LSU Football: 10 Things to Look Forward to in the LSU vs. West Virginia Game

The LSU Tigers will travel to Morgantown for the first time in the program's history to take on West Virginia in a matchup of unbeaten teams.

Just as it was in the Tigers' opening game of the year, this will be a matchup of a a great defense in LSU vs. a great offense in West Virginia.

LSU has given up just 36 points in three games, two of which came against Top 25-ranked opponents. On the other end, West Virginia has scored a combined 126 points in its first three games, including an impressive 37-31 road win over Maryland last weekend.

This should be great matchup and another tough test for LSU as they continue to pave their path towards a National Championship.

Let's break down 10 things that you should look for in this upcoming matchup.

10. LSU's Running Game

LSU has won games by creating pressure on the defensive side of the ball and establishing the run on the offensive side of the ball.

Spencer Ware and Michael Ford have formed one of the top one-two backfield punches in America throughout the first three games of the season. But will they be able to continue their effective running against West Virginia's defense?

They have come close to each eclipsing the 100-yard mark, and this could be the game where the duo finally accomplishes that feat.

9. Can LSU Shut Down West Virginia's Trick Formations?

The Tigers' were able to contain Oregon's tricky offensive play calling in Week 1, and now they will face another team in West Virginia that features a wide-open offensive playbook.

Former offensive coordinator and current West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen has always been known to have some tricks up his sleeve when it comes to wacky offensive formations.

Geno Smith has had a ton of success this season when he plays from a shotgun, two-back formation.

But then again, Geno Smith has not faced a defense anywhere near what he will face on Saturday.

8. LSU's Freshman Receivers

Many felt that losing Terrence Toliver to the NFL and Russell Shepard to suspension would greatly affect the Tigers' receiving corps.

But instead, the unit has been exceptional this season, much in thanks to a pair of talented freshman receivers who have stepped up in big situations for this team.

Odell Beckham had eight catches for 62 yards in the win over Mississippi State, while fellow freshman Jarvis Landry added two catches for 20 yards.

This duo will need to have another big game if the Tigers' offense is going to put up a lot of points in this game.

7. Will We See a Special-Teams Touchdown?

With Mo Claiborne and Tyrann Mathieu handling the kick- and punt-return duties, it is only a matter of time before one, if not both of these talented superstars break a long return for a touchdown.

While Claiborne and Mathieu are more so known for their skills in the defensive backfield, they are both explosive options in the return game as well.

A return for a touchdown in a game like this could be just what LSU might need in order to break it open.

6. Can LSU's Defense Hold West Virginia to Single Digits?

LSU safety Brandon Taylor came out and said that he doesn't think West Virginia should score a single point on the Tigers' defense.

That might be a bit of a stretch, but holding the Mountaineers offense to single digits is certainly a possibility with this type of defense.

In three games, the Tigers have held both Northwestern State and Mississippi State to single digits. The only team to score in double digits was Oregon, and they have arguably the most explosive offensive attack in the country.

It won't be easy, but this is a special defense at LSU.

5. Will LSU Get Beat on the Play-Action Fake?

The good ol' play-action fake can be looked at as one of the most effective plays in college football if it is run to perfection.

When you have a quarterback who is an elite runner and passer like Geno Smith, it can be tough to get a read on the play-action fake. In fact, Smith has completed over 65 percent of his play-action passes this season and five of his seven touchdown passes have been on play-action plays.

The Tigers' shut down the play-action fake against Oregon in Week 1, which should make many believe that they can do it again here against West Virginia in Week 4.

4. How Will LSU's Defensive Backfield Handle West Virginia's Passing Attack?

We said it before and we'll say it again... This is a game of offense vs. defense, and if LSU can stop the Mountaineers' passing attack, then they should be in tip-top shape.

West Virginia loves to air it out, and they love to air it out deep. The Mountaineers have five touchdowns already this season on passes of 15 yards or longer. But, on the other end, LSU has only allowed two completions of 15 yards or longer throughout the first three games of the season.

West Virginia already has 17 completions of 20-plus yards this season, which is the fifth highest total in college football.

If LSU shuts down the big passing play, then you can't help but like the Tigers' chances in this one.

3. How Will Home-Field Advantage Affect the Outcome of the Game?

LSU got the best of West Virginia in a 20-14 victory last season in Baton Rouge.

But this is a new year, and this game will be played on West Virginia's home field.

It will be interesting to see how LSU will react in this hostile environment. It has been said by many that West Virginia has some of the rudest fans in football, which makes it such an imposing, hostile environment to play in.

Remember that LSU was undefeated at home last season, but lost two SEC games on the road against Auburn and Arkansas. But that was last year....and this is now.

2. Can Geno Smith Handle the Heat?

Right now, there isn't a better pass rush in the country than LSU's.

The Tigers have held their opponents to just 3.1 yards per attempt this season, which is beyond impressive.

West Virginia is well known for their passing game, and Geno Smith has been nothing short of spectacular in his first three outings this season. But on the other hand, Smith has yet to see a pass rush even close to the one LSU will unleash on him this Saturday.

If Smith can handle it and remain calm in the pocket and escape pressure when its there, then West Virginia has a chance in this game. If not, well then forget it...this baby's in the books.

1. Jarrett Lee

Since taking over as the Tigers' starting quarterback this season, Lee has done everything that has been asked of him.

He has been accurate and has limited his turnovers, which in return, has put LSU in a position to win.

Lee will be asked to do much the same in this game as he attempts to go 4-0 in his senior season at LSU. The key here is that the new and improved Jarrett Lee takes the field and does not revert to his old ways.

Lee is the ultimate X-Factor in this game because if he performs well and limits his mistakes, LSU will win this football game.

Final Prediction: LSU 31, West Virginia 16