The No. 8 LSU Tigers’ four-game home stand will begin Saturday against No. 13 Florida in a Southeastern Conference football game at 2:30 p.m. in Tiger Stadium.
“Looking at Florida, they are a very talented team strong on offense, defense and special teams,” LSU coach Les Miles said.
The Tigers (3-1, 2-1 SEC) and Gators (5-1, 3-1 SEC) are both trailing undefeated teams in their divisions. LSU is behind Alabama and Auburn in the SEC West, while Florida trails Georgia in the SEC East.
“We are looking forward to playing one of the most, if not the most, talented team in the conference,” Florida coach Urban Meyer said Wednesday.
Miles and Meyer are each in their first season at their respective universities and both have a background in offense.
Both coaches also retained a coordinator from the previous staff. Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher returned to LSU and Charlie Strong remained at Florida as co-defensive coordinator.
“He’s been invaluable from start to finish, certainly in this game plan,” Miles said of Fisher’s familiarity with the SEC.
Miles said the Gators’ defense is somewhat different this season, despite Strong’s return.
“There’s a little bit more movement,” Miles said. “There are some significant differences disguise and moving the front.”
Florida has allowed 15.3 points per game to LSU’s 18.5, and the Gators’ are holding opponents to 257 total yards of offense per contest to LSU’s 312.
“They are very talented,” Miles said. “Their corners are fast and athletic, and their safety will hit you. They also seem to put extra guys in the box. Their front is also very capable.”
The Tigers hold the statistical edge in run defense with 62.5 yards per game. The Gators are allowing 91 rushing yards per outing.
LSU’s defense has consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks with 13 sacks in its last two games. Florida’s offense has allowed 20 this season, which is tied for last in the SEC with Mississippi State.
While Strong’s presence has brought stability to Florida’s defense, the Gators are learning a new scheme in the spread offense under Meyer, who said it is still a work in progress.
“I’m not surprised [the offense hasn’t clicked yet],” Meyer said. “We are still adapting right now.”
Despite leading the SEC in passing offense at 258.2 yards per game, the Gators are sixth in the league in scoring at 29.3 points per game. The Tigers are second in scoring at 33.2 points per game.
The Tigers are behind the Gators in turnover margin. LSU is minus one in turnover margin, while the Gators are plus eight. Florida and LSU also lead the SEC in yards penalized per game at 68 and 88.5, respectively.
Meyer said injuries to receivers have limited the Gators’ ability to spread the field the way he would like them to.
Florida receiver Andre Caldwell is out for the season with a broken leg and receiver Jemalle Cornelius did not play against Mississippi State last weekend because of a sprained ankle.
Receivers Chad Jackson and Dallas Baker also missed time during the game against MSU with minor injuries.
Florida quarterback Chris Leak is suffering from a sprained shoulder, but he played through the injury against MSU.
Miles said Leak’s health status has not changed their game plan.
“We’re preparing for their best,” Miles said. “That could easily be Chris Leak. We’re just preparing along those lines.”
Miles said Florida’s play calling changes some when true freshman quarterback Josh Portis is on the field.
“There are more calls that involve athleticism and running the football at the quarterback spot certainly,” Miles said. “A little bit more option, a little bit more draw, a little bit more quarterback carry. They still operate the entire offense with Portis in the game.”
The Tigers are led on offense by sophomore JaMarcus Russell and seniors Joseph Addai and Skyler Green.
Russell has completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 881 yards and five touchdowns. Addai has rushed for 381 yards at 5.2 yards per carry and has scored a team-high five touchdowns.
“I think the key to this game is containing Skyler Green,” Meyer said in news release. “He is a lot like [Alabama receiver] Tyrone Prothro and is a game changer.”
Green has a team-high 17 receptions this season for 142 yards, and is averaging 15.5 yards per punt return and 23.2 yards each kick return.
Although he leads the Tigers in all purpose yards per game at 133, Green has not scored a touchdown, which he said he hopes to do soon.
Green said he would like to make more plays at receiver although the Gators’ secondary returns a solid group of players from last season.
“Those guys are pretty good,” Green said. “It’s going to be a great game, and I’m looking forward seeing if I can make a big play of those guys.”
Contact Clinton Duckworth at [email protected]