ESPN hype coverage is never a bad thing, just ask heisman winner / 5th round draft pick Troy Smith. That said, I’m getting a little tired of ESPN’s 2 teams / 2 tragedies theme surrounding this weeks game. Yes, both communities had something very, very, very bad happen in recent history, but these incidents aren’t really comparable. This week the message boards were on fire about “treating visiting fans with respect”, more so than I’ve ever seen in the years that I’ve been an LSU fan. Other than the shootings, what makes Virginia Tech any different from Ole Miss, Florida, Auburn, or Alabama? That’s right — SEC teams don’t cancel return trips.
I’ve been to Tiger Stadium numerous times since I graduated, but after a few years of living in the northeast I’ve also been to many games in Gillete stadium, Giants stadium, and Soldier field. There’s a few assholes in every crowd, but for the most part the only difference is that LSU fans are actually more welcoming than their counterparts in the pros. There are going to be some assholes on Saturday night, but I’m guessing that if you’re reading this you’re probably not one of them, so get fired up and give ‘em hell!!!
On to the preview: if you know what’s going to happen in this game, you’re lying. Both teams have great defenses, and both teams have a few questions on offense.
When VT has the ball:
Sean Glennon said that he doesn’t like to play in loud noise. That’s your cue to start yelling. Don’t think, just yell. VT is currently rebuilding their offensive line, so you can’t really judge them based on last year’s numbers. Ore is a good running back, and Sam Wheeler and Eddie Royal are both solid when it comes to catching passes, but somebody’s got to block for them to be effective. Some fans think Sergio Render called out Glen Dorsey this week, but I think the kid is probably just not media savvy and his words probably just got twisted. All he said was that “I’m not afraid of him, anybody can be pancaked”. Sure, it’s cocky coming from a member of a unit that gave up 4 sacks against Eastern Carolina, but maybe he’s just not that bright — he’s an o-lineman for christ’s sake not a Rhodes scholar.
Given the losses on last year’s hokie offensive line, and looking at how Virginia tech did against tougher teams last year, I can’t really see them averaging more than 15 yards per drive.
Advantage: LSU
When LSU has the ball:
Our offensive line looked like shit against Mississippi State. I’m worried about the same thing this week given the high profile Hokie defense. The only thing I will say is that judging VT’s defense on statistics is like judging Hawaii’s offense — you have to take into account their schedule. That said, they have a solid group of linebackers and a good defensive line, which, with our offensive line, will inevitably force us to pass the ball. Matt Flynn will need to make quick decisions. If Matt makes the right decisions, and either Tolliver or Lafell can step up their play to be a #2 receiver, we will blow Virginia Tech out of the stadium. Our depth at running back will help us out in the second half of the game when Virginia Tech’s defense gets worn down.
Advantage: Slight edge to LSU
Game Prediction: This game will be close, very very very close at the end of the first half – probably tied at 10. LSU’s depth at running back will be the deciding factor in this game. IF Tolliver, Dickson, Dixon, and Lafell can emerge as solid receiving options, and IF Gary Crowton’s trick plays for Trindon Holliday don’t work and he is able to adjust his game plan accordingly, LSU will win 34-10. However, if we can’t get the passing game going and have to rely on our running backs, LSU wins a close one, 17-10.
IN OTHER NEWS: Louisville allows 41 points from Middle Tennessee State and we’re supposed to take the Big East seriously? Also, will someone take Lou Holtz out to a retirement home where he belongs?
