An unbiased prediction

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Rightfully so, there’s a lot of concern over not having Jordan Jefferson under center due to his current suspension. The Tiger offense, which ranked at the bottom of the SEC last year, will need all the help it can get for LSU to win its 18th consecutive game in September at the expense of the Ducks. But let’s be honest here. Wasn’t Jefferson a part of the problem?

We’re not saying Jarrett Lee is the answer. If he was, he would have kept the starting gig, but he does have tons of experience and can get the job done, as he did last season in the heart-stopping victory at Florida. Perhaps not having wideout Russell Shepard (another suspension) is a bigger issue as the Tigers try to match up with Oregon’s vast array of speedy offensive weaponry.

In any case, Les Miles is the kind of coach that can handle this situation. He’s consistently demonstrated a keen ability to get his teams focused by embracing the moment and welcoming challenges.

The offseason hasn’t been kind to Oregon either (the infamous Willie Lyles has left on his mark on both these teams). But the Ducks have their starting quarterback, Darron Thomas, firmly in the fold, along side Heisman Trophy candidate running back LaMichael James. They expertly provide the flash and dash, but there’s a lot of gaps that need filling in other parts of the two-deep, particularly on defense.

The Ducks will certainly look great in their all-black unis, but team chemistry could be an issue early in the season. And more importantly, it remains to be seen if Oregon can play with the physicality required to deal with a squad like LSU.

Duck head coach Chip Kelly likes to treat each game the same. “Every game to us is the Super Bowl,” he says. “So there’s no difference.”

But there is a difference, Chip. This game is similar to the one you played last January against another set of Tigers from the SEC. It’s also like the time you spent New Year’s Day with Ohio State in Pasadena.

LSU 24-23

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Rightfully so, there’s a lot of concern over not having Jordan Jefferson under center due to his current suspension.

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