re: I admit it: Fournette is an amazing RB.

quote:

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I’m not saying we’re going to put up big offensive numbers by any means, but our OL is playing better than last year (and DL for that matter), we have JD Moore back who is a great blocking FB, we have a new approach to our running game that includes a lot more play action, and Etling is FARRRRRRR better at hitting the short and intermediate routes. Brandon Harris either threw it deep or threw it in the stands. And we only ran out of the I formation.

Etling and Ensminger love the two TE set and actually throw it to them a lot, which will help keep the LBs honest and give our RBs at least the chance to get to line. Last year everyone knew every time we were going to run and LF was hit a yard in the backfield every time. It was insanity.

I think we lose like 31-17, but its 24-17 until late. We have more success moving the ball than last year too (hard to go anywhere but up).

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These are good points. The main thing that makes LSU a bit more dangerous this year is simply that the play calling seems a bit less predictable.

However, Etling will absolutely have to hit some deeper routes. Alabama's DBs play extremely tight coverage and take away throws less than 10 yards and basically dare the opposing offensive line to give the QB enough time to make deep throws. Eddie Jackson being out does help but QBs absolutely have to make those deeper throws consistently to beat Alabama because that's where the defense is giving space.

One difference in Alabama's defense this year is that the line is a lot faster but not the massive run stuffers of years past. The interesting question here is will it allow Fournette (or Guice) to break a few big plays simply by breaking a tackle on runs between the tackles.


Should be a great game but I think the main way LSU wins isn't really going to be by moving the ball consistently but maybe hitting a few bigs plays and mainly creating turnovers in Alabama's passing game.