22 Jan 11 LSU Defense Stifles The Bulldogs With 5 Interceptions

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesIn their home opener, the Fighting Tigers of LSU displayed, once again, the stellar defensive play that will determine the fate of the Tiger's season. In the 29-7 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs, the Tiger defense intercepted the Bulldog quarterbacks, Chris Relf and Tyler Russell, 5 times thanks to the athletic play-making abilities of Patrick Peterson (2), Mo Claiborne (2), and Drake Nevis (1).The Tiger defense, led by All-SEC linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, has now allowed a total of 10 points in SEC play, and has shown the Cincinnati Bengals jersey
ability to punish and confuse opposing quarterbacks with constant quarterback hurries and sacks. Rarely, has an opposing quarterback been able to throw comfortably as Defensive Coordinator John Chavis' athletic front seven flies to the ball.The Mississippi State Bulldogs were able to exploit the Tiger defense's aggressiveness at times. Bulldog quarterback Chris Relf, was often able to break free before a punishing hit at the end of the first half sent him to the sideline. Relf rushed for a total of 52 yards on 7 tries for a 6.6 yard per carry average. This is certainly something John Chavis will need to address as athletic quarterbacks Cam Newton and Jerimiah Massoli await on the horizon.Offensively, the Tigers still have not found a rhythm. While Quarterback Jordan Jefferson was efficient, this was far from a break out game. Jefferson's 10-16 for 97 yard passing performance obviously will not strike fear into defensive coordinators. Jefferson did find the end zone with 5:16 left in the third quarter with a beautiful 16 yard run.Jefferson finished the day with 10 carries for 40 yards. The Tigers' leading rusher, once again, was Stevan Ridley who finished the day with 19 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown.The offense on a whole runs as if it's trying not to make mistakes, rather than score. Against Mississippi State, the offense relied on specialist Josh Jasper's LSU school record 5 field goals. While an excellent day for Jasper, the Tiger offense cannot function in this way even with a defense as good as LSU's. The offense has to find a way to find the end zone, as the Cleveland Browns jersey
stronger opponents are still to come.In the LIne of FireGary Crowton, Offensive CoordinatorHow does an offensive coordinator nicknamed "The Wizard" direct such a painfully obvious offense. Yes, Russell Sheppard is an extremely talented athlete, but how many times in one game can you possibly call an end around? Crowton seems to call this play at least 3-4 times a game. It's becoming obnoxious. If the fans know it's coming, the you can bet, opposing defensive coordinators know it's coming too. I do not understand why the offense never opens up. Yes 4 yard passes move the ball, and yes the wide outs are extremely athletic, but you honestly have to throw the ball deep occasionally.Tweet of the Night"I wonder if John Chavis looks down at Gary Crowton and thinks....if only you could do what I can do, they'd be touting us a BCS championship contenders." Fletcher MackelAmazing Play of the NightToss up: Patrick Peterson's interception in which he tipped it to himself, or Drake Nevis' interception. Nevis is a big man that can move and he is quickly working his way into the First Round of next year's NFL draft.The "You're So Money and You Don't Even Know It" Player of the GameLSU Kicker Josh JasperJasper kicked a school record 5 field goals including 4 in the first half. Jasper hit on field goals of 44, 32, 51, 37, and 21. Jasper is a real weapon in close games and looks comfortable on 50 yards plus.Way to Early ObservationThe 2010 Tigers are beginning to look like a team that can be a national championship team in the way that the 2002 Ohio State Dallas Cowboys jersey
Buckeyes were. Great defense that overshadows a mediocre offense.Next Up For the TigersThe #21 ranked West Virginia Mountaineers come to Death Valley bringing an offense that features talented running back Noel Devine. Devine comes into the game having rushed 73 times for 354 yards with a 4.8 yard per attempt average and 2 touchdowns.