Last Updated on September 29, 2010 4:31 am by Anthony Rome
Tennessee vs. LSU Preview
Baton Rouge, LA – With its offense struggling, a home game against Tennessee might be just what LSU needs to get on track.
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The No. 12 Tigers will look to open 5-0 for the second consecutive season as they meet a Volunteers team that will enter this matchup unranked for the first time since 1988 on Saturday afternoon.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made LSU –16.5 point spread favorites for Saturday’s game against Tennessee. Current NCAA Public Betting Information shows that 55% of more than 1,293 bets for this game have been placed on Tennessee +16.5.
While quarterback Jordan Jefferson has had a rough beginning to the season, LSU’s running game and special teams have put enough points on the board to achieve an unbeaten record.
“We still understand that there’s work to be done,” coach Les Miles said. “But, I enjoy the fact that we are undefeated. I want to stay there as routinely as possible.”
Jefferson was removed briefly from last Saturday’s 20-14 win over then-No. 22 West Virginia. He completed 10 of 22 passes for 75 yards and two interceptions, lowering his passer rating to an SEC-worst 97.2.
LSU (4-0, 2-0) has turned to Stevan Ridley to lead the way on offense with its difficulties moving the ball through the air, and the junior running back hasn’t disappointed by rushing for 434 yards and three touchdowns.
He ran for 116 yards and a score last Saturday.
“I was very pleased with the running game,” Miles said. “Our running backs are coming to life and our line is understanding the commitment to the rush.”
Ridley understands the importance of the guys up front.
“They’re doing all the dirty work, and that is why I always credit them when I have a big game,” he said.
Ridley could be in line for another noteworthy day against a Volunteers defense that’s allowing 141.5 rushing yards a game – third-worst in the SEC – and has given up the second-most points in the league with 108.
The Tigers are ranked first in the SEC in rush defense, surrendering an average of 74.8 yards, and have given up the second-fewest points at 48.
“If it looks like you’re getting dominant play on defense and great special teams play, you don’t have to be too risky on offense,” Miles said.
Cornerback Patrick Peterson has been a key part of that special teams play. He had a 60-yard punt return for a score against the Mountaineers to become the first Tiger since 2003 to return two punts for touchdowns in the same season.
Peterson improved his punt return average to 28.1 yards – second-best in the FBS – en route to earning his second SEC special teams player of the week award.
With Peterson’s ability to make defenders miss come questions about the possibility of him helping out on offense.
“Coach Miles joked around with it in Week 2 I believe,” he said. “But I mean thats coach’s decision, but I’ll do anything to help this team win ball games.”
Tennessee (2-2, 0-1) will need to keep an eye on Peterson as it tries to avoid an 0-2 start in the SEC for the third consecutive season.
Junior Matt Simms led the Volunteers in their 32-29 double-overtime win over UAB last Saturday, completing 19 of 34 passes for 245 yards and a career-high three touchdowns.
Tennessee is 1-9 against ranked opponents since 2008, with the win coming Oct. 31, 2009, against then-No. 21 South Carolina. The Volunteers fell to then-No. 7 Oregon 48-13 on Sept. 11 and lost their conference opener to then-No. 10 Florida 31-17 on Sept. 18.
Tennessee leads the overall series 20-7-3 but has dropped four of the last six meetings, falling 21-14 in the SEC championship game in the previous matchup Dec. 1, 2007, as LSU went on to win the national championship.
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