With LSU heading into a top-10 match up with Georgia this weekend, here’s a list of 10 things to watch for on Saturday.
1. LSU coach Les Miles showed a glimpse of his old Mad Hatter ways last week when he ran a fake field goal against Auburn. Do we see Miles reach into his bag of tricks again against Georgia?
2. LSU senior quarterback Zach Mettenberger returns to Sanford Stadium for the first time since his departure after his freshman season, and it’s safe to say Georgia fans haven’t forgotten him. What kind of reception does Mettenberger receive from his home state?
3. Georgia struggled on special teams last week against North Texas, while LSU junior wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. continued his strong performance in the return game last week. Does Beckham break free on the Bulldogs for another big day?
4. This is the first top-10 match up for the Tigers in 2013. How does LSU handle the jump in talent on Saturday?
5. LSU senior fullback J.C. Copeland said he has a chip on his shoulder heading into Saturday’s game. Copeland said he felt slighted by not getting a scholarship to his home-state team because he was too short. Does an angry Copeland break loose in Athens?
6. LSU sophomore running back Jeremy Hill is considered one of the top backs in the country, but Mettenberger has come alive in the Tigers’ revamped passing game. Who carries the majority of the load on Saturday?
7. Saturday features two of the top running back talents in the nation in Hill and Georgia running back Todd Gurley. Which back has the better game?
8. Mettenberger may be having a good start to the season, but Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray is on the cusp of breaking NCAA career records. If this game becomes a shootout, which passer leads his team to victory?
9. LSU’s top three tacklers last week were linebackers. D.J. Welter, Lamin Barrow and Kwon Alexander combined for 32 tackles against Auburn. Was that just an enigma, or are the linebackers finally getting into their rhythm.
10. LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis has made several moves in the secondary, switching in young talent at times. Does this trend continue against Georgia, or does Chavis finally settle into a lineup?