2006 Arizona LSU

LSU is a 15-point favorite in its matchup with the Arizona Wildcats this weekend, but the Tigers defense, which hasn’t allowed a touchdown in 10 quarters, will be tested by Arizona’s passing attack. Despite losing 5 defensive starters, the LSU Tigers will once again be one of the best defensive football teams in the SEC and they should even rank high nationally. Last season, the Tigers were third in the country in total defense and points allowed.  

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Arizona didn’t show much in its opener against BYU, totaling just 253 yards, but you can expect the Wildcats to open up their playbook in this one against the eighth ranked Tigers. You should expect a better performance out of quarterback Willie Tuitama. He was just 19-39 in the opener, but this tells us that we know Arizona is going to air it out which will put pressure on the Tigers every down. However, Arizona’s lack of a running game could hurt its chances in this one.

JaMarcus Russell came out of the gates strong last week for the Tigers completing 13 of 17 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns. Russell is a proven winner and with last Saturday’s win, he improved to 15-2 as a starter for the Tigers. I expect Russell to be the difference maker today. Stoops will send blitzers from every angle to try to keep LSU’s offense out of rhythm, but Russell’s escapability will allow the Tigers to keep moving the football down the field.

Ultimately, despite returning just 9 starters, the Tigers are very talented, and I’m giving them the edge at home today. Arizona’s offense may be sharper this week, but LSU’s defense is in a completely different class than BYU’s, which gave the ‘Cats some trouble a week ago. I expect LSU’s 10 quarter streak of not giving up a touchdown to end, but I don’t think they’ll give up more than one. I have a small lean on the Tigers at home. If you wanted to buy this line down to under two touchdowns, it would make this a stronger play. I’m not going to mess with that as there are better plays out there. But my lean is on the Tigers.