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SEC Notebook: Is it 'crisis' time in Baton Rouge?
Offering his usual bit of colorful language, LSU head coach Les Miles volunteered some interesting thoughts during his Monday press conference.
According to the head coach, LSU's team "understands crisis" after the 31-14 drubbing Arkansas gave the Tigers in Baton Rouge this past weekend. Miles also spoke about the need to "go to work and you coach like there's no tomorrow and it's time to step up." Based upon Miles' statements, there has to be a sense of urgency.
LSU's loss to Arkansas ends any chance of the Tigers winning the SEC West. It's a considerable blow -- considering two weeks ago, LSU was an undefeated team squarely in the top four of the College Football Playoffs ranking. With that said, winning out from this point on could ultimately lead to a quality bowl game.
As for Ole Miss, it technically is still alive in the SEC West race. In order for this scenario to occur, the Rebels will have to win out (against LSU and Mississippi State), and have Alabama lose in the Iron Bowl to Auburn.
When it comes down to the actual game, LSU's ability (or inability) to move the football is a big question mark. Running back Leonard Fournette is coming off of his worst two games of the season from a statistical standpoint. This is a byproduct of the opposition stacking the box, but also due to the fact signal-caller Brandon Harris has been inconsistent with his ability to deliver the ball effectively down the field.
LSU has to become more diverse with its offensive attack. The lack of tangible (and healthy) bodies at tight end has hindered its ability to run with power sets. This is also a reason for Fournette's (relative) lack of success the past two weekends. The Tigers do have very able athletes on the perimeter. It'd behoove them to get Harris into a rhythm with a mixture of short, manageable throws and play-action shots down the field.
Wide receivers Malachi Dupre, John Diarse, and Travin Dural can make people miss in space. LSU simply needs to give them the opportunity to make plays.
Ole Miss should also be motivated by the incredibly tough 53-52 overtime loss against Arkansas. Had the Rebels won that game, they would've controlled their own destiny in the division. Regardless, there's still plenty to play for in this SEC West clash between bitter rivals in Oxford.
Can Vanderbilt pull upset, become bowl eligible?
Texas A&M will travel to Nashville to take on a somewhat dangerous Vanderbilt squad.
Since quarterback Kyler Murray has taken the reins of the Aggies' offense, there have been some periods of spotty play. It's to be expected -- considering Murray is a true freshman playing in arguably the top conference in the country. On the year in limited time, Murray has thrown for 686 yards and five touchdowns. He's also rushed for 335 yards on 53 carries. However, Murray has also been victimized by seven interceptions and questionable decision-making at times.
In many ways, Vanderbilt could be a poor matchup for the Aggies as a whole. A team rooted in fundamentals and discipline, Derek Mason's team ranks No. 17 nationally in total defense, allowing just below 320 yards of offense per game.
Vanderbilt also possesses underrated back Ralph Webb. The Florida native has 924 yards rushing and five touchdowns on the year. He's adept at churning forward for extra yardage with a powerful lower body. Webb's been very consistent in SEC play -- averaging 107.5 yards a game against conference opposition.
Expect the Commodores to try to confuse Murray with an array of exotic looks, pressure packages, and unconventional alignments. The young quarterback has proven to be mistake-prone -- and it's an aspect of his game of which Vanderbilt may be able to take advantage.
Fresh off a victory against Kentucky last week, Vanderbilt must win its remaining two games in order to become bowl eligible. The motivation will be there to upset the Aggies.
Quick Hits:
With a win at home against Idaho, Auburn (5-5) will become bowl eligible ... Kentucky (4-6) needs two more victories in order to potentially feature in its first bowl game since 2010. It's been a disappointing second half of the season for the Wildcats. The trend of faltering in conference play also plagued Mark Stoops' team a season ago ... Georgia Southern (7-2) will be looking to take down the "big bully on the block" in Georgia (7-3). Winners of seven of their past eight games, the Eagles could make things interesting in Athens.
