re: In Depth analysis from Canes fan

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Third, Manny Diaz will be forcing Burrow to make big time throws. With a generally inexperienced OL, expect Miami to be in the backfield quite often. We have stud LB core and elite outside edge rushers. Will Burrow consistently make the throws VERTICALLY downfield and over the middle to put pressure on the Miami D. To me this is a key to the game for LSU. If Burrow makes these money throws it will have me worried.

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Why do you think the O-Line is inexperienced? The Center has never started a game, but everyone else has. The left side is intact. The RT played last season. The RG played in JUCO for the past two seasons. All of them practice against a front 7 much better than what they will see this Sunday.

Now, they might lack chemistry as a unit (which is important!), but under no circumstances are they inexperienced. An Inexperienced O-Line was what they had last season and they blew open holes in D-Lines all season long with their inexperience.

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But if Miami "isn't good" then what does that say about LSU.

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Miami's a good team, but I think LSU fans are looking at thing through an LSU perspective- if you have an All-World pass defense, and are soft up the middle, that plays into LSU's historically established talent base.
People talk Burrow up, but I think they're just eager to see a competent passing game.
We're "worried" about our running game, but not really; people expect someone to step up, as they always have. I think that for a lot of folks, it's inconceivable that we CAN'T run the ball. They were furious and indignant when we couldn't... vs Alabama. So even with the loss of the elite backs, we see Miami with questions in the interior, and say- we can run on them. We've won a ton of games by ONLY running the ball.

Whether that's true, is what will decide the game.

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You're in for a surprise if you think Ensminger has the "Miles approach."

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Like the Miami fan stated, the 'Canes are strong almost everywhere on defense, but questionable up the middle. They thrive on turnovers. We have a new QB and new WRs.

Expect the Air Raid to start vs Southeastern. Expect to pound the gut and ride the defense against Miami, playing it safe and close to the vest.

That's solid info. Completely forgot he was OC for a period of time there. Definitely will be interesting to see how he gets creative in the opener.

LSU has the better defense. It will be the best defens Miami plays all year.

Offensively, I think you are right. LSU is going to struggle. How’ve, If LSU establishes a power run game (I’m not confident that we can do that) like you said Miami is in big trouble.

I expect low scoring. This is a game where a Miami needs to dare LSU to drive it. I know Miami lived on the turnover last year. They need to be careful not to be over aggressive and give up big plays. That would be a mistake.

Any defense can be had if it gets tired. Miami would be smart to try and extend this game.

Basically, to win, Miami needs to play differently than they played all year last year.

Additionally, I can point out some serious concerns Miami fans should have about their team.

1) Malik Rosier is a weakness. Miami played four Top 20 defenses last year, and Rosier threw INTs against all four (1 INT vs. Florida State, 3 INTs vs. Virginia Tech, 2 INTs vs. Clemson, and 3 INTs vs. Wisconsin). Miami lost two of those four games.

Guess what? LSU had a Top 20 defense in 2017, and IT WILL BE MUCH BETTER IN 2018. In fact, many fans think this will be the best LSU defenses since 2011/2012.

2) The interior line is a weakness, as you mentioned. Unfortunately for Miami, LSU has one of the best front sevens in the country.

Ultimately, the questions you should be asking yourself are: How is Miami going to move the ball against LSU? And can Rosier avoid throwing interceptions?

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 I mentioned in the original post that I focused on the LSU O vs Miami D. Aside from a few points, I'd be more than happy to talk about that matchup too. Figured it'd be too long of a post.

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It's an incomplete analysis (and therefore, by definition, not "in depth"), so it's difficult to lend credence to your prediction.

My question is why focus on the strength of Miami while focusing on the weakness of LSU? Objectivity, that ain't.

I think I know the answer, and it has nothing to do with length of post (as evidenced by the book you already wrote).

The key to Miami's game is simple: force turnovers and give the offense a short field. They are pretty good at that, and if they do that to LSU multiple times, they will probably win. If not, LSU will suffocate Miami's offense until Burrow and company get into a rhythm, at which point Miami is done.

Honestly, it could go either way.

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you have an OC who hasn't been in that role in 20 years.

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See 2016 chief. But keep listening to the media narrative

It follows that the key to LSU's game is also simple: Don't turn the ball over.