Cotton Bowl Preview

LSU vs. Texas A&M  

                LSU’s offense is fairly one-dimensional, relying on the run far more than the pass. Stevan Ridley is their most complete back and is generally the focus of the grind-it-out running game. However, Texas A&M has had one of the best run defenses in the country, led linebackers Michael Hodges and Garrick Williams, both of whom are great wrap up tacklers. Playing the straight power game may not be enough to wear out the Aggies defense. LSU will need to mix up the power and speed game in order to keep the Aggie defense on its heels. Explosive utility man Russell Shepard should see more carries in this game. LSU could also use wide receiver screens, jet sweeps and designed quarterback running plays (with either Jordan Jefferson or Jarrett Lee) to keep the Aggie defense confused. However, they can’t be forced into throwing the ball too much. Jefferson and Lee have struggled when asked to put the ball into the air too much and either one struggle further if forced to read where Von Miller is coming from. Additionally, the Texas A&M secondary is opportunisitic and can take advantage of any mistakes the Lee, Jefferson and their receivers (Terrence Toliver, Rueben Randle and tight end Deangelo Peterson) make. All of the receivers will need to make a point of hanging on to the ball when it gets to them.

                The Texas A&M offense faces perhaps their toughest test of the season against the tough and athletic LSU defense. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is quick and fast enough to be a threat with his legs, complimenting the effective running of runningback Cyrus Gray. However they face an athletic front seven in LSU’s defense and they may have a hard time outrunning both the defensive line and the linebackers. In their favor though, those athletic defensive lineman and linebackers are often overrunning their assignments, leaving gap for the runners of Texas A&M to exploit. The real wildcard in this running game will be the Aggies ability to get wide receiver Ryan Swope involved in the option game. Swope is a dangerous runner when given space. He’s also not afraid to work the middle of the field in the passing game. He is complimented on the outside by Jeff Fuller, who is really good at getting behind the defense and getting big plays there. However, the Aggies shouldn’t plan on a lot of big plays. They’re facing one of the most dominating secondarys in college football. Corners Patrick Peterson and Morris Claiborne are able to shut any wide receiver down through use of their strong man-to-man coverage. Both are also a threat to turn any turnover into six at any time. When you add this to the strong pass rush of the Tigers defensive line, you have a dangerous combination that Tannehill must be aware of.

Prospects to Watch

                LSU

                                Patrick Peterson – Cornerback: Arguably the premier corner prospect in this year’s draft, Peterson combines great size and speed. He is better in press man coverage than zone, however he has the range and ability to turn that allows him to be complete a corner. Probably his best asset is his ability to locate and make plays on the ball. He has above average hands and is a dangerous threat when he has the ball in his hands. He also is a pretty good run defender, though he needs to do a better job protecting his feet from cut blocks. He is likely a top fifteen (possibly top five) pick.

                Texas A&M

                                Von Miller – Defensive End/Outside Linebacker: Miller is an outstanding 3-4 outside linebacker prospect. His great talent to going forward, rushing the passer. He has an explosive first step and is great at anticipating the snap count. He can bend his hips and rip under the outstretched hands of offensive tackles and has a dangerous spin move. His size does leave him a bit lacking in his ability to anchor against the run, but he can run down most plays from behind and has great range going sideline to sideline. He can occasionally take poor angles, but is otherwise a solid tackler. He is ok is short zone coverage, not someone you want matched-up man-to-man against tight ends or slot receivers. His pass rush ability will get him drafted in the top 20 picks.

Final Pick

                LSU – Their defense is just too dominating in my opinion to get beat by the younger offense of the Aggies.