Florida at LSU: 10 Things To Keep an Eye On
Saturday, October 8, 2011 | Football, Scott Carter
BATON ROUGE, La. – The last time Florida started a freshman quarterback at LSU, former UF standout Chris Leak led the Gators to an upset win over the Tigers eight years ago.
It was LSU's only loss that season. The Gators' formula for success that day was to minimize mistakes on offense and for the defense to help by making plays and taking some pressure off Leak.
Linebacker Channing Crowder had a career day and Leak did his part by not throwing an interception and managing the offense efficiently.
For the Gators to win Saturday, it will likely take a similar performance with either true freshman quarterbacks Jeff Driskel or Jacoby Brissett getting his first career start.
Here are 10 things to keep an eye on in Saturday's game:
YOUNG QBS
With Florida starter John Brantley out with a lower leg injury, Driskel came in during the second half of last week's 38-10 loss to Alabama and went just 2 of 6 for 14 yards. Driskel and Brissett both had a full week of practice to prepare for LSU, so that should help whichever one plays the most.
Driskel is considered the slightly better runner and Brissett the one with the stronger arm. Both had prolific high school careers and each has loads of potential – but very little experience. Driskel has played in four of five games, completing 7 of 16 passes for 73 yards and two interceptions. Brissett has yet to throw his first collegiate pass.
Regardless whether Driskel or Brissett starts, look for the Tigers to try to rattle him early in the game. If he can withstand the pressure and take care of the football, the Gators will be much better off.
LSU'S QBS
Tigers starter Jarrett Lee is having a solid season, throwing for 793 yards, seven touchdowns and only one interception in the first five games. Meanwhile, Jordan Jefferson, who was projected to start entering the season until off-the-field troubles caused him to miss the first four games, is back and said he wants his old job back.
In LSU's 33-29 win at The Swamp last year, both Jefferson and Lee threw for 100 yards. The Gators know with Jefferson back that they could see him in certain packages.
“They're going to major in the two-back run game,'' Florida coach Will Muschamp said. “That's what they do well with the play-actions off of that. They obviously have the gun-runs that they have run with Jarrett, but he is not been a guy that has pulled the ball as much as Jordan Jefferson would. You've got to prepare for both of those situations and just be really aware of when [Jefferson] is in the ball game.''
DEFENSIVE STOPS
Florida's coaching staff said the Gators lost the line-of-scrimmage battle on both offense and defense against Alabama. For the Gators to have any chance at upsetting the Tigers, they must present more of a physical challenge up front defensively and keep the Tigers off the field.
The defensive line tired against Alabama and it showed as Trent Richardson ran for a career-high 181 yards. The Gators must contain LSU running backs Spencer Ware and Michael Ford and force Lee to have to make some plays in the passing game.
CROWD CONTROL
The Gators won their only road game at Kentucky two weeks ago at a not-so-packed Commonwealth Stadium. The atmosphere will be much different Saturday afternoon at LSU, where tailgaters where already set up outside Tiger Stadium on Friday afternoon.
The young Gators will get a taste of what it's like to play a big road game in the SEC. LSU has won 13 consecutive home games dating to its 2009 loss to the Gators.
DEMPS AND RAINEY
Florida running backs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey made it look easy in the first four games, combining for 731 yards rushing and setting the pace for the Gators' offense.
Against Alabama's big and physical defense, Demps and Rainey disappeared at times, combining for only eight yards on 14 carries. Demps and Rainey don't have to do it by themselves, but they'll have to help out for Florida to get a win.
WATCH TYRANN MATHIEU
The LSU defensive back is gaining a reputation as perhaps the nation's top defensive threat. There is a good reason for all the accolades coming his way. Mathieu has forced nine fumbles in his career, leads the team with 35 tackles, and has 1.5 sacks and one interception.
Seems wherever the ball is, so is Mathieu.
“He's a ball hawk,'' Muschamp said. “He's an electric guy on the field, as far as his punt returns and the things that he's able to do. You have to be aware of a defensive player like that and do a good job with ball security.''
A LES MILES MOMENT
A year ago in Gainesville it was a fake field goal that led to a first down late in the game, helping the Tigers win for the first time at The Swamp since 2004.
What will it be Saturday? You can always count on something unconventional from Miles and the Gators must prepare accordingly.
TURNOVER BATTLE
This is something that Muschamp stresses every week – the goal each game is to force three or more turnovers. Winning the turnover battle is especially important against LSU, which leads the SEC with a plus-9 turnover margin.
The Gators are tied for 10th in the league with Kentucky at minus-2. The Gators have forced 9 turnovers and committed 11.
WEIS' IMPACT
When Brantley went out against Alabama, Driskel had very little time to prepare mentally to come in against one of the nation's top defenses.
Known for his work with young quarterbacks, Gators offensive coordinator Charlie Weis has had a week of practice to prepare Driskel and Brissett for LSU. He said the playbook will be scaled back to some degree, built around what both young quarterbacks do well rather than what Brantley does well in his pro-style offense.
REDUCE PENALTIES
The Gators lead the SEC in penalties with 43 for 335 yards, an average of 67 yards per game. Ole Miss is the only team (36 penalties for 352 yards) averaging more penalty yards (70.4) per game.
Considering the challenge the Gators face on Saturday on the road against the No. 1-ranked team in the nation – and without their starting quarterback – the fewer mistakes the better.
GATOR GAMEBOX
No. 17 Florida at No. 1 LSU
Kickoff: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (Tiger Stadium)
Records: Florida 4-1 (2-1 SEC); LSU 5-0 (2-0)
TV/Internet: CBS/CBSSports.com
Radio: Gator IMG Sports Network (click here for affiliates); XM Channel 99
Bottom line: The Gators face a huge task on the road at LSU with a freshman quarterback making his first career start. For Florida to win this one, it will likely take a special day from the offense and defense.
