Preview: #14 Wisconsin vs #13 LSU
Date: 8/30/2014
Time: 9 PM EST
Television: ESPN
Spread: Wisconsin +6.5
Players to Watch
Melvin Gordon, Running Back (Wisconsin)
Few, if any, running backs in the nation are more talented than Gordon. His combination of speed, agility, and fluidity makes him a terrifying runner in space. In Wisconsin’s offense, Gordon is a workhorse that will account for a respectable percentage of the team’s overall yardage against LSU.
Tanner McEvoy, Quarterback (Wisconsin)
Last season, McEvoy was a safety, but after witnessing how atrocious Joel Stave was, the staff made the decision to move McEvoy back to his natural position. Now, he is not necessarily a good talent, but his transition to the newfound responsibility will be quite the watch.
Leonard Fournette, Running Back (LSU)
Although just a freshman, Fournette is a freak of a human. He has the speed, power, size, and willpower to break any defender that dare stand in his path to the end zone. In this particular game, being week one and all, he may share carries with Terrence McGee quite a bit, but that is only to acclimate Fournette to the collegiate level. Nonetheless, he will be LSU’s star.
Tre’Davious White, Cornerback (LSU)
White’s counterpart Jalen Mills is suspended, but White will shine regardless. As just a sophomore, White will be one of the better cornerbacks in the nation and will be able to handle any of the Wisconsin receivers with ease. Do not be surprised if he comes down with an interception at some point.
Wisconsin’s Offense vs LSU’s Defense
Simply put, Wisconsin’s offense is almost solely dependent on Gordon against a defense like LSU’s. Now, LSU’s defense is not as elite as it once was, but it is still a stout corps that will give Wisconsin’s passing game troubles. Wisconsin’s receivers will struggle to separate well enough for McEvoy, the first year starter, to fit the windows. Due to that, Gordon will have to have one of his best games of the year and shake defender after defender. LSu’s defense is not special, but they have the edge here.
LSU’s Offense vs Wisconsin’s Defense
Dave Aranda is a brilliant defensive coordinator, but it does not seem as if enough talent is there for Wisconsin to hold out against the athletes that LSU has. Not only does LSU have Fournette at their disposal, but LSU’s quarterbacks (the battle between Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris is still unclear) are stud athletes that bring an extra element to the table. On top of that, receivers such as Travin Dural and Malachi Dupre are ready to tear up the college football scene. LSU will be able to put up enough points to outscore Wisconsin.
Game Preview
It is easy to simply recognize LSU as a “top tier SEC team” and assume that they will come away with the victory with ease. That is not the case. Now, that does not mean that LSU is not a talented team with an edge, but they are not as superior as would often be believed. Both teams will have first year starters at quarterback with equally as inexperienced receiving corps at their sides. Similarly, both teams have premier running backs in Gordon (Wisconsin) and Fournette (LSU). That said, LSU has the advantage on both sides of the ball, especially in regards to the passing aspect.
LSU is going to be too athletic of a team for Wisconsin to keep up with. Wisconsin’s intricate blitz packages may give LSU’s young quarterback (whichever it may be) some trouble, but their offensive line is stout and there is not a freak rusher/blitzer on Wisconsin’s starting squad to overcome that. It allows LSU’s offense to be multidimensional, while Wisconsin’s fate lies on the shoulders of the rushing attack.
Implications
It is the first game of the year, so, for better or for worse, a lot can change after this game. Luckily, it is not a conference game, meaning that it will not have much effect on either of their chances of winning their respective conference. Although, one early season loss, especially with young quarterbacks at the helm, could be detrimental and start a poor trend. Overall, this game will have little penalty on the loser as they will be able to make up for it over the course of the season.
Final Prediction
LSU- 27 vs Wisconsin- 17