Why LSU Tigers' Defense Will Give West Virginia Mountaineers Nightmares
No QB, no problem.
That’s the sentiment LSU fans are thinking after watching their No. 2 ranked Tigers jump out to an impressive 3-0 start without star QB Jordan Jefferson.
Backup Jarrett Lee has stepped in and exceeded everyone’s expectations. But the LSU defense will be the reason No. 16 West Virginia gets steamrolled at home.
The LSU defense has allowed a mere 143 rushing yards through the first three games— the lowest by the Tigers since 2007 when they allowed a paltry 90 yards combined.
The Tigers' defense is No. 3 in the nation against the run (47.7 yards a game) and No. 6 in total yards allowed (207.7 a game).
In other words, this is the best defense in the nation.
West Virginia’s passing game ranks in the top 20 in almost every major passing category and they plan on throwing the ball early and often.
QB Geno Smith will have to hang tough in the pocket and use LSU's aggression against them with lots of play action and pump fakes to get the ball to WR Tavon Austin.
The Tigers will counter with the sort of pressure that would give any QB nightmares. Just ask Mountaineers head coach Dana Holgorsen, who was very blunt when asked if there are any weaknesses on the LSU defense:
"There isn't one. That defense is the best I've seen on tape."
Clearly the Mountaineers know what they’re about to face and I think the above average Mountaineers O-line will be overwhelmed by the strength and speed of LSU up front.
The WVU receivers will struggle to get any sort of separation from the Tigers' tight coverage and I expect the Mountaineers' below average running game to be completely non-existent.
Other than that WVU will be just fine. The Tigers' defense is too strong, too fast and too deep to lose to an offense that lacks balance.
Expect a close game through halftime before the Tigers blow this one wide open in the second half.
Prediction: LSU 31 WVU 17
