The suspension of starting QB Will Grier grabbed all the recent headlines, but Florida’s No. 1 priority heading into Saturday’s showdown with No. 6 LSU hasn’t changed. The Gators have to shutdown – well, maybe contain, or at least slow down – LSU RB Leonard Fournette.
Florida’s rushing defense is No. 12 among FBS teams, allowing an average of 99.2 yards per game. The ranking and average look encouraging for the Gators, but they’ve faced few backs comparable to Fournette, who has already rushed for 1022 yards this season, averaging 8.6 yards per carry.
Perhaps most concerning for UF’s defensive coaches is Tennessee RB Jalen Hurd’s performance (28 carries, 102 yards, 2 TDs) in The Swamp on Sept. 26. While not physically identical, the 6-foot-1, 230-pound Fournette presents a challenge similar to tackling the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Hurd. The Gators struggled – to put it mildly – with bringing down Hurd.
McElwain jokes that maybe LSU's Fournette called UT's Hurd and "is probably looking at the film feeling pretty good about himself." #Gators
— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) October 12, 2015
Jalen Hurd is just punishing Florida. https://t.co/WZ7WEDq4ho
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) September 26, 2015
https://twitter.com/LSU_Logo/status/646089293832679424
Fournette will be the primary focus, but the Florida defense cannot ignore the rest of the LSU offense. Last week against South Carolina, Tigers QB Brandon Harris logged season highs in three passing categories: attempts (28), yards (228) and touchdowns (2). LSU’s leading rusher in that game was RB Derrius Guice who notched 161 yards on 16 carries, edging Fournette (20 carries, 158 yards).
When Florida has the ball, one would expect a schematic chess match between LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and UF head coach Jim McElwain and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. All three are former assistants to Nick Saban with overlapping stints at UA.
Conventional wisdom says Florida will try to control the clock and time of possession to keep its defense rested and Fournette off the field. McElwain and Nussmeier, however, will likely find ways to keep their former colleague guessing. The Florida coaches might have a film advantage, as QB Treon Harris has seen only limited action this season.
Steele is a linebacker specialist, but the Tigers are still holding onto their claim of DBU (Defensive Back University). LSU is currently No. 13 in the FBS in rushing defense and No. 37 in passing yards allowed.
LSU TIGERS CLOSER LOOK
Top player, offense: Leonard Fournette, So., RB – Fournette made a name for himself last season with a 27-carry, 140-yard performance against Florida. Current defensive coordinator Geoff Collins got off easy at Mississippi State last season, as Fournette received only seven carries against the Bulldogs.
Top player, defense: Kendell Beckwith, Jr., MLB – Beckwith, the leader of the defense, logged 76 tackles last season.
Top player, special teams: Jamie Keehn, Sr., P – Keehn has a big leg as evidenced by his 71 punts for an average 44.9 yards last season. Keehn is struggling this year, however, down to 38.8 yards per punt on 17 attempts.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
