hitters with a DC that knows his business. If Tennessse lights it up against this defense, my hat is off to you.

I do not expect a defensive breakdown with LSU. I do expect UT to move the ball a bit. If Russell comes ready to play, UT is in trouble.

 

[jakez4ut]

I think we'll see more of Ainge throwing to the backs getting them involved like the first half of the SC game.

i agree...they were very effective with this early on in the game, and it took some of the pressure off ainge later...nice substitute when you can't pound out the middle of the feild.

Disagree with that. Bo Pellini is one of the most respected D coordinators in the country.

agree 100%. He's a very good coach.

This is one spot where I don't give a damn about stats. LSU's offense is better than Bama's, end of story. Saying Bama's offense has been inept over the last couple years is a monumental understatement.

I Agree about LSU's offense, on one condition...that Russell plays consistently and doesn't make too many mistakes. Their offense really does remind me a lot of ours....no real running game to speak of, great WR's, and a really good qb. I would give us an advantage at qb only because of Ainge's consistency throughout the season. He's not been perfect, but when's been off, he doesn't stay off. Can't say the same about Russell.

both teams have had special teams nightmares, and both have shown flashes of greatness. Wilhoit could be a huge benefit if close late.

question is this, can our D stop Russell if he's not having a bad day? and can our offense continue to put 30 points up against arguably the best defense we've played all year?

 

[Lexvol]

question is this, can our D stop Russell if he's not having a bad day? and can our offense continue to put 30 points up against arguably the best defense we've played all year?

I still think the Florida defense is the best UT will face all year.

 

[jakez4ut]

I still think the Florida defense is the best UT will face all year.

yeah, and so far they are...

that's where the arguably comes in...i'll reserve judgement on which d was better after the LSU game.

 

[J.Quest]

This is crazy talk...Tennessee lost to UF by a dang point (and should have won, really). LSU has to worry about a Manning Clone (6-6, laser rocket arm, LOL) playing catch with arguably the best 3 wideouts in the country, 3 outstanding backs with the ability to slice, dice and plow, a skilled tight end tandum that has proven to be very useful...now that's something to worry about. Cut has Ainge on a 3 step drop and getting rid of the ball before you can say "pressure". All this is happening in OUR HOUSE on another glorious BIG ORANGE SATURDAY...I say GO VOLS...I know some pus...I mean tigers that should be VERY AFRAID. No worries...Vols roll on Saturday.

 

[jakez4ut]

there's no reason not to be optimistic...but you can't disregard LSU's d. and we won't have 3 RB's, it's more like 1 and 1/2. Swain, Smith and Meach are a combo that will challenge any secondary no doubt...but all three have been banged up a bit here and there and wont' be exactly 100% saturday.

and you don't win games where you have -11 yards rushing, i don't care who the qb is. Fl won cause they were better up front. and LSU is at least as good up front as UF was. Now we have gotten better since then...and we'll find out how much on Saturday...this is going to be a good game i think.

the only way it's a blow out either way is one of us makes a bunch of mistakes and turns the ball over.