Already in the bye week leading up to Tigers versus Tide, little brother of late in this rivalry poked its chest out, unexpectedly, courtesy of comments made by redshirt senior defensive back Dwayne Thomas.
The New Orleans native proudly declared LSU will “dominate this game” against the Nick-tator and Alabama Nov. 5 inside the hungry feeding grounds of Tiger Stadium.
Whether or not you agree with the tact for a member of a squad that’s lost five straight in the series, the fact remains Thomas shook things up from the norm. (For the record I don’t love the idea of poking the undefeated, top-ranked bear, but then again I don’t have to play in the game.)
Here are three additional, tangible ways LSU can break away from its predictable recent past against the elephants from Tuscaloosa.
1. Don’t Shield Etling from Alabama, Unleash Him
This is undeniably the biggest mindset change from The Hat Era to Da Coach O Era, no? Don’t get me wrong, LSU would be unwise to have signal caller Danny Etling sling it around Death Valley 40 times. They also don’t need him on a plethora of five-step-or-deeper drops with this voracious Bama pass rush. But there has to be a more happy medium than anything Les Miles was willing to allow against the Crimson Tide in the past half decade. Let Etling throw short, often, and let him come out throwing early. An Alabama front that doesn’t know what’s coming can only benefit LSU’s offensive line, the backfield juggernaut of Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice and, ultimately, Etling’s confidence. What a novel concept.
2. Take As Exotic a Defensive Vacation as You’re Willing to, Dave
We heard all offseason that new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda is the master of exotic blitz packages. Well, my man, it’s time to take your show to Aruba, Tahiti or whatever your preferred flavor is. So far, through seven games, LSU has kept it fairly simple under Aranda, who is a true guru of halftime adjustments. It’s worked. Against Alabama’s offense, however, and mobile quarterback Jalen Hurts, LSU’s defense would be well-served to keep the Tide guessing, giving more than just Arden Key and Lewis Neal off the edges to consider on a down-in, down-out basis. Aranda’s front four has proved it can get pressure without a lot of flair, but this opponent and this offense requires more. With Kevin Toliver back on an island, don’t hesitate to turn Tre’Davious White lose as a bandit blitzer. Let Duke Riley or Kendell Beckwith get a full head of steam, neither is tremendous in coverage anyway. Could it lead to an occasional big play? Sure, but Alabama’s almost certain to get those anyway. Win the turnover battle at home, and LSU’s offense can do enough to pull off the upset.
3. Go For Broke on Every Fourth Down that Makes Sense
Ironically, this is old school Miles. Bring that back, like 2005-07 vintage Miles. Not just the one that faked field goals every now and again. With a placekicker in Colby Delhoussaye that is 5-for-7, and more importantly 1-of-3 from 40 yards or deeper, play for fourth and short when you have to near or just past midfield. Then, bring your offense out on the field and take it to Alabama. Coach O has infused so much energy and confidence into this LSU team and offense. Play into it. Steer into that curve, not away from it.
– Ben Love