Saturday Spotlight
(6) LSU Tigers at (9) Texas Longhorns
LSU: I really like what coach Ed Oregeron is doing in Baton Rouge. He’s instilling a winning attitude which is flowing through the entire football program. To be completely honest, I feel they’re overshadowed in their conference. They do play in the SEC where you have Alabama, Florida, Auburn and Georgia. When they have the ball rolling, this is a good football team. For years, the LSU Tigers seemed to have everything around them to succeed. A consistent offensive line, a defense that can punish you and they always found a way to run the football. The question mark was always at quarterback but now, that question mark disappeared. Joe Burrow is the real deal. Of course, there are bigger names, but he continues to play well and keeps his name in the conversation. To me, Joe is a dark-horse Heisman candidate. He threw five touchdown passes in their season opener last Saturday. When their offense is pushing the football down the field with consistency, they are one of the toughest teams in the country to beat. The defense was good last year, but there is always room for improvement. They allowed only 22 points per game which was ranked 26th best in the country. Throughout the year, people always ask me who’s one guy that I’ll be keeping my eye on. I can answer that: It’s a safety by the name of Grant Delpit! One of the best defensive players in the game. This kid finds every and anyway to affect the play whether he’s being sent on a Safety blitz, affecting the quarterback’s pocket or dropping back to make an interception. He’s a special football player. The Tigers got the first win out the way. It’s time to travel to Austin for a huge showdown tonight!
Texas: I kept saying last season that the Texas Longhorns were the most improved team in college football. They’ve had some years where they were very inconsistent and just couldn’t put it together. Coaching can make all the difference and they hired a good one in Tom Herman who had a successful stint with the Houston Cougars prior to taking the job in Austin going 22-4 in just two seasons. They are headed in the right direction. After all, they are a year removed from playing in the Big-12 championship game. Some people have them winning the Big-12 this year and even penciled them in as a playoff team. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but I don’t think they are there just yet. A few more years and we can revisit this conversation about them. Let’s talk about this quarterback for a second. Sam Ehlinger is the real deal. I’m reminded of Andrew Luck when I watch him play because he moves well out the pocket and isn’t afraid to take a hit like how Andrew played. He shows great awareness in the pocket to make a throw and when he’s in a rhythm, he’s tough to defend. Speaking of being locked in, that’s exactly what Sam was in their opener against Louisiana Tech. He was 28 of 38 with 276 yards passing and four touchdown passes which propelled them to their first victory of the year. Their offense won’t be an issue this year especially with guys like Ehlinger and wide receivers Collin Johnson and Devin DuVernay. The biggest concern as the season moves along will be their defense as they lost nine starters (Both cornerbacks and the entire front seven). This is what will keep the Longhorns from potentially winning the conference championship. Defense is still a crucial part of the game today. They will get set to welcome another Louisiana team to town for a big-time battle.
LSU Player To Watch: Glen Logan– He’s been one of their biggest forces up front. He’s a 6’4, 290-pound defensive tackle that aims to disrupt each play. He’s quick enough to win each battle in the trenches. He is scrappy with his hands; has choppy feet and he gets to the quarterback. He’ll have to be ready to get after Sam Ehlinger.
Texas Player To Watch: Keaontay Ingram– The ground game will have to be ready to go in this one. It will start with this young man here. His timing, his vision and breakaway speed has improved tremendously. He’s a traditional three-down back which you don’t see much of these days at any level. When he doesn’t have the ball in his hands, he’s more than willing to block in pass protection.
Final Analysis: What a matchup this should be. It’s a very interesting quarterback matchup. This is their first meeting since the 2003 Cotton Bowl. When they last met, Mack Brown was still the head coach of the Longhorns and a guy named Nick Saban was the man in charge at LSU. 16 years later, both these teams are ranked in the top for an early season showdown. You have an experienced offense against a retooling defense. On the other hand, LSU comes to town with one of the best defenses in the country. They will do everything they can to keep Ehlinger in the pocket. Sam is a dual-threat quarterback that can affect the game with his arm or leg. If I’m the Tigers, I’m coming out firing against that young secondary of the Longhorns and moving the ball down the field on them. I’m sustaining long drives by mixing it up. Run, pass, play-action. Make them work to shut you down.
Prediction: LSU 30 Texas 21
