re: LSU vs. Oregon prediction thread

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Ricky Heimuli

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Oh no, a guy that played in every game last year and his best performance playing a laughable schedule was 3 fricking tackles

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I don't get where you guys are saying he had a terrible performance against AU or even that somehow the score in that game should have been greater

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After watching several Duck games last year, he did play horrible against Auburn. He made several bad throws, and several poor reads that could have resulted in big plays and/or TD's, not to mention a Championship. He choked no matter how you spin it.

Pretty much a fact that AU beat Oregon without the play of Cam Newton that AU had been getting. Without Cam Au is mediocre. Oregon got beat by a mediocre team not the Auburn that was lighting in up the last half of the season.

The reality is both offenses were at a big disadvantage in the BCS title game, both because of the footing issues and because of the lengthy lay-off and prep time for the defenses. Anybody that wants to suggest that either team gave their strongest offensive performance on that night is seriously messed up in the head. (So you can tell me that we didn't see "the" Cam Newton, but Auburn didn't see "the" Darron Thomas either.)

Because of the advantage the defenses had, Auburn always had a leg up in the game with Nick Fairley, who I believe was the single biggest reason Darron made so many uncharacteristically poor reads in the option game.

And in spite of that, I'd still rather have had Darron in that game than Masoli - who was an imposing runner in our offense but totally incapable of throwing from the pocket.

Now...

Oregon's problem against Boise State to open the season two years ago was a young and inexperienced offensive line. We simply couldn't keep Boise's defenders at bay, and we never got any kind of offensive rhythm going. I think the challenge for Oregon at Jerryworld is very reminiscent of that fateful night in Idaho two years ago. And before you all jump on that, please know that I am *well aware* of how athletically superior LSU is to Boise. I just mean to say that for Oregon, the challenge is facing a big opponent in a prime time atmosphere with no established offensive rhythm to find grounding in.

Oregon's offense (under CK) is a damned impressive machine when it's running smoothly, but it usually does not run that well after a long layoff - that is to say bowl games, and season openers. Combine that with the fact that Oregon's offensive line is being retooled as we speak (and while the "new" guys aren't all that "new" it's still a dramatically altered unit) I think Oregon could very well come out flat in this contest.

With that said, Oregon's offensive potential is kind of mindblowing right now. It will be interesting to see if the guys on the O-line can execute well enough (in the face of an impressive front 7) to allow one of CFB's most talented skill position groups to thrive from day 1.

What is the state of the LSU o-line? Oregon's DL was punished against Ohio State and Auburn for being undersized, but right now Oregon is actually gaining size inside - an important development.

I really don't know how this one plays out.

38-20 Spencer Ware MVP - 138 yards 2 TDs

That sounds familiar. Tennessee hadn't given up 48 in Neyland stadium or more points in over 22 years at home. Granted the Tennessee team we waxed was pretty weak, still beat the crap out of an SEC squad in their so called prestigious stadium.

Deja vu in 2011. Oregon will score more points on LSU than you guys are projecting right now.

LSU's line play is going to be key though. If they can dominate the trenches like Auburn did, then Oregon could struggle.

I'm split at 50/50 right now. If you guys slow down James, LSU wins 31-23. If James runs for 100+ yards, Oregon wins 38-27.

LSU will run the ball and control the clock.Depth on defense will make a difference in the second half.Close game for 30 minutes,then the Tigers pull away.31-17.