re: preparing for 3-4 defense

I personally would prefer running against a 4-3, because the blocking is easier for the o-line. A 3-4 can be confusing, especially if a team only sees it once or twice a year. (A good example of this would be how shitty the Saints play in their few games against a 34 every year)

Lsu has a veteran o-line so the 3-4 isn't as much of a challenge as it could be. If we were younger we fans would have more reason for concern.

As has been previously stated, the real threat in a 3-4 is not knowing where the blitz is coming from. If the 3-4 team uses a lot of 3-4 over or 3-4 under, with one of the linebackers acting like a down lineman, it can be easier for a QB to recognize their assignments, but Bama runs a decent amount of straight 3-4 and they do a great job of gap discipline. Also, the 3-4 is dependent on very good NT play, and Bama has NT's that put on a clinic on a weekly basis.

LSU's Speed Option

Its harder to prepare for because of the various blitz packages that are presented along with it. Also, there are so many different fronts that a 3-4 can use(bear, eagle, etc).

I think that in the rematch, you will see us more unbalanced formations(2 TE, 1WR to a side) in order to make those linebackers shift into a 3-4 over and then attack that weak side. If they walk a Safety down, start flooding the zones with some playaction and sprintouts with a te or rb in the flats, wr middle(deep out, flag, deep curl in an open area) and one wr deep on a streak. If no shifts, run the ball to the strong and hook that OLB and allow Ford, Blue, Hilliard to get outside. Look for some I form tackle over load option as well.