Expect LSU-Miami to be played close to the vest on both sides

Miami, ranked eighth and ninth in major preseason polls, returns 14 starters and 44 lettermen. LSU knows it has a tall task ahead of it in Arlington, Texas on Sunday night to start the 2018 season.

Every team wants to get off on the right foot each season. To LSU, a win means a lot and perhaps even enough to propel the young squad to greater heights. They have been challenged this offseason.

Some close to the Miami program, although not overlooking the 25th ranked Tigers, appear to place more emphasis with wins over Florida State on Oct. 6th and Virginia Tech on Nov. 17th. Of course, those are also crucial ACC games, and conference play means the most. Still, it tells you how LSU must re-earn its respect on the national scene.

Like LSU, the Hurricanes will want to establish the run but they will do it differently then the Tigers. In fact, the ‘Canes style will at times remind LSU fans of the Les Miles era in Baton Rouge. Miami will use two tight end sets, sometimes employing a fullback in the I-formation.

The Hurricanes struggled on third down last season, converting less than 30 percent of the time. If the Tigers win on first down defensively, they will hold a big edge.

LSU will have to have success running the ball, that is vital early in the year with a new starting quarterback and offensive line questions. The Tigers will also have to have success in the short passing game, using quick two and three step drops to loosen up the stout Miami defense.

If they struggle in these departments, the Tigers become one dimensional at best while the Miami “Turnover Chain” will see plenty of airtime.

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The QB situation at LSU has been dissected as much as it can be. The running backs and wide receivers, although lacking experience as a whole, have all passed the eye ball tests for the coaching staff in preseason. Now it’s showtime.

The offensive line is a major concern because of the unknowns on the first team and about the overall depth.

Lloyd Cushenberry is a first time starter at center. The right tackle spot has been a revolving door, where Badara Traore, Austin Deculus and Adrian Magee have all have gotten a shot but none have proven they can capably man the spot against a defense like Miami’s. If injuries occur on the o-line, the gnashing of teeth on the LSU sideline will ramp up fast.

While the Tigers face many unknowns on offense, the defense can be special.

Breiden Fehoko, Glen Logan, Jacob Phillips and K’Lavon Chaisson are among the Tigers expected to wreak havoc on the line of scrimmage. Kristian Fulton and Terrence Alexander will have to show their talents quickly in the secondary, but LSU is stacked with talent on the back end of the defense.

The unit is led by a proven pair preseason first-team All-Americans, linebacker Devin White and cornerback Greedy Williams.

Expect conservative approaches by both teams in efforts to win field position and avoid turnovers.

Something tells me that new LSU kicker Cole Tracy is going to have to step up immediately and earn his scholarship until the offense finds its stride.

I’ve gone back and forth on predicting the outcome of this one, but I’m not going to leave Purple and Gold supporters with doom and gloom.

Tracy, a transfer all-American, will come up big and help the Tigers escape with a 24-22 win.

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