In the earlier thread today, we noted that collegefootballnews.com picked LSU to beat Tennessee this weekend. Now Scouts, Inc. is jumping on board (link password protected) as well.
A rash of injuries will be too much for Tennessee's offense to overcome against a strong LSU defense. The Tigers' stout front seven will control the line of scrimmage and limit the production of the Volunteer backs. They will effectively make Tennessee a one-dimensional passing attack and force Ainge to throw downfield. LSU's front four will fly upfield when Tennessee gets into situations with pass-heavy tendencies and Ainge will have a difficult time finding the open man with consistent pressure in his face. Though LSU won't have its best day running the ball against the Volunteers, its backs will be effective enough to keep Tennessee honest and take pressure off Russell. They will also allow the Tigers to protect their lead once they get ahead. Russell has struggled on the road in the past but Saturday's trip to Neyland Stadium will prove to be his breakthrough performance as a junior signal-caller
I agree to a certain extent. I think LSU will have a better day running the ball than it has all year. Trindon Holliday has looked fantastic and hopefully the coaching staff will find a way to get the ball in his hands more. Also, I know it was just one quarter of one game, but the way Alley Broussard ran in the fourth quarter against Fresno State was VERY impressive. If he's the old Alley, this could be a blowout. With any sort of a running game, LSU is immediately a team that competes with Ohio State and Michigan right now.
Prediction: Tigers 20, Volunteers 13