The top ranked Florida Gators will get their biggest test to date when they play the LSU Tigers on Saturday, October 10, 2009 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Tiger Stadium is nicknamed Death Valley is a nightmare for opposing teams to play because of the crowd noise. The crowd noise could have an adverse effect on Tim Tebow if he plays in the game. It is a big game that the Gators may have to play without the services of their brightest star, Quarterback Tim Tebow. After suffering a concussion, Tebow must be cleared by a doctor to play. Tebow is not the typical QB, and his style of play will make it difficult to avoid further injury. Tebow does not avoid contact and he fights for yardage; therefore, it would difficult not to expect the same play in Saturday's game. If doctors clear him to play Tebow will more than likely start but I would watch how tentative is he when making the running options needed to make the Gators offense go. If he tentative then he should be on the sideline because that is not Tebow's game. He must run like the runner he has shown college football.
Many experts think that Gators cannot beat the LSU without Tebow but, I beg to differ. The backup Quarterback John Brantley is more capable passer and accuracy is amazing. He is not going to beat anyone in a foot race but he is the prototypical drop back passer. If Brantley gets the start he is capable of leading Florida to victory. LSU defense is not good at stopping the pass; therefore, Brantley could pick them apart with his accuracy.
Looking beyond the Florida's quarterback situation, the Gators have a relentless defense. The Gators have speed and more speed that will devour most offensive units. The defense is lead by Linebacker Brandon Spikes. They do not allow many points by the offense of the opposing teams they face. LSU offense's is slowly coming together, but they must score touchdowns to beat this Florida team, because field goals are not going to get the job done.
Running game is still present for Florida Gators and without Tebow the ball will be moved on the ground. Runningbacks Jeffrey Demps, Brandon James, and Emmanuel Moody will keep the LSU defense off balance with their attack on the ground. Running game averages nearly 9 yards per carry.
LSU Tigers are not going to just give game to the Gators and they must have an impressive defensive showing to have chance. Whatever quarterback starts for Florida they will have to be aware of Defensive End Rahim Ahem, because the Tigers will be sending him every chance they get. They must get to the quarterback in this game especially if Brantley gets the start who is a better passer than Tebow.
On the offensive side of the ball the key success for the Tigers would be quite simply to protect Quarterback Jordan Jefferson. Jefferson must show that is he comfortable in the pocket, but his comfort zone is when he is rolling out or using the play action pass. Jefferson must keep his mistakes to the minimum and the offensive line must give him time to throw when needed. The Tigers must put touchdowns on the board.
Florida wins the game, and it will not matter if Tebow starts or if Brantley gets the start. Defense of Florida will be too much for LSU. LSU has not shown that their line can protect Jefferson on a consistent basis. The running game as mentioned earlier will be another element that will push the Gators pass the Tigers in this game.
No comments:
Post a Comment