re: How’s everyone feeling heading into week 1?

Excited and anxious, not necessarily in that order.

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I was feeling pretty good till I watched the U Tube video with the two locked on guys Moscona and Marc Kulkin the USC guy. I think USC passing attack is going to be a challenge for I defensive backs to cover. The hope is that Baker can come up with enough schemes that we can get enough pressure on the QB to cause some hurries or even a sack. Their QB has been known to run when under pressure. May need to have a scout on him if this turns out to be a problem. I used to be a Kool Aid drinker, but the last four openers have brought on a reality check. Should be fun to watch and bet the TV audience will be significant.

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This is me right now. I didn't feel so great after listening to that podcast. USC is quite stacked at cornerback. They also have a lot of potential on their D line with 5-star talent. Regardless, this game is going to be one by whichever team's defense makes stops and forces turnovers.

quote:

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I was feeling pretty good till I watched the U Tube video with the two locked on guys Moscona and Marc Kulkin the USC guy. I think USC passing attack is going to be a challenge for I defensive backs to cover. The hope is that Baker can come up with enough schemes that we can get enough pressure on the QB to cause some hurries or even a sack. Their QB has been known to run when under pressure. May need to have a scout on him if this turns out to be a problem. I used to be a Kool Aid drinker, but the last four openers have brought on a reality check. Should be fun to watch and bet the TV audience will be significant.

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There is no real sugar coating it. The DBs are a concern. That's not just my thought, but a sentiment coming directly from someone on staff. I think the DBs can get better as the season goes on. But facing a great play-caller in game one is a tall task. The only thing that gives me a bit of confidence is that I don't think Baker will just sit back and allow big play after big play to occur. He'll try to force some pressure. That may result in the DBs getting burned on occasion. But at least it will be forcing the issue and may result in a few needed turnovers.

Daniels changed the way defenses played LSU. DCs knew that any wrong lane or missed assignment could result in him escaping the pocket and running for 40 yards. Even plays where the defense was perfect he could turn into 40 yard gains. That's not there anymore. So opponents are going to make Nussmeier prove he can beat them through the air AND that he can take care of the ball. If LSU gets in a spot where they feel they have to throw on nearly every down to keep up there are going to be multiple interceptions because Nussmeier is going to force some throws. That's simply his nature.

If the OL is as good as we all think it is, perhaps the gameplan should be someone of a return to the Les era where LSU just pounds the run game and tries to drain the clock. If you are going to ask the defense to make several stops on 10-13 possessions that is probably asking too much. But if you can cut that number down to 7-9 possessions the defense can probably make (or hold USC to FGs) on 4-5 of those.

Nervous, excited...the usual first game feelings.

I'm not thrilled with this defense going against this type of offense right out of the gate. Would much rather get their feet wet against a more traditional type offense.

My negative brain says this defense will take time to gel and USC goes up and down the field while the offense sputters a few times ending in a 42-31 type score.

My optimistic brain is telling me our OL will move SC around, run Williams and Jackson and control the clock. The defense gets a couple sacks with a forced fumble and our Tigers leave Vegas with a 28-24 victory.

Guess the last few years have me gun shy so I'm more cautiously optimistic instead of confident and borderline cocky.