re: Keys to Victory for LSU to beat Bama

Sorry for the long post, but I'm excited to see where LSU truly stands at this point in the season!!! Kelly/Denbrock have done a masterful job creating an identity for this offense with Daniels running the RPO/Read option!

4 keys that IMO are simple, but not easy:

Defense:
1. Pressure Young and create a scenario where he steps into the pressure. Outside of having no pressure, he seems to be most effective when he slides up through the pocket to throw (and he loves doing it)! So, LSU needs to understand that and delay/run blitz Perkins or Baskerville by intentionally setting up a lane for Young to feel safe sliding into and time the delayed blitz into that lane. Just like any blitz, it's a gamble to expect things to work as planned, but IMO it would create a level of discomfort for Young that will have him try to speed up and effect his timing.

2. Of course, I'm more concerned with Gibbs ability to gash the defense in the running game! I think Bama will run the ball effectively against the Tigers, but I hope our front 7 can limit the damage, and create some negative plays forcing passing situations. then use the strategy I mentioned to stop Young

Offense:
3. Unfortunately LSU OL will not be able to consistently hold up against Bama's front! LSU needs to put pressure on the Bama LBs in coverage, and force them to defend the QB read option/RPO which Daniels has been running so effectively the last 2 games! Be fast and decisive with the ball in the read option/RPO, and if you find a personnel grouping that you are beating quickly go HUNH.

4. LSU MUST take unpredictable shots down the field on early downs, even if incomplete, to loosen up the safeties against the run. Bama will corral Daniels in the pocket faster than almost any other team because of their athletic edge rushers. So he will have trouble escaping from the pocket if he holds the ball too long. He MUST be decisive when to throw and when to run. The good news is that he has recently faced tough competition, and he is showing continued progress and development in that decision making process. Hopefully, he trusts that development and doesn't get rattled!