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Florida-LSU: Key Matchups and Other Observations


I don't have a clue who should win the annual Florida-LSU battle on Saturday. But if I had to make a pick, I'd take Florida based upon home field advantage plus a coaching edge.

Here are a few interesting observations:

LSU's starting offensive line averages about 4 pounds heavier than Florida's. On the surface that's not a big deal. But the difference is largely attributable to Gator center Nick Buchanan, who at 283 pounds is about 20-25 pounds below the weight of a typical 300 pounds-plus SEC O-lineman.

LSU's three defensive linemen are huge; the size of offensive linemen. Given the size disparity at center/nose tackle, it could be next to impossible to run up the middle on them. On the flip side, this may explain their pass rush issues so far this season.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Florida run right at their defensive ends.

LSU's two starting corners are long but not particularly thick. They may not have success in press coverage against Van Jefferson and Trevon Grimes, who both have the size to win physical one-on-one battles. And as for the idea that LSU's corners can shut down the wideout screens that worked so well against Mississippi State... Well, maybe. But maybe not.

Joe Burrow reminds me of a bit taller Luke Del Rio: high football IQ with an average arm. In the 30-40 snaps I watched, his receivers frequently needed to adjust to his throws. Also, in the Miami game he had a few instances of trying to make something happen under duress when he should have cut his losses. He's been lucky so far, but his luck may run out against Florida's secondary; which, while relatively inexperienced, is fast and talented.

While I wouldn't expect Burrow to become rattled, Florida may get a couple interceptions off quarterback pressures. Or by Todd Grantham using his all-or-nothing blitz reputation to bait Ensminger and Burrow.

These two teams have played low scoring defensive battles to the last minute in each of the last two years, with Florida winning in 2016 and LSU winning in 2017. The significant difference this year is the arrival of Dan Mullen and his staff at Florida.

Incidentally, Mississippi State destroyed LSU last year, 37-7.

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