LSU is preparing for Georgia with duplicity the key.
The No. 11-ranked Tigers (6-1, 3-1 SEC) are using the buddy system as they prepare for Saturday's visit from No. 7 Georgia (6-1, 3-1) in Tiger Stadium. The Bulldogs will be facing two quarterbacks, two tailbacks and a defense coached by two coordinators.
Duplicity worked well for the Bengals as they got a better-than-usual production in a 24-17 victory over South Carolina.
LSU coach Les Miles explained his duplicate approach at his weekly news conference earlier this week.
"I think we're further along at quarterback in the progression there. I think we need to take steps again this week, but I like the way we are using our quarterbacks in and out. The Tigers are utilizing two quarterbacks: Jarrett Lee, the passing quarterback, and Andrew Hatch, the running quarterback. They were particularly effective against South Carolina when they swapped roles a few times. There is a saying in football that when you have two quarterbacks, you have two second-string quarterbacks.
Lee is considered the starter and plays more downs. He has been erratic this season -- 68 of 115 for 852 yards and 8 interceptions and 5 interceptions -- was off target against the Gamecocks with a few poorly thrown passes and an interceptions. But he was more effective than he has been. He completed 16 of 26 passes for 189 yards and directed a game-winning drive at an away SEC stadium.
Meanwhile, Hatch rushed 5 times for 19 yards and completed 2 of 3 passes for another 10. Coaches will tell you he has a calming influence on the Tigers' offense.
"I like what we're doing with our quarterbacks," said Miles. "Both guys bring different characteristics and qualities to our offense and that;s something we need. I like the way Lee throws it and I like the way Hatch handles certain situations allowing us to go out in front. That will continue."
Before the Gamecocks game, the tailback story was all Charles Scott, who was getting early Heisman Trophy mention as the SEC's leading rusher and the primary weapon for the Tigers.
Keiland Williams, who received most of the preseason hype among LSU tailbacks, fumbled too often in practices and the coaches didn't think he was trying hard enough.
But that changed against the Gamecocks. Scott was held to 35 yards on 12 carries against Florida, split his carries with Williams, who had 15 carries for 72 yards while Scott had 16 for 61 and scored two touchdowns against the Gamecocks. Scott lined up at fullback a few times, a look that Miles likes.
"I think Keiland gave us fresh legs and great carries," said the coach. "We went a little bit more with Keiland because it appeared to us like he had a hot hand and was the freshest.
I think that's what we need to do, to put the most-ready back on the field. Charles will still be our starter and will still get the lion's share of the work. But I do like what we do with Charles at the fullback spot. We''ll throw it, we'll run it, he'll block from there and he'll carry the ball from there. It gives our opponents another personnel group they've got to prepare for."
Bo Pelini left the Tigers staff after last season to become head coach at Nebraska. Miles named Doug Mallory and Bradley Dale co-defensive coordinators. Before the Gamecocks game, they had absorbed double the criticism for the Tigers' defense.
Usually one of the SEC's most dominant units, the Tigers gave up 51 points at Florida and entered the South Carolina game ranked ninth in the SEC in total defense (303.6 ypg).
But the Tigers unveiled some new wrinkles against South Carolina. They went with four defensive ends on the line and employed a third defensive back on passing downs. It worked wonders at South Carolina as the Tigers recorded six sacks and limited the Gamecocks to 42 yards in the second half.
"That's something that the defensive staff came up with and looked for the opportunity to get our best rushers on the field," said Miles of the ends-only front of Kirston Pittman and Rahim Alem on the outside and Tyson Jackson and Tremaine Johnson on the inside. Boy, it paid some dividends.
The Tigers' defensive front will be facing a Georgia offensive line comprised of three freshmen and two sophomores. After missing two games with a groin injury, defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois, MVP of the BCS Championship Game, is expected to return.
"Getting pressure with four rushers is what we like, but we'll look to out-number their blockers when we can.
"I think that the idea that you put Johnson, Pittman, Jackson and Alem in the game, it creates a fast front group. Any of the other guys that you can put in just aren't as fast. When it comes to an obvious passing situation and you can increase your athleticism, it benefits you."
Jackson was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week for his performance against South Carolina. A senior from Edgard, he recorded three tackles, including a pair of sacks.
Jackson's two sacks ran his season total to 4.5 and bumped his career mark to 18.5, which ranks eighth highest total in Tigers history. For the season, Jackson has recorded 18 total tackles with 6.5 of those going for losses.
LSU's home game next week against Tulane will be televised on TigerVision, the school's in-house pay-per-view network. Kickoff for the game is 7 p.m. Doug Greengard will call the action with Rene Nadeau handling the game analysis.
Residents of Louisiana can purchase TigerVision through their local cable television system or through The Dish Network. Cable customers are reminded that they must have digital cable capabilities to order the games. Cost to purchase the game is $34.50.
