LSU Vs. WVU: Five Questions The Tigers Must Answer For Victory

The first meeting between the #15 LSU Tigers and the #22 West Virginia Mountaineers has the makings to become an epic contest.  The West Virginia Mountaineers bring an extremely efficient offense which averages 446 yards per game, facing a LSU defense that is only allowing 279.67 yards per game.  The Mountaineers also bring a defense that ranks 10th in the country against an LSU offense that ranks 91st.

This game will be determined by who makes the least mistakes, individual match ups, and pure athleticism.  Of course, the sounds of 93,000 screaming Tiger fans couldn't hurt either.  Especially Tiger fans who have been tailgating since Thursday night.  There is nothing more that Tiger Fans enjoy than watching a top 25 match-up on Saturday night in Death Valley: where opponents dreams come to die.

Let's take a look at 5 intriguing questions that will determine the game.

Will WVU's CB Brandon Hogan Play

Brandon Hogan Highlights

The All-Big East and (SI) Honorable Mention All-American is arguably WVU's best defensive player.  Hogan was arrested for DUI following the Mountaineers against Marshall.  Hogan was subsequently suspended for the Mountaineers game against Maryland, but has been allowed by head coach Bill Stewart to make the trip.

This is arguably the biggest game of the year for the Mountaineers, as the Big East is definitely in a down year.  Bill Stewart is going to pull all the stops for a win against a top 25 opponent, especially one from the vaunted SEC.

Expect Hogan on the field, and most likely in the starting lineup to face a passing offense that's struggling to find its rhythm.  If Hogan is in the game, QB Jordan Jefferson will have to account for him on every pass.  Hogan is a play-maker, and has proven to have excellent ball skills.

Can The LSU Offense Show Some Semblance Of a Passing Attack?

The Tigers offense is ranking 32nd in the country in rushing offense while averaging 203 yards per game, but the passing attack has been almost non-existant.  QB Jordan Jefferson has struggled at times, and the calls for back-up QB Jarrett Lee have grown louder.

Against Mississippi St., Jefferson performed admirably and efficient, but the passing game, which ranks 115th, has still struggled.  Expect West Virginia to force Jefferson to throw the ball, by putting an extra defender in the box.  

Could Tiger fans, finally see the game where the calls for Jarrett Lee come to fruition.  If Jefferson struggles, then most likely.  WVU is ranking 8th in the country in rush defense, and the 3-4 defensive look is something the Tigers haven't seen this season.

Will The Mountaineers Actually Kick To Patrick Peterson?

Patrick Peterson has been a difference maker on special teams for the Tigers.  His 257 punt and kickoff return yards against UNC put the nation on alert at what a difference maker he is.  Make no mistake, opposing coaches have a game plan on how to handle kicking to Peterson.  The question then becomes what happens if the punter makes a mistake?  Give Peterson room and he will ensure the Tigers' offense and Jordan Jefferson good field position.  

With good field position, as we saw against Mississippi State, LSU will put points on the board.  Even if the offense sputters in the red zone, the Tigers have a true weapon in FG specialist Josh Jasper.  With the Tigers defense playing the aggressive style which they play, any points could spell disaster for the Mountaineers.

Can The Tigers' Defense Stop Noel Devine

RB Noel Devine is WVU's most consistent weapon.  The 5'8" 180lb speedster is someone that the Tiger defense must account for.

Devine comes into the game as the main component of WVU's 43rd ranked rush offense.  In 2010, Devine has rushed 73 times for 354 yards and 2 touchdowns, but on Saturday Night he faces a defense that allows only 80.33 yards per game.  

This should be one of the interesting chess matches to watch during the game, as LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis is sure to have All-American Kelvin Sheppard spying Devine at times.

How Will The Mountaineers Respond To a Saturday Night In Death Valley?

West Virginia has played in some very big games as of late, but are they prepared for a Saturday Night in Death Valley?  Legendary Alabama Coach stated that "Baton Rouge happens to be the worst place in the world for a visiting team, it's like being inside a drum".

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has also gone on record as saying "Unfair is playing LSU on a Saturday night in Baton Rouge".

Surely WVU Head Coach Bill Stewart has been adapting the Mountaineers for the noise, but will it be enough?