LSU +7
LSU will try to repeat their success from 2001 as they take on Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Despite major losses, the Tigers could be a better team in 2002. Nick Saban is in his third year and he finally has a lot of depth on his team due to great recruiting. In at QB is sophomore Matt Mauck, who was the SEC Championship game MVP last year in leading the Tigers to a win over Tennessee. A very mobile QB, he should have a great pair of runners behind him though in Domanick Davis and LaBradon Toefield. Toefield is back from a 19 TD season following knee surgery. They also welcome back a veteran offensive line, which should take some of the pressure off of Mauck. Replacing Josh Reed at WR are Michael Clayton and Reggie Robinson, two quality throw to guys. On defense, they need to replace LB Trev Faulk. Linebacker Bradie James, who will slide over from his weakside linebacker position to replace Faulk, ranks as the nation's No. 2 inside linebacker by The Sporting News. He had totaled over 110 tackles the past 2 years. A strong secondary solidifies the defense.
The Hokies come off a 63-7 romping over Arkansas St. last week. They rushed for 288 yards against a very overmatched defense and their special teams once again played a role in the win. 5 turnovers by the Indians also helped. The Hokies only threw for 99 yards on 18 attempts and should find the task much more difficult this week. The running game, led by Suggs and Jones, should get most of the work today. Virginia Tech will be in trouble if they find themselves in a lot of 3rd down and long situations.
The key for the Tigers will be their ability to avoid mental and physical breakdowns against the opportunistic Hokies. Saban has done a great job improving this team and giving them a lot of character. The great finish from last year should carry into 2002. A tough task to go into Blacksburg and come out with a win, but this team has the capability to do so.
GLTA!
LSU will try to repeat their success from 2001 as they take on Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Despite major losses, the Tigers could be a better team in 2002. Nick Saban is in his third year and he finally has a lot of depth on his team due to great recruiting. In at QB is sophomore Matt Mauck, who was the SEC Championship game MVP last year in leading the Tigers to a win over Tennessee. A very mobile QB, he should have a great pair of runners behind him though in Domanick Davis and LaBradon Toefield. Toefield is back from a 19 TD season following knee surgery. They also welcome back a veteran offensive line, which should take some of the pressure off of Mauck. Replacing Josh Reed at WR are Michael Clayton and Reggie Robinson, two quality throw to guys. On defense, they need to replace LB Trev Faulk. Linebacker Bradie James, who will slide over from his weakside linebacker position to replace Faulk, ranks as the nation's No. 2 inside linebacker by The Sporting News. He had totaled over 110 tackles the past 2 years. A strong secondary solidifies the defense.
The Hokies come off a 63-7 romping over Arkansas St. last week. They rushed for 288 yards against a very overmatched defense and their special teams once again played a role in the win. 5 turnovers by the Indians also helped. The Hokies only threw for 99 yards on 18 attempts and should find the task much more difficult this week. The running game, led by Suggs and Jones, should get most of the work today. Virginia Tech will be in trouble if they find themselves in a lot of 3rd down and long situations.
The key for the Tigers will be their ability to avoid mental and physical breakdowns against the opportunistic Hokies. Saban has done a great job improving this team and giving them a lot of character. The great finish from last year should carry into 2002. A tough task to go into Blacksburg and come out with a win, but this team has the capability to do so.
GLTA!
