SEC Game of the Week
LSU (4-0) at Florida (4-1), 8:00 EST CBS
Why to watch: The showdown between the last two national champions could also be a battle for the 2008 national title. It’s that big, but it’s bigger for Florida. It’s this simple; if Florida wins out, it’ll play in the BCS Championship game. The SEC champion, even with one loss, will trump everyone in the pecking order unless Penn State and the Big 12 champion each finish unbeaten. LSU could lose this game and still defend its title by winning out, but a win could clear the path to the No. 2 spot in the rankings with a road trip to South Carolina next week before playing five straight home games.
LSU has already been tested once on the road with a 26-21 late win over Auburn, and with a great set of lines, a tough run defense, and a nasty ground game, this might be almost as complete a team as last year’s national champion, even if the quarterback situation isn’t quite as strong. Meanwhile, Florida is still trying to find itself. The defense has been great, the return game has been elite, and the offense hasn’t been bad. However, Tim Tebow has yet to be Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin hasn’t been 100%, but the offense still has a breathtaking stockpile of speed, athleticism and talent that has yet to be unleashed. At least that’s what Gator fans are hoping for. The shocking loss to Ole Miss a few weeks ago can all but be erased with a win this week.
Why LSU might win: The lines could control the game. The Tiger offensive front has been dominant, paving the way for 207 rushing yards per game while giving the new quarterbacks time to get their feet wet. Florida’s defensive line has played better than originally expected, but it has yet to be smacked in the mouth. Tennessee tried to run the ball, but the Gators loaded up to stop the run and dared Jonathan Crompton to win the game. LSU should be more effective throwing the ball, and should force the Florida back seven to honor the passing attack. That means the future NFL starters on the LSU offensive front should be able to pound away.
Why Florida might win: The Gators have been dominant when they don’t screw up. They’ve turned the ball over four times this year with three of the fumbles coming in the loss to Ole Miss. That means there’s been a mere one turnover in the other four games. Meanwhile, LSU, with all of its talent, aggressiveness and athleticism, has only forced three turnovers. In a game as tight as this one should be, a few mistakes here and there could be the difference.
Who to watch: What’s wrong with Tim Tebow? That’s the question surrounding the reigning Heisman winner after a relatively pedestrian start to the season, at least compared to last year. However, the plan is working. Last year, he was a more effective power runner and took more shots. While that meant bigger yards, he wore down as the season went on and he struggled in the fourth quarters of games. This year, he’s not taking the same big shots, at least there haven’t been as many huge hits, and while his stats might not be overwhelming, he has only thrown one pick with eight touchdown passes. Is this the game Tebow unleashes the fastball and becomes the offense again? Maybe not, but this is the type of game he has to win to show that he’s not all about the stats. He lost to LSU last year. He lost to Auburn, Georgia, and Michigan, too. He needs this win on the résumé.
http://cfn.scout.com/2/776240.html
GO TIGERS!!!
10-09-2008, 12:34 PM
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