Three Things to Look For -- LSU vs Tennessee Prediction

LSU is 1-8 over the last two years on CBS.
Photo via CapstoneReport

The LSU Tigers take on the Tennessee Volunteers Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The Volunteers come into Baton Rouge with a 2-2 record under first year head coach Derek Dooley.

LSU Football has been receiving much national attention through the superhuman efforts of Patrick Peterson so far this year. His "Swag" and ability to take the ball to the house every time he touches it had Tiger Stadium going into a frenzy in the victory versus West Virginia. 

If Tennessee special teams coach Eric Russell wants to keep his job, he must tell his punter to not kick the ball remotely in Peterson's region. Since "PP7" said he doesn't want to call fair catch any more this season, I wouldn't be surprised if Mike the Tiger has a better chance of taking one back.   

Outside of the special teams play, here are three more things to keep an eye on Saturday...

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ESPNU Campus Connection -- LSU Swag (Video)

This was my feature story on ESPNU's "SportsCenter U" called "LSU Swag." The piece aired a few weeks back for ESPNU Campus Connection. Click here for the original link.

An extended version of "LSU Swag" will air tonight at 8 pm on Pelican Sports TV's "Tigers Roar." Channels, as well as a live stream of the show, can be found on PelicanSportsTV.com.

In my years of broadcasting, never having I seen players have so much fun while doing anything with the media. There was so much more cut out just because of time (which means you should watch "Tigers Roar" tonight). Hopefully more opportunities like these arise continue later on down the road.

O Jordan Jefferson, How Little Can Change in Two Weeks

Tiger fans are tired of seeing the option
Photo via alligator.org

Haven't we been here before? But let's cut the small talk, let's get to the facts.

North Carolina: 15/21, 151 yds, 71.4%, 2 TD, 1 INT, 153.7 rtg

Vanderbilt: 8/20, 96 yds, 40%, 0 TD, 1 INT, 70.3 rtg

Mississippi State: 10/16, 97 yds, 62.5%, 0 TD, 0 INT, 113.4 rtg

West Virginia: 10/22, 75 yds, 45.5%, 0 TD, 2 INT, 55.91 rtg

TOTAL: 43/79, 419 yds, 54.4%, 2 TD, 4 INT, 97.2 rtg

Now after seeing all of those stats, some might say:

"97.2 rating? Thats not bad."

After hearing that college passer rating is not calculated on the 158.3 scale that the NFL uses, but on a scale on which the max rating is 1261.6, they might then say:

"How the hell is this guy still playing?!?!"

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Three Things to Look For -- LSU Versus WVU Prediction

Can LSU get Toliver involved?
Photo via BleacherReport

The LSU Tigers will welcome in the No. 22 West Virginia Mountaineers on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. Les Miles has a great record at night games in Death Valley, and should be confident playing with a team thats 3-0.

The Tigers have won this season thanks John Chavis' to stingy defense. But the offenses they've played this season doesn't equal the firepower the Mountaineers possess.

Here are three things to look for when SEC meets Big East on Saturday...

1) How will the Tigers' defend Noel Devine and Geno Smith?

A hobby of many football fans is to watch their favorite college and professional stars' high school football highlight reels.

There might not be any player in college football who has better footage than Noel Devine.

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Tiger Talk -- Thursday Hot Links

The Tigers are 3-0, but questions are still afloat about the stagnent LSU offense. Here is this week's edition of Tiger Talk...

Brett Martel of the Associated Press (via NBC Sports) reports Les Miles believes the passing game will get better.

Andy Schwehm of The Daily Reveille says Patrick Peterson will not win the Heisman but will probably be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame 15 years from now.

Katherine Terrell of The Times-Picayune reports LSU tight end DeAngelo Peterson will make his first appearance in a Tiger uniform this season vs West Virginia.

Michael Lambert of The Daily Reveille reports former Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger has been offered a scholarship earlier this month by LSU according to multiple reports.


Bleacher Report LSU featured columnist Brett Stephen says West Virginia has no match for LSU's defense.

ESPN SEC blogger Chris Low talks about the emergence of Drake Nevis and gives his prediction for this weekend's games in the SEC.

Dear Mr. Ingram, Please Hear Me Out (Again)

Ingram rushed for 144 yards versus LSU
Photo by: al.com

As many of you already know, I posted this letter before the college football season started. Three days later, Mark Ingram suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss the first two games of the season. Since I've spent most of my life in "The Natural State," some of my friends have asked me to post this column before the Alabama vs Arkansas game this weekend. But still, I don't care about the Hogs and was probably going to repost it anyway. The letter is still in original form with a few extra pictures. 

Dear Mr. Ingram,

My name is Carter Bryant, and first let me say you are one of the few truly outstanding individuals in college football.

For the last two years, I have been a credentialed member of the media covering LSU Tigers athletics. My favorite game I have ever covered was LSU vs Alabama in Tuscaloosa last year.

In the postgame presser of that game, you handled questions with grace and humility, proving that you are truly a team first player.

Later on down the road you would be crowned the only Heisman winner in Alabama's illustrious history. You did this while avoiding the “Heisman National Championship Curse” and leading your team to the title for the first time since '92. 

But I write this note to say something that you will not like or want to hear.

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A History Of Greatness: Where Nevis Ranks Among LSU Defensive Tackles

Lavalais did a little bit of everything as a defensive tackle.
Photo via DashRight93Berlin.com

HardKnockTigers would like to welcome contributing writer Ryan Brumley. With me being a former defensive tackle, he attacks a subject that draws near to my heart in his first work for HKT. Contact him at RyanBrum6@gmail.com.  


Over the past the past few years, Tigers fans have been waiting for the next great defensive tackle after years of domination at the position. 


Drake Nevis has finally exploded into that role this year. After having a stellar junior season, Nevis is now one of LSU's senior leaders on defense.

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Jasper on Kicking Performance, Shepard on Improving the Offense

LSU kicker Josh Jasper talks about his record setting performance vs Mississippi State, LSU's kickoff coverage and being perfect on field goals since his first miss vs North Carolina.



Russell Shepard talks about getting better at the small things at receiver, the youth on offense, watching film and the game by game process it takes to get better on offense.

"Mustang" 3-2-6 Formation Dominant in LSU Victory, Tigers Now 3-0

Chief = "Mustang" Mastermind
Photo via ESPN

LSU starts off their home campaign with an impressive 29-7 victory over Mississippi State.

The offense was average and the quarterback play was better from Jordan Jefferson, despite the numbers not saying so.

But the defense dominated. This defense is really really really good. Like really good. And they have the best defensive formation in the country in the 3-2-6 dime package.

Or, what the defense identifies as the "Mustang" package.

The formation has transformed LSU's defense, making it almost a defensive form of the spread. This makes defense exciting, forcing sacks and turnovers left and right on the field.

I mentioned it before the game how much the formation would be run against eh Bulldogs. Defensive Coordinator John Chavis called it up every time, and, if I'm not mistaken, all LSU turnovers came out of  that set.

Dan Mullen after the game told me what he thought of all the different looks LSU gave him. He said his team expected it and they just didn't execute.

I also spoke with Morris Claiborne, Patrick Peterson, Stefoin Francois and Kelvin Sheppard after the game. They all pretty much had the same answer about the "Mustang" package.

It can't be stopped.

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Peterson... "I Was Definitely, Definitely Going to do the Heisman Pose"

LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson says he would have done the "The Heisman Pose" if his punt return would have resulted in a touchdown instead of a penalty.

Peterson finished with two interceptions in a 29-7 victory over Mississippi State.

Claiborne, Sheppard Speak on "Mustang" Formation

The LSU Tigers defense dominated in their 29-7 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

The defense's best weapon was defensive coordinator John Chavis' 3-2-6 "Mustang" formation. Most, if not all, turnovers tonight came out of that set.

Later on, I will have a full post on the formation. It will be a full breakdown on how it works and if I think anybody will be able to crack it.



LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne talks about the "Mustang" package, LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis and Patrick Peterson after his two interception night against Mississippi State.



LSU linebacker Kelvin Sheppard talks to me about the 3-2-6 "Mustang" package, LSU Defensive Coordinator John Chavis and team speed.

Follow @HardKnockTigers for Game Updates

Live from Death Valley, follow us on Twitter by simply clicking or reading the bar on the right for in-game updates between LSU and Mississippi State.

Tiger Fans Must Preserve Death Valley Now

Beautiful
Photo via NCAAFootball.com

It sounds crazy, but I'm afraid Death Valley might take a step back this season. 

Tiger fans, before you inflict electronic verbal pain on me, let's rewind and take a step back.

The Rewind

In 2007, LSU fans went to go see "Inception." It included home games people would pay to see over and over again no matter what cost.

LSU crushed Top-10 Virginia Tech in an emotional home opener on national television (ESPN College GameDay was there), defeated No. 12 South Carolina in a rainy downpour highlighted by a clever trick play and played three other games only three words could describe versus Florida, Auburn and Arkansas... Oh My God!  

And those were just the home games.

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ESPNU Campus Connection -- LSU Swag

My piece on "LSU Swag" for ESPNU Campus Connection that aired last night will be replayed at 9:40/8:40 CT this morning.

Tune in as Russell Shepard, Brandon Taylor, Ron Brooks and Patrick Peterson tell me how much the word "swag" means to them.  

Three Things to Look for -- LSU versus Miss St. Prediction

Nevis has racked up 3.5 sacks this season
Photo by: LSUSports.net

Saturday Night in Death Valley. I can't believe it's here.

LSU kicks off their home season versus Mississippi State on Saturday. The Bulldogs come into Baton Rouge winless. But head coach Dan Mullen's club played Auburn tough, losing that game by only three points

What everyone will be looking for is LSU's quarterback play. I won't waste your time discussing who should be the starter, because HKT columnist Thomas Powers did a fine job of that the other day. 

Here are three other things to keep a keen eye on...

1. What about Mississippi State quarterback Chris Relf? 

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Tiger Talk -- Thursday Hot Links

The Bayou Bengals begin their home opener Saturday versus Mississippi State. Here is all the latest news leading up to the big game versus the Bulldogs....

The Daily Reveille reports tight end DeAngelo Peterson's status for Saturday will be a game-time decision. 

Chris Low, editor of the SEC Blog on ESPN.com, believes jockeying back and forth between quarterbacks is not the way to go. 

GatorSports.com's Ray Fitzgerald performs a "SEC Coaches Call."

New Orleans.com and the AP (via SI.com) takes a deep look at LSU's top-ranked defense.  

Jefferson or Lee? The FULL Breakdown of why Lee Should Start

Should Miles keeping holding on to Jefferson as the starter?
Photo via SaturdayDownSouth

HardKnockTigers would like to introduce new columnist Thomas Powers to the staff. "T-Pain" has been my best friend for a while now, as we've attended countless number of LSU Football games together. He can be reached at thomas.powers10@gmail.com.   

Anyone who has watched LSU's quarterback play against both UNC and Vanderbilt seems to have a common opinion:

"Seriously?"


Jordan Jefferson's play over the first two weeks has been average at best (23-41, 247 yds 2 TDs, 1 INT) and has left a lot to be desired from anyone who has an idea of how football is supposed to be played, which is, you know, scoring touchdowns, gaining yards, etc. "JJ" has left LSU fans doing the unthinkable... wanting Jarrett Lee back.

After witnessing a "Jamarcus-ian" (Raider, not LSU, version) 8-20, 96 yd performance by JJ and Lee completing the first non-screen pass to hit a receiver in stride of the season, more and more Tiger fans seem to be coming to the side I have been firmly standing on for a while...

Giving Lee another shot. Here's why...

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Miles Still Confident in Jefferson

Miles remains confident in Jefferson
Photo via ESPN

Les Miles said today at the "Lunch w/ Les" press conference that he still has confidence in Jordan Jefferson despite his shaky play versus Vanderbilt.

"Our quarterback play, we have to get better. I think everybody knows that," said Miles. "I think Jordan Jefferson can run this team and will run this team." He would later add, "I enjoy him (Jefferson) and I enjoy his leadership."

Miles stressed the word "agressive" when talking about Jefferson, saying he needs to have more fun when he plays.

There were many questions about Jarrett Lee getting back on the field for the Tigers. Miles said Lee is in "strong consideration" for playing time.

Other than the play under center, Miles was very pleased with the team's performance on the road against Vanderbilt. But he knows a better opponent awaits come next Saturday night.

"We play a much better football team, a Mississippi State team that is 1-1. We understand the challenge is much more significant."

 

"Out of Bounds" -- 91.1 KLSU

Join the KLSU Sports staff at 6pm as we break down the LSU 27-3 victory over Vanderbilt.

CollegeFootballNews.com SEC writer Barrett Sallee will join us to talk how LSU fits in the rest of the SEC, South Carolina, Alabama and who be believes are the top five teams in the country.

Tune in to 91.1 fm in Baton Rouge or www.klsu.fm.

LSU Stifles Vanderbilt 27-3, Moves to 2-0

Ryan Baker shined in his first action of the season
Photo by: George Walker IV/ AP Photo

LSU Football always finds ways to beat teams ugly, even when the scoreline doesn't say so.

The Tigers defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 27-3 in Nashville on Saturday night, but did so as ungracefully on offense as possible.

Les Miles tried many new faces tonight, highlighted by solid performances by Josh Williford at guard and true freshmen Alfred Blue and Spencer Ware at running back.

But if there was a LVP, it would quarterback Jordan Jefferson.


Jefferson went 8-20 for 96 yards. He also threw an interception in the red zone, which is a cardinal sin for a signal caller.

Read more »

Three Things to Look For -- LSU versus Vanderbilt Prediction

Jefferson went a pedestrian 20-29 for 138 yards vs Vandy in '08
Photo by: Nola.com

LSU has started the season off with a thrilling-that-shouldn't-have-been-thrilling 30-24 victory over North Carolina. They are now 1-0, heading into their first game versus SEC bottom-feeders Vanderbilt.

Though LSU should win this game with ease, the Tigers always finds to make things interesting at the end. Here are three things to look for on Saturday....

1) Can LSU put together four quarters of high-level football?

An even better question would be, "Can Jordan Jefferson be a consistent quarterback from start to finish?"

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LSU Tailgate Show -- 91.1 KLSU

Join the KLSU Sports Staff today as Sports Director Jason Templet and I broadcast from the LSU Student Union today on 91.1 KLSU or KLSU.fm at 11:30 CT for the "LSU Tailgate Show."

We break down the SEC opener for the Tigers, as well as the big games this weekend in college football.

Feel free to Tweet your questions to twitter.com/KLSUSports. 

Randle, Jefferson & Barrow Gets Ready for Vanderbilt

LSU receiver Reuben Randle talks about LSU's success in the return game, how short passes get him into a rhythm and his touchdown reception against UNC.



Jordan Jefferson talks about LSU's inability to create second half offense versus North Carolina and next week's game versus Vanderbilt.



LSU linebacker Lamin Barrow gives his thoughts on is foot injury and next week's SEC opener versus Vanderbilt.

Peterson for Heisman?

Glimpse of Peterson's Swag
Photo via wvmetronews.com

Player interviews today at the LSU Practice Facility after a narrow 30-24 victory over UNC was not short of good quotes and conversations.

The first of which came when I chatted with cornerback Morris Claiborne.

Claiborne was the player who was beat deep on North Carolina's 97-yard touchdown strike, and he did not shy away from his mistake.

"I got beat deep," said Claiborne. "The receiver made a good double-move."

Owning up to getting burned wasn't the interesting part though. He said the mistake never should have happened because he was told what was coming soon before. 

But this time, it wasn't from a coach.

"He (Patrick Peterson) told me to look out for the deep pass."

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LSU vs UNC -- Postgame Pressers

LSU head coach Les Miles remains undefeated in season openers during his tenure at LSU as the Tigers hang on and win 30-24 against UNC. Miles talks about the running game, if there was a let down in the 2nd Half, and the progress of Russell Shepard.



LSU wide receiver Russell Shepard talks about his two touchdown performance in a 30-24 victory over UNC and his faith in head coach Les Miles.



LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson talks about his role in the 30-24 victory over UNC, how he feels about making plays down field and the LSU offensive line.



UNC head football coach Butch Davis address media after a crushing 30-24 defeat suffered at the hands of the LSU Tigers.

LSU edges out UNC 30-24

Stephon Francois does just enough on final play of game
to win it for LSU. (Photo by: Erik S. Lesser/AP Photo)

Atlanta -- The Bayou Bengals are, once again, crowned the cardiac cats of college football.

LSU was controlling the pace of the game. Everything was going right for Les Miles because LSU was playing better in areas they were weak last season.

The defense forced turnovers, offense generated explosive plays down the field and special teams found a return man that will replace Trindon Holliday in Patrick Peterson.

But the most interesting unit of the night must go to the defense. LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis was dialing up a masterpiece of plays against the Tar Heels.

All turnovers by the Tar Heels were a result of "The Cheif" mixing up his sets before the play even began. LSU played their base 4-3 package early, but mixed it up as the game moved along to more Nickel and Dime packages.

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Follow @HardKnockTigers for Game Updates

Live from Atlanta, follow us on Twitter by simply clicking the bar on the right for in-game updates between LSU and UNC.

Three Things to Look For -- LSU versus UNC Prediction

The LSU Tigers versus the North Carolina Tar Heels will be a grind-em up, mash-em up type of football game. Don't be surprised if the players come out with no face masks, no gloves and all black cleats.

It's safe to say T.J. Yates versus Jordan Jefferson won't be Drew Brees versus Aaron Rodgers. (I would have linked Yates and Jefferson college highlight footage, but it took too much work to find them. In other words, they probably don't exist)

The game will be live and popping, and I can't wait to get to the Georgia Dome. Here are three things to look for...

Read more »

Ridley Gets Ready for UNC

Stevan Ridley tells us about where he is on the depth chart, how experience is helping him as a back and the progress of the LSU offensive line.