Kentucky vs LSU: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Tigers Should Make

Big game today for the No. 1 LSU Tigers as they take on the Kentucky Wildcats. The Tigers are hoping to defend their first No. 1 ranking since 2007, the same year they were upset by the Wildcats in a double-overtime thriller.

Here are five adjustments the Tigers need to make to leave this weekend with their No. 1 ranking intact.  

1. Get Gains on Early Downs

Despite the lead, the Tigers have had their struggles in the first half. They need to focus on gaining yards on early downs so they are not left with long yardage conversions. Although they have had decent success on third down, they cannot continue to depend on clutch big plays. 

2. Pressure Newton

Kentucky’s QB Morgan Newton has been plagued by turnovers throughout the 2011 season. The Tigers need to keep putting heavy pressure on Newton and force him into throwing ill-advised passes.

3. Keep Establishing the Run

In the second half the Tigers need to continue to pound the ball and establish the run. If the Tigers can wear down UK’s lineman, their running backs will be able to find big holes in the second half.

4. Time of Possession

The Tigers should keep taking long drives and keep a frustrated Kentucky defense on the field. The Wildcats' inability on offense has again forced their defense to see a lot of snaps. Look for UK’s defense to be a step slow in the second half if the Tigers can continue to take long drives.

5. Go Deep

The Tigers need keep attacking the Wildcats' secondary in the final half. Kentucky’s horrible tackling has allowed the Tigers to break off huge gains. Lee should continue to look deep and allow his talented receivers to make big plays.