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Journey to Atlanta: LSU’s division championship road map
By John Brasier
Published:
LSU has overcome roadblocks such as Mississippi State and Florida without losing pace in its quest for the SEC West title. The only unbeaten remaining in the SEC, the Tigers control their own destiny on the road to Atlanta for the conference championship game.
Several hurdles remain, however. The Tigers must play at Alabama, at Ole Miss and play host to Texas A&M. Plus, Arkansas is squeezed in between the battles with Alabama and Ole Miss. The road isn’t easy, but the Tigers are clearly in the driver’s seat. If they lose a game, the Tigers would do no worse than a tie for a division title to be decided by a tiebreaker.
Most-Important Game
Alabama, November 7 in Tuscaloosa. The first of the three games against perhaps the top West Division contender. With Leonard Fournette and Derrick Henry leading the ground games against two stingy defenses, this should be a typical, low-scoring Bama-LSU tilt. Trent Domingue, 7-for-7 on field-goal attempts, gives the Tigers a key edge in a tight game. Turnovers usually make the difference in this type of matchup.
Potential Let-down
Arkansas, November 14 in Baton Rouge. The Razorbacks (2-4) need another late-season push to qualify for a minor bowl game. Arkansas plays a similar style of offense to LSU, just not as effective. Still, on a sloppy field in a trap game, the Hogs could be a lot to handle for the Tigers.
X-Factor
Brandon Harris. The Tigers quarterback was impressive against a tough Florida defense, throwing for 202 yards and leading a 35-point attack. If Harris continues to play well, gets the ball to a talented group of receivers and scrambles free on broken plays, he gives the Tigers options if opponents stack the box against Fournette.
Remaining Games
- LSU vs. Western Kentucky, Oct. 24
- LSU at No. 8 Alabama, Nov. 7
- LSU vs. Arkansas, Nov. 14
- LSU at No. 24 Ole Miss, Nov. 21
- LSU vs. No. 15 Texas A&M, Nov. 28
