LSU Vs Tennessee: Why the Tigers Will Maul the Volunteers

Sept. 26, 2005 was the last time the Tennessee Volunteers visited the hallowed halls of "Death Valley," in a rare Monday night clash during the first year of Les Miles' tenure as the head coach of LSU.  

The game was moved to the rare Monday night contest, due to concerns over the oncoming Hurricane Rita to a region that was still reeling from the effects of the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina.

Nevertheless, the Tigers, feeding off the tremendous energy of the LSU faithful, jumped to an impressive 21-0 first half lead.  The Volunteers, however, rebounded at halftime and went on to hold the Tigers to six points in the second half en route to a 30-27 overtime victory.  The impressive second half defensive performance was orchestrated by none other than LSU's current defensive coordinator, John Chavis.

Chavis roamed the Volunteers sidelines as defensive coordinator for 13 seasons before joining the Tigers after he and then head coach Phillip Fulmer were unceremoniously dismissed by the Vols.  

Now Chavis finds himself in a familiar position, as the defensive coordinator of the SEC's top ranked defense, but this will mark the first occasion to face his former employer and beloved Alma Mata. 

The 2010 Volunteers (2-2) come to Baton Rouge struggling to find an identity after the wake of Lane Kiffen's one year tenure as head coach.  

Head coach, and former LSU assistant, Derek Dooley is in the midst of a massive rebuilding project, as the Volunteers have dealt with multiple arrests and a looming NCAA investigation concerning the recruiting practices of then head coach Kiffen.

The No. 12 LSU Tigers (4-0) boasts, not only, the conferences top defense, but arguably the nation's top special teams unit, both in part to Heisman hopeful CB Patrick Peterson.  

Offensively, however, the Tigers are in the midst of turmoil, as QB Jordan Jefferson has struggled mightily, and the rumblings of frustrations from within the team are starting to emerge.

Some would point to this game as a so called "trap" game for the Tigers, but more likely this will be exactly what the Tigers need before the trip to "the Swamp."

The Volunteers defense ranks 10th in the conference in total defense, allowing an average 362.5 yards per game.  Specifically, the Volunteers rank ninth in pass defense, allowing an average 221.0 yards per game.  

Tiger fans expecting the LSU passing offense to finally show some promise though, are likely to be once again left in angst, as the Volunteers rush defense is allowing 141.5 yards per game.

Expect the Tigers, to once again ride the back of workhorse RB Stevan Ridley, while being the benefactor of excellent field position, thanks to stellar defensive play.  

Chavis will most certainly try use his ultra quick defensive line to put pressure on a Volunteers offense that has allowed 14 sacks in four games.  

Tiger Fans might be witness to a defensive performance that is rarely scene, as John Chavis might have something extra in store.  For even the best of men, can be tempted by the prospect of spite.

Prediction

LSU 31, Tennessee 3

Player to Watch

CB Patrick Peterson

Peterson is the truthfully the only choice that could be made.  

Week in and week out, Peterson has been turning heads with his amazing returns, and dominant defensive play.  Peterson may have a little extra motivation for this game, as LSU unleashed it's Heisman campaign this week, and Tennessee has allowed the most punt return yardage in the SEC. 

There's also the matter of Volunteers WR Gerald Jones, who boastfully claimed that Peterson "is not superman".  As the Volunteers top wideout, Jones will certainly be able to find out if Peterson isn't, as the two will be matched up throughout the game.