At first glance, I predicted that LSU at Florida was a game where the tigers would suffer their first defeat of the 2012 season.  Expected to be an improved gator squad they were not expected by many to challenge for the SEC east division title.  Now it appears as if this game means a whole lot more than first thought.  It seems that the tigers certainly have a cause to be  more focused after 2 weeks of little media respect due to sub par performances at Auburn and at home against Towson.

LSU was expected to have more of a swagger and confidence about them and bring in a dominant team. However the last 2 weeks the tigers have been less than impressive.  There is little doubt that the success of the LSU offense Saturday could depend on whether Zach Mettenberger has time in the pocket to hit his receivers for some short to medium gains in order to force the gator defense to defend the entire field.   The offense will simply not be able to run the ball all game without some consistent passing (Note for the Alabama game in November as well).  In the second half I look for the LSU offense to become more conservative if the game is close which I suspect it will be.

Sophomore Jeff Driskel struggled a year ago against the tigers in Baton Rouge.  Still a young quarterback it will be very interesting to see how he is affected by the tigers dominating defensive line.  The gators are much improved especially on defense under Will Muschamp.

Hopefully the LSU defense is not forced to be on the field for very long.  Again for that to happen the offense must establish a passing game. That may very well be the question as to whether the tiger escape Gainesville 6-0.

LSU 23

Florida 19