LSU has been fighting the label to no avail. The Tigers have no one to blame but themselves. It happens when you crush bad teams at home and lose to quality teams on the road.
“They’re soft.”
Perhaps the critics are right. The No. 13 Tigers are 6-2, 2-2 in the SEC and have flopped in their two tough tests – losing 7-3 at Auburn and 23-10 at Florida.
But even in the mighty SEC, there’s always a chance to rebound. And as far- fetched as it seems – LSU needs No. 6 Auburn and No. 12 Arkansas to start losing – the Tigers still have a shot to win the West Division.
“It’s not inconceivable that somebody would beat Auburn,” LSU’s optimistic coach Les Miles said. “The key is to play ourselves into contention and face some quality opponents and win. Certainly, that would mean Tennessee first.”
Enter Test No. 3.
LSU, with the league’s top-rated offense and defense, will take on the No. 8 Volunteers (7-1, 3-1) in front of 104,079 strong Saturday in Knoxville.
The resurgent Vols, who defeated the Tigers last season, 30-27, in overtime, have been monsters on the road, but haven’t taken advantage of their crowd. They lost to Florida, 21-20, beat Air Force, 31-30, and edged Alabama, 16-13.
“It’s not revenge,” Miles said. “They certainly played well against us [last year]. Anytime that you finish second on the scoreboard, you remember. Our football team does.”
Sounds like revenge.
“It’s not just another Saturday,” Miles added. “With a victory, we have a place to stand.”
We think they finally flex all that talent in an opposing stadium and back up – once and for all – the oddsmakers’ opinions.
“I think, top to bottom, they are the best defensive team we’ve played,” Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer said. “Which is saying a lot, considering who we have played.”
Third test is a charm. LSU (-3) is the pick.
TONIGHT
L’VILLE (-11/2) over Wvu: Mountaineers’ mighty run offense (319 yards per game) faces Louisville’s stout run defense (74.9). And Louisville’s potent passing attack (280.1) faces an untested WVU pass defense (182.1).
SATURDAY
MICH. (-331/2) over Ball St.: Wolverines shouldn’t allow but a field goal, and could throw up 50 against one of the MAC’s worst.
CLEMSON (-16) over Maryland: With nine days of preparation, the Tigers, embarrassed at Virginia Tech, take out their frustration.
Missouri (+6) over NEBRASKA: Cornhuskers will be deflated after back-to-back losses and the Tigers need to show last week’s disaster was a one-time deal.
WISCONSIN (-7) over Penn State: Badgers’ against-the-spread run (6-0-1) came to an end, but another one starts. Favorite has covered five of seven in the series.
VANDERBILT (+17) over Florida: Gators’ schedule softens, but the Commodores usually show fight. Florida has dropped 10 of 11 ATS as a road favorite.
NOTRE DAME (-261/2) over Unc: Outgoing Heels coach John Bunting says he’s not nervous. His players may feel differently.
Ohio St. (-27) over ILLINOIS: You simply can’t go against a team that is 8-1 ATS and has outscored its last three conference opponents, 126-10.
W. FOREST (+4) over Boston Coll.: Biggest game for Demon Deacons in ages. Wake has covered three straight in the series.
Ga. Tech (-6) over N.C. STATE: Jackets are closing in on ACC title game. Wolfpack’s mid-autumn feel-good story is over.
Usc (-29) over STANFORD: Troubled Trojans find the right elixir in the Cardinal (1-7 ATS).
TEXAS (-17) over Oklahoma St.: Cowboys will find the sledding tough after a comeback win over Nebraska. Texas has covered nine of 11 at home.
TEXAS A&M (+3) over Oklahoma: Tough chore for the shorthanded Sooners, as they try to win back-to-back Big 12 roadies.
MIAMI (+21/2) over Va. Tech: Orange Bowl still carries some weight. Hurricanes keep battling and are playing a team that has played one whole road game in six weeks. By the way, the Hokies lost that game.
Last week: 6-9. Best Bets: 1-2. Season: 70-60-5. Best Bets: 15-12.