Florida vs. LSU: 5 First-Half Observations for the Tigers

LSU has looked every bit like the No. 1 team in the country yet again this week. It's only through two quarters, but they are putting on a football clinic against Florida in Baton Rouge right now. 

Jarrett Lee has been on the money with deep balls and the running game is making a joke out of the Gator front seven. On defense, they have been able to get pressure on the inexperienced Gator QBs.

Here are five first-half observations for the Tigers:

1. Today's Scheme Should Be Pass Heavy

Florida's secondary is at the mercy of the Tiger passing attack so far. Lee's touchdown pass on their first drive was brilliant. He put it right into the hands and led Rueben Randle perfectly. Lee and Jefferson have looked comfortable in the pocket and haven't made any big mistakes.

That being said, they haven't really thrown all that many passes. The way that the LSU receivers are getting open, they should be attacking downfield with the QB's arms and see how many points can be put up on the board. My guess is between Lee and Jefferson, we could see four or five touchdown tosses. 

2. The Running Game Rules

The rushing attack has been even more potent than the passing game. The Tigers went for over 100 yards on the ground in the first quarter alone. Every time they call a running play, it seems like they gash and slash for a first down.

The Florida defense looks like it is on its heels, and they are susceptible to the big play. I would not be surprised at all to see LSU keep pounding it with the run, both because it's effective and to keep the passing game opened up. The offensive line is doing a fantastic job of opening holes for their backs.

3. Blitzing All Day

The defense is blitzing and stacking the box, like they should. With Florida starting QB John Brantley out, they are turning to a mix of young, inexperienced signal callers. They are performing well so far, but get skittish under pressure. A hit or a sack on one of them could cause a game-long mess of mistakes from Florida's offense.

It seems like the defensive line for LSU is shedding blocks with ease, and getting to running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps as well. No matter what the offensive line has done so far, the Tigers defense has outsmarted and out-hustled it in their attempt to get in the backfield and make a play.

4. Keying on Demps and Rainey

Again, as they should be. The young quarterbacks aren't going to take a lot of shots down field, and if they do, it's worth the risk for LSU. So, they've been settling mostly for handing the ball off to their two playmakers and hoping that a big play comes out of it. 

If the LSU defense wants to shut this game down completely in the second half, all they really need to do is contain the Gator running backs. Avoiding big plays that those guys might break is going to keep confidence and momentum on their side, as well as keep the crowd into it. 

5. The Taunting Rule Sucks

Such a brilliant fake punt play, wiped out in an instant by a horrible new rule. Just because a punter, more than likely scoring his only collegiate touchdown, raised his arms in celebration about three strides too early, the Tigers are short four points. I understand the need to limit celebrations and taunting in college football, but this has me seriously wondering if Roger Goodell is secretly running the thing.

I think it's a ridiculous new rule, and that LSU was unjustly penalized for such a small instance. I don't think it will make much of a difference on the outcome of this game, but it still is unfortunate. What do you think? Is the rule cool?