The 19th ranked LSU Tigers and Army Black Knights meet for just the second time on the football field on Saturday night. The only other meeting was in 1931 and Army won 20-0. I have a feeling LSU will score some points in the second ever matchup as the Tigers look to improve on their 5-2 record.
Here are some things to keep an eye on when the Tigers host a military service academy school for the first time.
LSU will need to be physical and disciplined
Army only averages 16 passes a game, so the Tigers are expecting them to try and win the battle at the line of scrimmage to spur a ground attack. Because of safety rules that prohibit chop blocks, Army has moved away from the old school triple-option offense.
They operate more out of the shotgun and run a lot of option concepts. Coach Brian Kelly says his linebackers and safeties will need to play with great eye discipline, because a run play, may turn into a pass play on a read option and that’s how they create their big pass plays.
Kelly has talked about how the defense is settling in because the players are now only worrying about their sole responsibility. That will be tested on Saturday night.
Army’s weapons could be limited
Army quarterback Bryson Daily suffered a leg injury last week and it’s unknown if he’ll play. Daily has thrown for 712 yards and he’s rushed for 412 yards. If Daily can’t play, the Black Knights will turn to freshman quarterback Champ Harris, who is just 9-of-17 for 108 yards and an interception.
Also, one of Army’s big play receivers, Isaiah Alston, is also questionable due to an injury. He’s only played in four games, but he’s averaging 30 yards a catch on nine receptions. He’s also caught two touchdown passes.
Mr. 400
LSU QB Jayden Daniels leads the country in all-purpose with 401 yards a game. Can he reach the 400-yard mark again? If LSU takes care of business early in this game, Daniels might not see much of the second half. Army has defended the pass well, allowing 174 yards a contest, which is 13th best in the country. But defending LSU’s passing game is a difficult mission.
Change on the offensive line
LSU had the same starting offensive line for the first seven games of the season for the first time since the 2013 season. But true freshman Lance Heard will start this Saturday for injured right tackle Emery Jones. Jones has an ankle injury. Kelly is not expecting the injury to Jones or defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo will force them to miss an extended period of time.
By the way, receiver Chris Hilton is expected to return after injuring his ankle in the Ole Miss game.
Mr. 300
Kelly is expected to win his 300th game as head coach in college football on Saturday. His career record is 299-102-2 in 32 years as he’s the winningest active coach in college football. In case you are wondering, Nick Saban is officially at 286 wins. But we’ll have two weeks to talk about Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide after Saturday night.
I like LSU to defeat Army 45-10.
