LSU vs. Appalachian State - The Breakdown
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Don’t expect a repeat of the Michigan upset on Saturday
by Matt Deville
Tiger Rag Senior Editor
It is an intriguing matchup no doubt.
For the first time in the history of college football, the defending Division I-A and I-AA champions will meet in the season opener. (Yes, yes, it’s called Bowl Championship and Football Championship Subdivisions, but that sounds silly.)
Appalachian State brings quite a reputation into Tiger Stadium this Saturday for the season opener against LSU. The win over Michigan last year is etched in the minds of college football fans everywhere.
But for the fan who loves the upset, you need not coming looking round here. LSU is a much more talented team than the one the Mountaineers defeated in the Big House last September. And, you can forget about the surprise factor Appalachian State used to its advantage at Michigan as well.
The Tigers won’t be overlooking their FCS counterpart come Saturday.
Here is Tiger Rag’s detailed breakdown of the two teams heading into Saturday afternoon’s contest:
LSU rushing offense vs. Appalachian State rushing defense
LSU returns four of its five starting offensive linemen from a year ago, headlined by the best left side of any offensive line in the country comprised of Ciron Black, Herman Johnson and Brett Helms. While depth on the O-Line is an issue, they are the most talented in the nation. Also, the Tigers feature a number of talented running backs in Keiland Williams, Charles Scott and Richard Murphy. The Mountaineers allowed 193 yards per game on the ground last season, which ranked 87th in the FCS. Not a good combination.
Advantage: LSU
LSU passing offense vs. Appalachian State passing defense
Had quarterback Ryan Perrilloux not been thrown off the team, LSU could have been a national championship contender. Now, the Tigers are faced with breaking in a rookie quarterback with no experience. Andrew Hatch is expected to take the first snap of the season, but watch for Jordan Jefferson to play. The Mountaineers play decent pass defense, so let’s call it a draw.
Advantage: Even
Appalachian State rushing offense vs. LSU rushing defense
The Mountaineers return their leading rusher, who just so happens to be starting quarterback Armanti Edwards. Edwards ran for 1,588 yards last season and 21 touchdowns. The downside is Appalachian State lost its second, third and fourth leading rushers. The Mountaineers will have to try and navigate an LSU defensive front that ranked 12th in the nation (106 yards per game) versus the run last season. Running room should be hard to find for Appalachian State on Saturday.
Advantage: LSU
Appalachian State passing offense vs. LSU passing defense
LSU is faced with replacing three of its four defensive backs, including both cornerbacks. The Tigers lost All-American strong safety Craig Steltz as well as cornerbacks Chevis Jackson and Jonathan Zenon. True freshman Patrick Peterson is expected to be in the mix for a starting job, but look for Jai Eugene and Chris Hawkins to start. Harry Coleman is likely the starting strong safety, sharing time with Chad Jones. Remember, Edwards is a beast at quarterback and will test the Tigers’ secondary.
Advantage: Appalachian State
LSU special teams vs. Appalachian State special teams
Both LSU kicker Colt David and punter Patrick Fisher were first-team All-SEC picks last season. Fisher is now gone, leaving a gaping hole at punter. David returns as arguably one of the top kickers in the nation. LSU is solid in the return game with the speedy Trindon Holliday returning punts and Chad Jones and Patrick Peterson catching kickoffs. The Mountaineers replace kicker Julian Rauch with Jason Vitaris, who kicked all of two extra points last season. Also, Neil Young’s 37.7 punting average is nothing to write home about.
Advantage: Even
Intangibles:
Remember Michigan? It seems redundant to keep bringing up the Mountaineers’ upset of the Wolverines last year in the season opener, but Appalachian State’s 34-32 win in The Big House is a reminder of what can happen if you’re not careful. The Mountaineers know how to win big games (three straight national titles) and aren’t afraid of anyone. Jerry Moore’s team travels to Clemson the week after their visit to Baton Rouge.
Advantage: Appalachian State
Prediction:
LSU coaches and players have been listening to the Appalachian State upset of Michigan talk since the day after the national championship game. But it’s no big secret that LSU is much, much better than that Michigan team that got shellacked by the Mountaineers last season. Give Appalachian State its due: They are a very good team and have the hardware to prove it. But they will not win in Tiger Stadium. The Mountaineers gave LSU a heck of a game in 2005 as the Tigers won 24-0. But this time around, it likely won’t even be that close. LSU runs the ball with power all the way to a four-touchdown victory.
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