Jeff: LSU-Tulane Preview

The 9th ranked LSU Tigers face in-state rival Tulane for the 98th time on Saturday night, and it will be the last time these two teams play each other in Tiger Stadium for many years. The two schools decided to cancel a scheduled 10-game series back in September. They will play one more game in the Superdome, but a date has yet to be determined.


This game is not expected to have much suspense, but there are some things to keep an eye on. Here are five things you should watch for, if you are in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night.


1. Will Jordan Jefferson continue to get better?

I'm not ready to say Jefferson turned a corner with his performance against Auburn, but he definitely took a step in the right direction. He looked more comfortable and seemed to have a better command of the offense. He missed some practice time this week due an upper respiratory infection, but that shouldn't hold him back. Tulane doesn't put much pressure on the quarterback, so I expect another good performance from Jefferson.


2. How many tackles will Kelvin Sheppard have this week?

Sheppard has turned into a tackling machine this season and he's easily the team's leading tackler with 57 stops. He has 26 tackles in the last two games. Sheppard credits his success to keeping his pads lower, which has helped him shed blockers and wrap up opposing ball carriers. He's also looking forward to playing against his former high school teammate, Tulane running back Andre Anderson.


3. Will LSU be able to run the football?

I believe the Tigers will come out throwing against Tulane. For this offense to move the football, they need to pass to set up the run. But the Tigers will eventually like to get the running game going, because they'll need a ground attack to beat Alabama next week.


4. Will LSU put more pressure on the quarterback?

LSU's defense had a season high four sacks against Auburn, two of them were from linebacker Harry Coleman. Green Wave quarterback Ryan Griffin was sacked six times and fumbled twice against Southern Miss last week. I don't think LSU will blitz as much as they did last week, so it will be nice to see the front four put some pressure on Griffin.


5. Can LSU score 40 points?

1993 was the last time LSU went through a season and didn't score 40 points in a game. This might be their last chance to reach 40 in a game.


There's a concern the Tigers will overlook Tulane. I don't think they will. LSU seems loose after that win against Auburn, and they are excited to play again in front of the home team. I also think the defense is due for a shutout. LSU wins 42 to 0.