After giving up 51 points and 475 total yards to Florida, you knew LSU would consider some personnel changes. During the SEC media teleconference, LSU Coach Les Miles said changes are on the way.
"I think there's a chance that certain guys will play a greater time as we look at them than maybe in the past," Miles said.
Miles didn't name any players who might see more playing time, but its likely a lot of the personnel changes will take place on defense. LSU's "D" ranks near the bottom in several major defensive categories. The Tigers secondary has given up its share of long pass plays, linebackers have had trouble in pass coverage, and the defensive line is getting little pressure on the quarterback.
Young defensive backs like Patrick Peterson, Karnell Hatcher, and Ron Brooks could see more playing time. At linebacker, Ryan Baker and Shormari Clemons might see more snaps. And on the defensive line, expect to see more of Drake Nevis. after he had five tackles against Florida, as he started for an injured Ricky Jean-Francois.
The offensive line played one of its worst games in a long time against Florida. Don't expect to see any changes with that unit, but center Brett Helms may snap the ball more to Andrew Hatch. Jarrett Lee had his moments, both good and bad in the Swamp, but Offensive Coordinator might elect to use the older Hatch more often, especially on the road.
The skill position players shouldn't change, but after rushing for only 35 yards against Florida, expect the Tigers to establish the run early against the Gamecocks to take some of the pressure off the quarterbacks.
LSU's defense should have better results against South Carolina. The Gamecocks barely have a running game, and Stephen Garcia is making his first collegiate start, after leading USC to a come from behind win over Kentucky last week. South Carolina does posses a lot of wide receivers. Jared Cook is one of the best tight ends in the Southeastern Conference, and wide receiver Kenny McKinley is the school's all-time receptions leader.
South Carolina wins games with its defense. They rank number one in the SEC in total defense and pass defense. A reporter who covers South Carolina told me that nine of the Gamecocks eleven starters have a shot at playing in the NFL. Strong safety Emmanuel Cook is the team's leading tackler and the Gamecocks are not afraid to use him in blitz packages. Outside Linebacker Eric Norwood is also very active and leads the team in quarterback hurries and tackles for a loss.
Even though South Carolina has an impressive defense, the Gamecocks are a better match-up for LSU than Florida. The Gamecocks don't have the team speed of a Florida, and the humbling loss to the Gators, should produce a better performance this weekend.
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