Last week the Tigers traveled to Lambeau Field and suffered their first Opening Day loss in twelve years, as well ended their record streak of non-conference wins at 53. The offense came out stagnate and ineffective against a good Wisconsin Badger team. The bright spot was #7 crossed the 3,000 yd. career mark with a respectable 138 yds @ 6 yds per carry against a good Badger defense. The Tiger Defense played very well, stifling the Badgers at times, forcing three turnovers accounting for 14 points. They played soft, taking away the long pass and holding their 3 running backs to just 134 yds. 7 of the 12 Badger possessions started at their own 40 yd line or better, only to reach the endzone once. The Tiger defense did their job. This was a winnable game. The Tigers beat themselves.
This evening as the sun sets on the horizon of a flood ravaged Baton Rouge, Tiger stadium will be bathed in bright light and Purple and Gold as Mike and the Tigers welcome the Jacksonville St. Gamecocks to the electric confines of Death Valley. The Tigers have an amazing record of winning home openers. They look to continue that long tradition.
Jacksonville State went 13-2 last year and played in the FCS National Championship game. They have a seasoned QB who can light you up. This should be another good test of a Tiger defense that is expected to continue to improve as weeks go on. And this is the last opportunity for LSU to get the kinks out of the offense before Conference play starts next week. Let him throw, Les. Let him throw!
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Reluctantly, I say Tigers by 10
Elsewhere in the SEC:
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Western Kentucky vs #1 Alabama- 3:30pm
Alabama blew the doors off USC last week, and the Tide appeared to roll as they did last year. The WK Hilltoppers visit Tuscaloosa Saturday and we will have the answer to the Question: Is the Tide as good as they appear again this year?
I say the Tide by 20
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Arkansas vs #15 TCU- 7:00pm
This is a game that may come down to defense. TCU can put up points, but give up a lot. BUT, I say the Hogs surprise Frogs early and hold on for a slim win.
UPSET- I say Hogs by 3
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Virgina tech vs #17 Tenneessee - 8:00pm
I'm still not convinced the Vols are all that. I picked Georgia as SEC East Champs. And like LSU, the Vols still have alot to prove. But if Butch Jones took my advice and drank heavily this week, just maybe the Vols have improved enough to contend.
I say Tennessee by 7