5 Items: SEC title game

[orange+white=heaven]

Darren Epps at the TFP does one of these every week. It is in the subscription version, not the online version. As he is discussing our game, I'm gonna beg the TFP's forgiveness and post Mr. Epps' thoughts...

1. Will LSU play with intensity?

In the Capital One Bowl against Iowa on New Year’s Day 2005, Nick Saban’s final game at LSU, Jacob Hester said the Tigers “didn’t have the same intensity Saban teams had” in previous games. LSU lost, 30-25. “For the younger guys, that’s definitely a distraction,” Hester said. “You never know how much that guy’s heart is into the game when he knows he’s not going to be there the next day.” Will LSU experience similar emotions Saturday? Les Miles will interview for the Michigan job. Defensive coordinator Bo Pelini already interviewed for the Nebraska job. Are the Tigers’ hearts in it?

2. LSU quarterback Matt Flynn is hurting

Hearing Flynn respond so evasively this week when asked about his shoulder should be disconcerting to LSU fans. “I’m not really sure right now what’s going to happen,” Flynn said Monday. Miles said that speedy backup Ryan Perrilloux is receiving increased first-team snaps this week. Whether Miles is exhibiting some gamesmanship with Phillip Fulmer or not, the unknown factor shouldn’t bother the Vols. LSU’s offense doesn’t change much when Perrilloux enters the game. Flynn and Perrilloux both run option plays. Perrilloux is just faster.


3. If Tennessee wins, the Sugar Bowl will last five hours ...

OK, that might be an exaggeration, but imagine Hawaii’s passing attack against Tennessee’s young secondary. And imagine Hawaii trying to contain Tennessee’s offense after facing so many lackluster teams this season (Utah State, which finished 2-10, dropped 37 points on Hawaii). It should also be noted that the Sugar Bowl usually kicks off around 8:45 p.m. Hope you don’t have plans for the next morning.


4. ...And the Capital One Bowl could be very interesting

A couple of bowl representatives told me that the Capital One Bowl is “all over Florida.” But what if LSU loses and doesn’t receive a BCS bid? The Capital One could take LSU and Miles to face Michigan and departing coach Lloyd Carr. Talk about an uncomfortable situation.

5. Look for Tennessee to exploit LSU’s Danny McCray
Finding weaknesses in LSU’s defense is difficult when everyone is healthy. But one is glaring — safety Danny McCray, who is often used in nickel and dime packages. LSU’s opponents almost always target the sophomore in those situations, and Tennessee offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe is a master of forcing mismatches.

 

[rexvol]

#4 would be great tv

 

[SWIL]

Concerning #2:

I remember back in 2001 a second string LSU QB named Mauck stepped into the SEC Champ. game and whipped our tails.

Let's hope we play a beat up Flynn this time.

 

[orange+white=heaven]

Concerning #2:

I remember back in 2001 a second string LSU QB named Mauck stepped into the SEC Champ. game and whipped our tails.

Let's hope we play a beat up Flynn this time.

Only thing SWIL... We had done almost zero prep on Mauck. That won't be the case here.

I don't know what'll happen Saturday, but I don't think Perriloux is going to lead LSU to a game against us that LSU would not have played anyway.

 

[SWIL]

Only thing SWIL... We had done almost zero prep on Mauck. That won't be the case here.

I don't know what'll happen Saturday, but I don't think Perriloux is going to lead LSU to a game against us that LSU would not have played anyway.

Good point. I certainly hope we have learned from our mistakes in 01.

 

[rexvol]

Concerning #2:

I remember back in 2001 a second string LSU QB named Mauck stepped into the SEC Champ. game and whipped our tails.

Let's hope we play a beat up Flynn this time.

I remember the freakin' qb draw killed us

 

[VolsZealot]

good points we should be ready whoever goes in at QB.

 

[gcb/hoosiervol]

Concerning #2:

I remember back in 2001 a second string LSU QB named Mauck stepped into the SEC Champ. game and whipped our tails.

Let's hope we play a beat up Flynn this time.

I am glad you posted this, as my memory is the same as yours. That #2 QB was from Jasper, In. about 50 miles up the road from where I live. He was a great high school athlete, and signed with the Cubs, played a couple of years before heading to lsu. saban had recrutied him to play at Mich St. I knew going in Mauck was tough and that game actually helped him get in to the NFL and hang around for a couple of years.
That might be one of the most disappointing losses I recall for the Vols as I think it cost us a shot at NC.
Bring on Flynn, bring on Dorsey, let the VOLS man up and play some TENNESSEE FOOTBALL (see 07 Georgia/Arkansas) not tinny see footsies (see 07 bama).
GO VOLS:clapping: