Any SEC rivalry matchup is difficult to predict. From the coaching mindgames, to the injury report, there is no clear way to really say for sure who will win this game.
Looking at the stats, LSU’s defense is #1, and Jamarcus’ Russell’s QB rating is through the roof, even against good teams, though Jimbo insists on running the ball with LSU’s disasterous running game. Tennessee’s Ainge is injured, which should force the Vols to keep the ball on the ground.
This is the one stat that sticks out at us: looking how both LSU and Tennesse have done against similarly ranked teams in both offense and defense, Tennessee averages 12.35 yards per drive with 2 or 3 drives of 60+ yards or more, and 1 or 2 drives of -12.25 yards or more. By the same token, LSU averages 21 yards per drive, with 1 or 2 yards of 80+, and 1 or 2 other drives of about -1.5 yards.
Yes VolNation, we know you beat California out in the Big West conference, but you also lost to Florida, and both games were wrought with mistakes, and you’ve never had to play a defense like this one. Interestingly enough, if Ainge does not play, it could help as much as it hurts: he has coughed up the ball an average of twice per game against strong defenses.
On the subject of turnovers, LSU is averaging 0 turnovers against similar defenses. There is no reason for either team to shit the bed in this game, which we believe to be a hard fought bloodbath. This leads us to our prediction:
The underdog wins*. LSU 18, Tennessee 9. It could be a more lopsided victory if Ainge doesn’t play at all, Alley Broussard loses some LB’s, and Jimbo plays to the team’s strengths.
*Yeah, we know that Vegas has LSU winning this game, however, there’s no arguing that in all the polls Tennessee is ranked higher.
Around the internet
“ Let’s get through the Big East schedule first. As corner-turning as Thursday’s 44-34 victory over No. 3 West Virginia was for the No. 5 Cardinals, there’s a little thing they’re starting to call the Big East Championship Series (Rutgers) still left.” – Dennis Dodd
Dodd, you an are an unmitigated ass-clown. In Jeff Sagarin’s strength-of-schedule ratings, Lousiville ranks 70, WV is 87, and Rutgers has a whopping strength of schedule of 90. At least Louisville tried to schedule difficult opponents, making dates with Miami and K State when they were good. West Virginia didn’t even try to schedule anyone of any talent level.
“Larry Coker should be fired.” – Michael Irvin
Hey Mike, should Dallas have fired you when they found you with a pitcher’s mound of coke and 12 hookers in the infamous “white house”? Should ESPN have fired you when you were caught with a crack pipe last year? Say what you want about Larry Coker, this is his first season with more than 3 losses. Miami is in a tougher conference now, and will NEVER dominate like they used to. Coker has done a shit job this year, but should he be fired? On second thought….here’s Jimbo’s resume. Enjoy running the ball up the middle and bubble screens.
