Texas earned their fourth ranked win of the season this weekend, d. Because the s flip their consideration away from the Tigers, they flip in direction of one other set of Tigers: LSU.
Lane Kiffin and firm are coming off a 31-13 loss to a in Baton Rouge, leaving their CFP hopes on life assist. LSU might be trying to knock off Texas to get again into the dialog earlier than a street journey to Tennessee.
Right here’s how the Tigers stack up heading into Saturday night time:
sOffense
Lane Kiffin offenses are persistently troublesome to defend and this might be no totally different. Regardless of some turnover troubles, Sam Leavitt has proven upside underneath heart, notably within the fast passing recreation. Jackson Harris, Trey’Dez Inexperienced and Eugene “Tre” Wilson III have grow to be his favourite targets, reeling in over 300 of Leavitt’s 380 passing yards vs. Alabama. One space for enchancment is operating the ball, the place they mustered simply 77 yards on 33 carries vs. Alabama(4 sacks included).
Merely put, it is a high-ceiling unit that’s struggled to succeed in that ceiling, very similar to Texas. On any given Saturday, Leavitt and firm might rating 40 factors and appear to be the best present on turf. Different days, they’ll transfer the ball however battle to attain within the crimson zone and have inopportune turnovers. The Texas protection ought to have an edge right here but when they let this offense warmth up early, it could possibly be an extended day on the workplace.
LSU Tigers Protection
On protection, LSU presently ranks 2nd within the nation in Adjusted EPA/play, behind simply the Longhorns. The entrance seven is loaded with NFL expertise, together with Princewill Umanmielen, Jordan Ross, Malik Blocton and TJ Dottery. Star LB Whit Weeks didn’t play in opposition to Alabama however might return from harm this weekend. Velocity and twitch is a large asset for this group, one thing the Texas OL has struggled with this season. If Arch Manning goes to proceed his robust run of play, they’ll must be as much as the problem.
As gifted because the entrance seven is, the secondary might have the perfect participant on the sphere. Ty Benefield, the Boise State switch, is without doubt one of the most dynamic defenders within the nation. Alongside him is Tamarcus Cooley, PJ Woodland and DJ Pickett, all of which could have lengthy NFL careers. The flexibility of this unit provides Blake Baker much more versatility speeding the move rush. This would be the stiffest problem for the Texas offense since Crimson River or taking part in Tennessee. They’ll want a greater efficiency in opposition to LSU to take dwelling the street win.
LSU Tigers Total
LSU is presently sitting at 6-3 on the season, shedding to Ole Miss, Kentucky and Alabama. They’re with no true, marquee win however get an opportunity for 2 in a row with Texas and Tennessee. The Tigers have but to indicate skill to compete in opposition to elite groups however, contemplating the expertise degree, that may present at any time. Texas ought to have a bonus vs. their offense, as they typically do, however Leavitt and the Tiger playmakers are able to brilliance if Muschamp isn’t cautious. On protection, it’s a really gifted group that thrives creating chaos. Steve Sarkisian might want to mitigate that to maintain the Texas offense within the rhythm they’ve seemingly discovered.
Whereas LSU hasn’t discovered their ceiling, there’s a cause they sit as 3.5-point favorites, in keeping with BetMGM. Lane Kiffin’s offense isn’t held underneath wraps a number of video games in a row, Blake Baker’s protection thrives on lots of the issues which have plagued Texas’ offense and Dying Valley at night time remains to be a real home-field benefit. If the Longhorns are going to proceed their win streak, they’ll have to put collectively one other full efficiency in opposition to a tougher opponent. If they permit LSU to get rolling early, the Tigers have the prospect to run away with this one.
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This text initially appeared on Longhorns Wire: e