Georgia has not dominated their opponents statistically or on the scoreboard but they find ways to win games (excluding Oklahoma State). Georgia is a very dangerous team that has the ability to make plays on offense and defense. Admittedly, I have not watched all of Georgia's games, but they appear to resemble LSU in many ways.

Neither LSU nor Georgia is overrated or underrated. Each team is ranked where it is using the accepted methodology of the respective poll. Polls weigh different factors more heavily and produce vastly different results. Polls are fun to discuss and debate, but at this point in the season they are overrated and, to a certain extent, meaningless. I would venture to say that the polls used in the BCS formula are not intended to correlate to Las Vegas odds, but they can approximate the relative strength of a team based on the views of oddsmakers and resulting point spreads.

Having said that, none of the polls matter on game day. In my opinion, LSU will need to do the following in order to beat Georgia on the scoreboard (in no particular order of importance).

Red zone defense. Hopefully, the defense can limit long, sustained drives. However, if Georgia does get inside the 20s, LSU needs to hold them to field goals. Considering the Mississippi State game, success in goal line situations cannot be stressed enough.

Eliminate stupid penalties. These types of mistakes will stall offensive drives, give Georgia first downs, and get LSU beat. LSU needs to play with discipline and intelligence while still playing aggressively and opportunistically.

Win the special teams battle. For example, no bad snaps on punts and kicks!!!! In the kickoff and punting game, field position will be a key to winning the game. Our coverage teams need to be solid. LSU must force Georgia to sustain long drives to score points. A big game by Trindon Holliday could be the difference between a win or a loss (ex. Chad Jones versus MSU).

Do not give up big plays. This has been a real problem for LSU's defense. And, I mean plays of 20 yards or more. Realistically, during the course of the game, they are bound to happen. But, LSU's defense must limit them. LSU's safeties and DB's must keep the ball in front of them. The DL and LBs must play the gaps soundly to prevent Georgia's running backs from running loose into the secondary. LSU will need to be strong up the middle. In my opinion, Charles Alexander and Drake Nevis need to have big games.

No breakdowns in coverage or missed assignments. This is related to the previous point. I believe this will be a function of LSU's preparation, game planning and coaching. On the other hand, Georgia is preparing and game planning to create mismatches and exploit LSU's game plan where it sees opportunities. Hopefully, LSU will limit these mistakes as they can be "game changers."

Don't commit turnovers. Arguably, this should be #1. Fumbles and interceptions. After last year, can enough be said? These kill drives and have an unusually strong relationship to the amount of points the opposing team scores. Conversely, Georgia's defense will be trying to create turnovers. LSU's offense has been pretty good about not turning the ball over so far this season. I believe we will see more of the same defense by Georgia as LSU has faced in the previous four games. You can bet that Georgia's coaches have seen the same tendencies as we have. They will load up the box to stop the run. They will blitz on obvious passing downs. They will disguise coverages and blitz packages to attempt to confuse Jefferson. They will attempt to force Jefferson to throw to the middle of the field.

Our offense needs to cut down on "three and outs." No more than three the entire game and hopefully only one or two. I believe LSU will have 10 to 12 possessions. LSU must make the best of each one of them. They are an opportunity to score points and to keep Georgia's offense off the field. Ball control is effective. It will wear down Georgia's defense and keep our defense fresh.

That's my two cents on a boring Tuesday morning. It's time to do some work.

This post was edited on 9/29/09 at 11:55 am