From the other side: LSU

By Drew Champlin

Published: November 12, 2008

Thanks to Randy Rosetta of The Advocate in Baton Rouge

1. What’s the QB situation looking like this week?
Jarrett Lee remains the starter, almost by default because he the only guy healthy who has taken more than 10 snaps this season (sophomore Andrew Hatch will not play against Troy). True freshman Jordan Jefferson will likely get a handful of series in each half and may also come in on certain plays or in certain packages if LSU needs to show a more run-oriented threat. He’s a dual-threat QB and could cause some headaches for the Trojans in the option game or on quarterback runs.

2. Is this a good time for Troy to come to LSU, given that LSU pretty much has nothing big left to play for?
Glass is half full, half empty there. Good because LSU doesn’t have any major goals left to shoot for. Bad because LSU can still play its way into a New Year’s Day bowl and finish strong with a chance to be a top-10 team to start 2009. Good because LSU might be a little hungover from playing so hard and so well against Alabama. Bad in that LSU might be plenty motivated to erase the bad taste of that game.

3. Could Troy’s spread offense with a pass-first quarterback give LSU’s secondary any problems?
Any offense with any decent quarterback is a threat to LSU’s defense, which has had a propensity for giving up big plays through the air. LSU has shown some pockets of improvement, including last week vs. Alabama and in the second half against South Carolina. But experienced quarterbacks have hurt LSU – Tim Tebow. Matt Stafford and John Parker Wilson.

4. Where can LSU best take advantage of Troy?
Up front, but that doesn’t make Troy any different than most teams LSU has faced. LSU’s offensive line, though banged up after a very physical battle with Alabama, is as big, strong and powerful as any unit in the country. Likewise, LSU’s defensive line is awfully strong across the board and its second unit may be as good as anybody else in the country. If LSU controls the line of scrimmage, it could be a long day for Troy on both sides of the ball.

5. Where’s a good place to eat for Troy fans coming to Baton Rouge?
How much room do I have here?
Cajun/seafood: 1. Walk-On’s Bistreaux (one on Nicholson right off campus, one on Coursey), 2. Parrain’s (on Perkins), 2. Acme Oyster House (on Perkins), 3. Sammy’s (on Highland), 4. Boutin’s (on Bluebonnet)

BBQ: VooDoo BBQ (one half a mile from the stadium, one off of Drusilla), TJ Ribs (on Acadian) and Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ (on Florida)

Mexican: 1. Las Palmas (several locations), 2. Casa Maria (several locations)

Italian: Monjuni’s (on Highland)

Burgers/sandwiches: Times Grill (on Essen and Market Street)