LSU-South Carolina: Does the Ol' Ball Coach Have It in Him?

Are the LSU Tigers too much for an upstart South Carolina team?

It depends on who's answering the question.

When asked what beating LSU would mean, Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said, "I don't have to worry about that right now. If we do that, then ask me that, okay? We don't have to beat LSU to still be in contention, you know that? And I told our guys that. We're not going to go down there and if we get beat, hang our heads. There's a lot of ball left."

Les Miles hasn't made any comments on the game—but he's not likely to take SC lightly.

Here's a look at what to expect this weekend... 

LSU Tigers

LSU is coming off three absolute blowouts—and hasn't played such good football in a long time.

After QB Matt Flynn hurt his ankle against VT, backup Ryan Perriloux started against Middle Tennessee State...and he didn't disappoint.

Now, there's a statewide debate as to who the Tigers should start this weekend.

I, for one, think Perriloux is too young to start against an SEC defense.

At RB, expect to see most of the carries go to Jacob Hester and Keiland Williams. Williams has more upside, but he also has more downside.

LSU will have to do without star WR Early Doucet, who's out at least two weeks with a reported groin injury. Brett Helms, Ciron Black, and Herman Johnson anchor a better-than-average O-Line.

The Tiger defense is the best unit in the country, giving up a scant 2.3 points game. If the Gamecocks don't insert some extra blockers, the LSU front seven will be living in the backfield all game.

Colt David handles the kicking duties.

South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina's offense has been unimpressive, thanks largely to QB Blake Mitchell's godawful start.

Mitchell has thrown as many INTs as TDs (three), and he's lucky to have RBs Cory Boyd and Mike Davis to bail him out of trouble.

Boyd has 39 carries for 255 yards on the year; Davis has 40 for 252.

Kenny McKinley is the only receiver with notable numbers, partly because Mitchell has only completed 34 passes for 321 yards through three games.

Perriloux threw for 298 yards LAST WEEK.

The primary reason for South Carolina's recent success is their defense. MLB Jasper Brinkley has said that this is the best defense he's been a part of at SC. The numbers back him up: SC is only allowing about 10 points per game.

The Gamecocks have an all-star PK in Ryan Succop, who hit three FGs against Georgia.

LSU's Keys to Victory

1. Stop USC's rushing attack.

2. Establish the passing game without WR Early Doucet.

3. Don't let USC get in FG range.

SC's Keys to Victory

1. Don't let the LSU offense get on a roll.

2. Handle relentless pressure from LSU's front seven.

3. Get on the board early, because LSU's defense just doesn't tire.

Prediction: No. 1 Defense in the Country + Home-field advantage in Death Valley= LSU Win. 30-7.