College Football 2011: 7 Ways the Oregon Ducks Can Beat LSU in Week 1
Oregon Ducks fans know the 2011 college football season is going to kickoff a lot stronger then ever before. While most top-ranked teams will be enjoying a rather forgiving Week 1 schedule, Oregon will head down to Cowboys Stadium to take on the LSU Tigers.
The impact of this game will be huge for either team. Both will likely enter the game ranked in the top five, and the winner of this game will become one of the front-runners to get to the National Championship game.
For Oregon, the impact of this game goes beyond that. Coach Kelly is still looking for his marquee win, and after losing the Rose Bowl to Ohio State and the BCS National Championship to Auburn, this is his third opportunity.
When the Ducks get on the plane to head down to Big D, these are the seven ways they can leave with a big "W."
LaMichael James Must Carry the Load
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One thing teams enjoy about an easier opponent in Week 1 is the ability to allow their offenses to get in a rhythm. Most elite teams can lean on either their passing game or running game, and tinker with either one to get ready for Week 2 or even for conference play.
With LSU being their opening week opponent, Oregon is not going to have time to get up to speed, so they will have to get off the buses running.
Oregon is replacing a lot of talent at receiver, so they will need LaMichael James to step forward and lead this team throughout the game.
Cliff Harris Must Change Field Position
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One thing that will be huge for either of these teams is the ability to control field position. In order to achieve this goal, these teams will need to have outstanding special teams.
For Oregon, punt returner Cliff Harris can change the momentum of a game in an instant. Not only is Harris an outstanding cornerback, but he is a tremendous returner who can take it the distance on any kick.
If LSU is forced to punt and gives Harris a chance, it may be all he needs.
Offensive Line Has to Be Ready to Run
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Coming into 2011, Oregon will be replacing three starting offensive linemen. The Ducks' offense relies on timing and blocking, and this new line will need to have both against LSU.
In order for LaMichael James to be a factor in this game, his guys up front must give him a crease, and he will have to do the rest from there.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Force LSU to Pass the Ball
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LSU is a strong team from head to toe.
Despite losing some outstanding players on the defensive side of the field, LSU has always found ways to reload, and it appears this year will be no different.
The LSU offense has a solid running game and receivers who can make big plays on the outside.
Oregon can hope to slow down LSU by forcing Jordan Jefferson to beat them. If there is a weakness on the LSU offense, it is the inconsistency of Jefferson, and they will have to go after him.
Find a Way to Stretch the LSU Defense
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Along with replacing three offensive linemen, Oregon will be searching for a way to replace the production from D.J. Davis and mainly Jeff Maehl.
LSU will come in to Week 1 with their eyes on LaMichael James, so it will be imperative for players like Huff—who went down with a knee injury midway through spring practice, but is back up to speed—and Lavasier Tuinei to step up and make the Tigers' defense respect the deep ball.
Chip Continues to Be Chip
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This is a big game for not only the Ducks, but also for Chip Kelly.
Since taking over as head coach, Kelly has won a lot of games, but has failed on the big stages. Through two seasons, Kelly has lost at Boise State, Rose Bowl against Ohio State and the national title game against Auburn.
This will be Kelly's opportunity to show the nation that he and the Ducks are marching back to the National Championship.
Limit Turnovers
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One thing that stopped the Ducks from winning the 2011 National Championship was early turnovers.
In the first half of the title game, Darron Thomas threw two interceptions, one of which was on the doorstep of the Auburn red zone.
LSU is a good enough team on their own, so Oregon cannot give the ball away without making LSU earn it. If they are able to control the ball and prevent turnovers, the Ducks can keep themselves in the game for all 60 minutes.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
