in NCAA F Articles

Russell a force

The last time the Louisiana State Tigers met the Tennessee Volunteers, things didn’t go according to plan.

The Tigers were up 17 points on the Vols on the road last year, only to lose the game 30-27 in overtime to see their lifetime record against Tennessee drop to 5-20-3. Revenge is on LSU’s mind as the team prepares to travel to Knoxville for Saturday’s key SEC matchup. The Vols are listed as 3-point home dogs (+130 on the moneyline) with a total of 44.5.

LSU is clinging to its SEC Western Division title hopes after losing on the road to Auburn and Florida. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell had a little trouble in those games, but he’s been more comfortable of late as the Tigers have established some semblance of a running game in easy victories over Kentucky and Fresno State. LSU is expected to continue running the ball this Saturday. The Vols are allowing 124.6 yards per game on the ground, and their defensive line is undersized with junior DT Justin Harrell (torn bicep) on the shelf.

Tennessee’s ground attack will also be under the microscope, albeit for the wrong reasons. The Vols’ backfield is in tatters thanks to the injuries to LaMarcus Coker (knee) and Arian Foster (ankle). Even QB Erik Ainge is on the limp after tweaking his ankle in last week’s win over South Carolina. The Tigers lead the conference with 26 sacks; although Ainge himself has only been sacked six times, that number could easily rise now that his mobility and his rushing options are both limited.

An imbalanced offense is the last thing the Vols needed Saturday. The Tigers’ D is ranked first in the nation, allowing a mere 211.3 yards per game, and second overall with an average of 8.3 points scored against them. There is simply no weakness to exploit, not with Glenn Dorsey on the line, Ali Highsmith at linebacker and LaRon Landry at free safety.

Tennessee’s passing game has helped the club evade disaster; during their current five-game winning streak, the Vols have outscored the opposition 85-20 in the fourth quarter to cruise to the pay window at 4-1 ATS. It’s unlikely Tennessee will be able to work the same magic against the sound defense of the Tigers. The UNDER has cashed in three times in a row for LSU after starting the season at 1-4.

Kick-off from Neyland Stadium is at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on CBS.