After a 5-1 start through the first six games, the LSU football team will begin the second half of the season Saturday with a new style of play.
When the 10th-ranked Tigers take on the South Carolina Gamecocks (4-2, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) Saturday at 6:45 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C., Tigers fans will notice a different type of game than they are used to.
After playing six teams who open up their offenses with four- and five-wide receiver sets, LSU goes through a stretch of SEC teams that play smashmouth football and run the ball with effectiveness.
“The preparation for this type of offense is not as difficult,” said LSU defensive tackle Chad Lavalais. “We’ll run a little more base defense, and we’ll try not to blitz as much.”
The LSU defense has gotten used to lining up with five and six defensive backs to help guard against the pass. But this weekend, they will see a lot of action in the base 4-3 defense.
“I think they have some weapons on offense,” said LSU coach Nick Saban. “They probably have a little more balance this year [on offense] than what they maybe had last year.”
South Carolina is as balanced as a team can get on offense. Through six games, the Gamecocks are averaging 188.7 passing yards and 187.7 rushing yards per game.
The Gamecocks have the No. 2-ranked rushing offense in the SEC, led by true freshman Demetris Summers and sophomore Daccus Turman.
That rushing offense will go head-to-head with LSU’s rush defense, which is ranked No.1 in the SEC and No. 4 in the nation.
“LSU is very talented and well-coached,” said South Carolina coach Lou Holtz. “They have a great defensive team. They have a lot of talent and a great defensive scheme and will try and intimidate you.”
South Carolina’s defense does not trail behind very far.
The Gamecocks lead the SEC by giving up only 155 yards a game through the air and are ranked No. 8 in the nation in total defense.
“They have some good football players and are playing very well on defense,” Saban said. “They have one of the best defensive football teams in the SEC.”
The Tigers shot themselves in the foot on many occasions in last week’s 19-7 loss to Florida. The offense committed many penalties, forcing the Tigers into first, second and third-and-long situations, which took away the running game.
Just as last week, the Tigers can ill afford to commit penalties, especially since running backs Joseph Addai and Shyrone Carey are listed as questionable for Saturday’s game.
If they are unable to play, the Tigers will showcase a trio of true freshmen in the backfield.
Justin Vincent, who has the most experience of the three, will be the likely starter. Vincent has 132 rushing yards and one touchdown this season. Barrington Edwards and Alley Broussard have 47 yards and eight yards respectively, most of which came in mop up duty.
To keep pressure off the young running backs, the Tigers boast one of the most efficient passing offenses in the league. That passing attack,and the fact LSU is coming off a loss worries Holtz.
“[Quarterback Matt Mauck] is obviously very smart,” Holtz said. “[He] is near the top of the conference in pass efficiency. They have two great receivers. Michael Clayton may be the best receiver in the conference. Clayton is a great open field runner in addition to being a great receiver.
“Their other receiver, Devery Henderson, may be the fastest guy on their team. Those two give them a tremendous advantage.”
Holtz continued bragging on LSU’s offensive line and defense in the manner he does in preparation for every game.
Holtz’s brilliant personality shines through, even on the field, Saban said.
“Lou [Holtz] always has a trick or two for you,” Saban said. “He always has something up his sleeves.”
This will be the Tigers’ first road test against a team with a winning record. LSU has shined in its two other road games, beating Arizona 59-13 and handling Mississippi State 41-6. Saban does not expect that type of game Saturday.
“I know it’s going to be a tough game on the road because South Carolina is a tough place to play,” Saban said. “Our players are going to have to be in the right frame of mind.”