Keys to the Game and Matchups to Watch: LSU

At long last LSU will get their rematch with the Hokies in Baton Rouge. The
Tigers have looked for revenge for their 26-8 loss in 2002 for quite some time.
All of those players are gone, but their fans have certainly not forgotten. A
national audience will be watching as these two defensive powerhouses square off
in the first huge game with national title implications. However, the key to
this game will likely be the performance of the offenses.

Most fans are predicting a low-scoring defensive slugfest with turnovers,
field position, and special teams playing the most significant role. I agree
that all of these factors are certainly critical, but I suspect that we will see
more offense than many fans anticipate. No, I am not foreseeing a shoot out, but
I do believe that we will see some big plays from each offense. Each team has
the potential to make plays on offense, and the team that can make the greater
number of big plays will likely be the winner.

However, both defenses also have the reputation for making big plays, so the
offenses have to limit their mistakes. In other words, the offenses need to look
for big plays without making game-changing errors. I doubt either team will move
the chains consistently, so much of the offensive game plan needs to focus on
setting up opportunities for big plays.

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