CAN'T MISS IT 2011: OREGON vs LSU

Recent news of Coach Steve Kragthorpe being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, has me writing this article with an air of sadness. Coach Kragthorpe (46) has been a stalwart of the college football community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. He is going to stay involved in the day to day operations and guide the offense where he can, but Greg Studrawa, stepping up from his offensive line coaching duties, promises to lead a balanced attack.

News came out this week concerning the USA Today Coaches Poll. LSU is #4 and Oregon is #3, so you could not have asked for a better Saturday night match up in Arlington, Texas. In our second installment in the Can't Miss It 2011 Series, we cover the upcoming game between the Oregon Ducks and the LSU Tigers.

Oregon vs LSU
8:00 PM - September 3rd
ABC

Coach Les Miles is one of the best Coaches in the country. Often misunderstood and second guessed, he finds himself in the toughest division in the toughest conference in the country, The SEC West. Last year's squad went 11-2, and convincingly beat Texas A&M in The Cotton Bowl (41-24).  They return 8 offensive and 7 defensive starters.

LSU has been known over the years for a menacing disruptive defense, and this year looks to be more of the same. D Coordinator, John Chavis, who is an SEC veteran, knows what it takes to get the 3 and out. There were some key losses to the NFL draft this year, including 2 All-Americans in CB Patrick Peterson (Arizona Cardinals) and DT Drake Nevis (Indianapolis Colts). Losses on the defense include big time contibutors including Lazarius Levingston (DL) and All-SEC Kelvin Sheppard (LB), so some impact will be felt there. LSU is loaded with players, and they will step up.

On the Defensive short list of players to keep a close eye on this year and this game in particular include a pair of great cornerbacks in Morris Clairborne and Tyrann Mathieu. They lead a very talented LSU secondary. The defensive line is headed up by Sam Montgomery, and the line backing crew looks solid with Ryan Baker and Stefoin Francois. Last year's defense ranked second overall just behind Alabama, and this year should stay near the top of the pack again.

The Offense is a bit of a different story. Last year they were near the bottom of the SEC in almost every category, and a lot of attention has been paid by Coach Kragthorpe and company in tweaking for improved numbers. It all starts up front with the O Line, and LSU loses just one on the front lines in Joseph Barksdale (Oakland Raiders). Holding down the O Line will be P.J. Lonergan (Center), some combination of Will Blackwell, Josh Dworacyzk, and T-Bob Hebert at Guard, and Alex Hurst (Tackle), and Chris Faulk at Left Tackle. They should give Senior QB, Jordan Jefferson, some time to distribute the ball. His efficiency has to go up this year and his interceptions have to come down for LSU to navigate a very tough schedule.

A pair of solid receivers in Rueben Randle and Russell Shepard, and a very solid Tight End in Deangelo Peterson will be stretching the defense as LSU's downfield passing game looks to be improved. The ground game will be led by Spencer Ware, who has a shifty bruising style made for goal line and 3rd and short conversions. Ware was showcased in The Cotton Bowl as a sign of things to come were he produced 102 yards on 10 carries. Look for a team as good as last year's squad on both sides of the ball.

Oregon's Head Coach, Chip Kelly as well as Les Miles, have been dealing with Willie Lyles talk during this off season, and I'm sure they are both ready to get through camp and onto the season. Coach Kelly is entering his 3rd season at Oregon and he's lost just 4 games in the stretch. Oregon has secured 2 PAC-10 titles in his 2 years, and they now find themselves in the PAC-12 North (which also includes, Oregon State, Stanford, Washington, Washington State, and California). So aside from Stanford, the North is there for the taking.

The NFL draft did not pluck Oregon completely dry, but they will feel the loss of 1st Team PAC-10 Linebacker Casey Matthews (Philadelphia Eagles), and a pair from the D Line in Rowe and Bair. The Defense last year was at or near the top of every conference statistic, with D Coordinator, Nick Aliotti, at the helm. This year should be a bit different as Oregon returns only 5 on Defense. Stopping the run, which looks to be their weakness, will have to be a focus in this game against LSU.

The Linebackers will be a step down from last year's squad. Take note the team's returning tackle leader is Strong Safety, Boyett. Look for sack production to continue from one of Oregon's best threats, Senior, Josh Kadu (LB). Big things are also expected from Michael Clay (LB).

The secondary will be led by All-American, Cliff Harris, but not for this game. He was driving a University employee's car earlier this year at 100+ speeds, and he has been suspended from the team. He will miss the LSU game. Harris will be missed, he is a great defensive back and is also proficient at returning kicks. He is always a menacing threat. The rest of the Oregon Secondary is highlighted by John Boyett (SS) and Eddie Pleasant (FS).

Oregon has been known recently for their high powered offense, and with All-American, LaMichael James at RB, Darron Thomas at QB, and Kenjon Barner it is no wonder. These three combined for a formidable force racking up almost 3000 yards and 32 touchdowns. Look for another boost in the backfield as the very anticipated Lache Seastrunk (RB) gets on the scene. The receivers have benefited from opposing teams stacking the box, and look for Lavasier Tuinei (WR) and David Paulson (TE) to take the lead as the Ducks rebound from the loss of their top 2 receivers in Jeff Maehl and D.J. Davis, who combined for 119 receptions, 1546 yards, and 15 touchdowns last year. This could be another sore spot, especially on 3rd and long as Darron Thomas needs to finds a sure handed go to receiver to step up.


Bottom Line:
This looks to be every bit of a great one with a cranked up runing game threat from Oregon lining up against LSU's proven run stoppers. LSU is geared to stop the run, and don't think for a second that they have not watched the championship game over and over, training up on Oregon's tendencies. Look for Chip Kelly to throw in a couple new wrinkles to consistently get past LSU's defense. There are 2 key match ups in this one. (1) LSU's run D against Oregon's Ground Game that at times last year was unstoppable. The relentless and creative Oregon play calling, makes it extremely difficult for opposing defenses to hang in there for 4 solid quarters, but if anyone is up to the challenge, then look no further than John Chavis. (2) LSU's passing attack against Oregon's secondary, minus Cliff Harris. How will LSU's newly renovated downfield passing attack stack up? Will Jefferson come up and play an efficient game, or will he chuck up a couple picks, with one going all the way to the house? Look for the proximity of this one, being so close to Louisiana showcasing a revved up LSU squad.


Update August 22nd:
Oregon Running Back Lache Seastrunk has been unconditionally released from the team this past Sunday. He reportedly wants to be closer to his family back in Texas. Oregon's high powered running attack will be without its newest highly touted star who was working his way onto the depth chart. Nothing official yet. He will be transferring to Baylor.


Update August 27th:
In a recent flurry of unexpected and quite frankly out of left field events, LSU will be without 3 players for the season opener against Oregon: Jordan Jefferson (6-5, 224 lb, SR, starting QB), Russell Shepard (6-2, 118 lb, JR, starting WR), and linebacker Joshua Johns. Jefferson and Johns were involved in the now infamouse Tiger Beatdown, where the 2 have been recently charged with second degree battery (Bar Fight). Reportedly there were a number of LSU players involved. Russell Shepard on the other hand, will miss the opening game against Oregon for discussing an ongoing NCAA investigation with a teammate, before the teammate was scheduled to be interviewed on the matter by the NCAA. The line opened at 2, but has recently moved to 1. If you have not read it, I highly encourage you read the Police Report involving Jefferson and Johns.You really have to woner what was going on in Jordan Jefferson's head.


Update August 31st:
LSU will have to go against Oregon without their most experienced offensive lineman, Josh Dworaczyk. Josh is a 6-6, 300 lb. Senior. He is an anchor at left guard. With him out the offensive line looks to get shuffled around. Look for T-Bob Hebert to jump in. Hebert is one of the best reserves on the O Line.

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CAN'T MISS IT 2011:BOISE STATE vs GEORGIA

Finally, it is August, and that means September is on the horizon. College Football is finally right around the corner.

With the season just weeks away, it is time to preview the upcoming great games of the season, and we will showcase those in the Can't Miss Games of 2011 series. We'll start, of course, in the SEC. The conference is at an all time high right now, and they have won an astounding 5 National Championships in a row.

Two games set if off right out of the gate this year. The Boise State/Georgia game and the Oregon/LSU game.  Technically, both games are at neutral sites, but both are regionally close strong SEC fan bases. Coverage of the Atlanta game is below, and we'll showcase the Arlington game later this week. We will continue to showcase the best games of the year in our CAN'T MISS IT 2011 series.

Boise State vs Georgia
8:00 PM - September 3rd
ESPN/ESPN3.com

Boise State travels back to the state of Georgia to square off in The Dome against Georgia. Boise returns 7 starters on Offense and 7 starters on Defense. The last time they met Jared Zabransky threw 4 picks, and Georgia, led by DJ Shockley, had their way with an outmatched Boise State team. The Boise State team of 2011 is very different from the 2005 squad. This team is led by All-American Kellen Moore (QB) and is chock full of seniors and talented players. Moore is acclimated to big stage games and he's super-efficient. He is set this year to pass Colt McCoy as the All-Time winningest QB in NCAA history. Don't look for a 4 pick interception night from him. Doug Martin (RB), Tyler Shoemaker (WR), and Kyle Efaw (TE) will be the primary threats for Moore, and they should get the ball early with solid protection from a veteran Offensive Line led by Thomas Byrd, 1st Team WAC Center, and Nate Potter, left tackle.


The Bronco defense is stout. They showcase 9 seniors, and it is important to note that Boise State's 2010 squad was #2 in the country in total D. Some names remain familiar with Billy Winn (1st Team WAC, DT), J.C. Percy (team leading tackler, LB), George Iloka (1st Team WAC, FS), and Shea McClellin (1st Team WAC, DE). The weak point looks to be portions of the secondary.

Head Coach, Chris Peterson, is in his 6th year at Boise State, and he knows the drill. His leadership and motivational skills are right up there with the best of the business as his tightly focused unit has the win/loss record to back it up. Boise State has put up a combined 61 wins over the last 5 years. Key losses for Boise State include: Titus Young, Boise's All-Time leader in receiving yards and Austin Pettis, Boise's All-Time leader in receptions.

Atlanta is considered the crossroad of The South, and this year is no different as Mark Richt, who has been under some fire, brings in a struggling but re-energized UGA program coming off a losing season last year (6-7). Not known for his especially fiery disposition or ultra-intensity, Mark Richt has quietly guided a UGA program, without any major NCAA violations or sanctions in a time when it seems like football programs are being picked off like target practice. Just ask (Southern Cal, Ohio State, and North Carolina). All eyes will be on him though regardless of the young men’s lives he has helped positively shape over the past 11 years in Athens.

Fact of the matter is, when Dawg fans want a return to the earlier days in Mark Richt's career in Athens and the defensive power houses that Brian Van Gorder pumped out, they need to take a closer look at the point of attack, the defensive line. Georgia lost its way post Van Gorder at locking in the best and brightest in the Defensive Tackle and Defensive Lineman spots. They lost their way in cultivating talent and ensuring they were prepared from a weight room perspective. There is a lot of the positive energy radiating out of Athens these days at the noticeable refocusing of attention on these key spots. With Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham at the helm of the 3-4, a desire to land some beef up front has returned to the front burner. Jonathan Jenkins, one of the top nose tackles in the country in the JUCO ranks was signed this year, and he looks to back up a surging Kwame Geathers and vie for a starting role. Flanking at the DLine positions will be DeAngelo Tyso and Abry Jones. If Georgia fans want to know where the beef is, then start here. It is back. The average weight off the aforementioned: 328 lbs. Georgia's defense made great strides last year righting the ship from Willie Martinez, but Coach Grantham knows they have to get even stingier, especially better on 3rd down. Look for Georgia’s Defense to continue to improve in every category as players shuffle around: Hard hitting Alec Ogletree is up from Safety and now at Line Backer, and Jarvis Jones looks to start after transferring from Southern Cal. Georgia's secondary Led by Brandon Boykin (CB), Bacarri Rambo (SS), Branden Smith (CB) and Sanders Commings (FS), the secondary hopes to be the strong suit that is shooting to move from middle of the SEC pack.

Aaron Murray brings a cool confidence back at the QB position, and an amazing arm. However, many are curious who he will be throwing it to on 3rd downs this year, as AJ Green is now a Cincinnati Bengal. Look for WR by committee this year, until a true WR steps up. Orson Charles (TE) has been outstanding while at UGA, and many are looking to Tavarres King to emerge as the go to wide out. Tailback is a bit of question mark, as Georgia more or less cleaned house with Caleb King and Washaun Ealey out of the picture. Georgia fans are a bit relieved and anxious on the matter. Just pull up their total yards and fumbles inside the red zone and move on. They were not an outstanding unit. We'll just have to wait and see on the running back situation moving forward. Richard Samuel is back at RB after a flirting with Line Backer last year. Isaiah Crowell is a highly touted freshman that many are resting their hopes. This could be the year Georgia fans see a return to a tougher hard nosed era, as strength and conditioning has received a much needed boost and a couple players look to contribute on both sides of the ball this year.


Bottom Line:
Mark Richt finds himself at the proverbial cross roads of his career. He is on shaky ground. Chris Peterson is shooting up the win column like like a rocket. Georgia has an extremely tough match up against Boise State. Boise will come in ranked in the Top 10, and they will be ready. The Dawgs will have to show up with a running game that is currently in question, and a passing attack, excluding Aaron Murray and Orson Charles, that is looking to create some household names. Georgia will have to focus with a strong point of attack with the hope of disrupting Kellen Moore, something which does not happen very often to him. Moreover, Georgia will have to play loose and fast and most importantly avoid the penalty to bug which has plagued their often sloppy play. Boise State is one of the most disciplined teams in the country, and it shows as they tend to win the close ones. This looks to be a barn burner, and a great way to start the season off.

Update (August 10th):
Word was released yesterday that Linebacker Jarvis Jones has been cleared to play, and this is big time news for the UGA defense. He was under review and investigation for possible improper benefits. He will not miss a game this year as a result. I want to underscore this, as it is apparent to me that UGA's Football Operations are running a much tighter ship than the previous Damon Evans administration. Greg McGarity and company are dailed in, and the program seems to be breathing fresh air. Jarvis Jones will be a starting spot from the opening kick and looks to have an immediate positive impace in Georgia's 3-4 defense.

Update (August 11th):
Boise State's Athletic Director, Gene Bleymaier, was fired by University President Bob Kustra yesterday. The University is facing numerous secondary violations which occurred during Bleymaier's watch. The secondary violations span Football, Track and Field, and Tennis. Boise has already begun its search for a new AD.

Update (August 18th):
Jakar Hamilton, Safety for UGA,  will miss the Boise State game or more than likely the entire 2011 season. The stress fracture is near his ankle. He played in all 13 games last year, and he started in 5. He does have the potential redshirt, which looks to be The Dawgs best option.
 
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