Sometimes things on paper aren’t necessarily a reliable measuring stick in the world of sports.
 
But for the No. 12 LSU football program, paper is everything.
 
With a record boldly stating 5-0, LSU coach Les Miles and his team have spent the last week dealing with an ambush of national media criticism following last weekend’s clock mismanagement against Tennessee.
 
Facts are facts, and LSU is still heading into Saturday’s Southeastern Conference showdown at 6:30 p.m. against Florida with its unblemished record and a chance to silence its critics.
 
“We’re just looking forward to it,” said LSU junior quarterback Jarrett Lee. “It’s a big-time game, and we’re excited. We’re undefeated. It may not look the best, but on paper 5-0 is 5-0.”
 
LSU is back in a familiar situation this week as it has been in years past, traveling to “the Swamp” as a highly ranked team with an undefeated record. The Tigers haven’t figured out how to beat the Gators in Gainesville, Fla., recently, having not won a game there since a 24-21 win in 2004.
 
“This is a must-win for this program,” said junior cornerback Patrick Peterson. “People are still talking about how inexperienced we are, but we’ll go in there and believe, hopefully get a victory and momentum to the back half of the season.”
 
There is reason to believe this year could in fact be different. In its previous two meetings with Florida, the LSU defense struggled to defend former All-American Tim Tebow.
 
Tebow is gone, and his predecessor John Brantley is fresh off a two-interception game against Alabama. Brantley suffered a rib injury in the contest but is expected to start Saturday.
 
Also in LSU’s corner is a difficult early schedule that featured five Bowl Championship Series teams — two ranked opponents and three SEC teams.
 
“The fact that we’ve played some real quality opponents will help you in a game like this because this team is going to be good,” Miles said. “We fully respect a very, very talented Florida team.”
 
Although the Tigers have been battle-tested early, they haven’t seen a defense like Florida. The Gators are second to the Tigers in total defense (291 yards) in the SEC and No. 19 nationally. Their defense also leads the nation in interceptions (12), with three returned for touchdowns.
 
The aggressive secondary gets to display itself against LSU’s two-quarterback system, as Miles said several times during the week that Lee and junior Jordan Jefferson — who is expected to start — will both see action.
 
“Offensively, they’re a little inconsistent right now,” said Florida coach Urban Meyer. “They have a little bit of quarterback issues. [Jefferson’s a] great runner, and [Lee] can throw.”
 
Jefferson took offense to Meyer labeling him only a running quarterback.
“Yes, it does [bother me],” said Jefferson, who had one more completion (3) than interceptions (2) last weekend. “It definitely doesn’t define us as a team with me and Jarrett as quarterbacks.”
 
LSU will not only have its hands full with Florida’s defense but also Florida’s 12th man.
 
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, better known as “the Swamp,” is known for its rowdy and ruthless fans, which draw comparisons to Tiger Stadium.
 
“The Swamp” is built below ground level in a sinkhole with steep stands, which is not only a breeding ground for deafening sound but also high humidity to create a swamp-like atmosphere.
 
Florida has been nearly unbeatable at home since Meyer took over in 2005, posting a 34-2 record.
 
“I have great respect for that place,” Miles said. “It’s a wonderful place. It’s loud, and they have a very passionate fan base. We play in Tiger Stadium, we are trained to play in loud places, and I can’t imagine we’ll be shocked in any way.”
 
 
 
 
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Contact Sean Isabella at [email protected]