News
AP Top 25: #1 LSU Battles #9 Florida for National Championship Hopes Saturday
In one of the most anticipated games of the season, the #1 LSU Tigers take on the #9 Florida Gators in what many consider to be a precursor to the national championship. This SEC battle can possibly determine who will play in the BCS title game.
This is the first time LSU has been ranked #1 since 1959. The Tigers jumped above USC after the Trojans barely beat unranked Washington, 27-24. This move was surprise to those close to the program and sportswriters abroad.
Florida is fresh off of an upset 20-17 loss to unranked Auburn Saturday, dropping the Gators five spots in the AP top 25. A win against LSU can boost Florida right back into national championship contention and a shot at defending their title.
Quarterback Tim Tebow has been exceptional for the Gators in his first year as a starter. He has more passing yards than both of LSU's starting quarterbacks Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux. Tebow leads the Gators in rushing yards as well with 433.
The Tigers have the nation's premier defense, leading the country in total defense, pass efficiency defense and rushing defense. They are top 10 in seven other statistical categories. Defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey and the dominant defensive line will have to get into the backfield and sack Tebow. If they don't come in from various angles, Tebow will be allowed to run and gain some yardage on the ground. It will be important for linebacker Ali Highsmith, the team's leading tackler, to be very active in both rush and pass defense this game.
The team speed on the Tiger defense will be challenged by the swift Gator receivers. Wideout Percy Harvin will be a double-threat as a rusher and pass catcher. He and receiver Cornelius Ingram, who provides size and athleticism, have combined for 45 catches for 705 yards and six touchdowns.
Starting safety and defensive captain Tony Joiner got arrested for felony burglary Tuesday, but he has not been reprimanded by the school yet. There hasn't been talk if he will be or not, but if he is out of the game, his presence will be hard to replace.
Defensive end Derrick Harvey leads the fifth-ranked rushing defense in the nation. He comes into the game with 18 tackles (eight for loss) and five sacks. Linebacker Brandon Spikes will be active in frustrating the LSU passing attack.
On the ground, the Gators must contain running back Trindon Holliday early due to his excessive speed. The Tigers trio of tailbacks Jacob Hester, Keiland Williams and Holliday has accumulated 700 yards and nine rushing touchdowns. With their running back committee, they are versatile enough to bring different styles and schemes to the running game.
Florida, which forced five turnovers in last year's win over LSU, leads the all-time series 28-22-3. The Gators had a three-game winning streak in Baton Rouge snapped with a 21-17 loss on Oct. 15, 2005.
For more Sports related stories, please go to http://news.finditt.com/NewsList.aspx?cat=6&wcat=5
More News
NBA Finals 2019 Schedule Start This Thursday Toronto Raptors Hosting Defending Champions Golden State Warriors
NBA Finals 2019 Schedule Start This Thursday Toronto Raptors Hosting Defending Champions Golden State Warriors
Released On: 5/28/2019
Views: 2464
Fight of the Century: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao will shatter boxing records
Released On: 4/27/2015
Views: 7785
How will Day 2 of the NCAA Tournament wrap up? Here are the picks and previews of the days last four games.
Released On: 3/20/2015
Views: 6046
NCAA Tournament Picks, Oklahoma, Iowa, Duke and Oregon will move on to the Round of 32
Released On: 3/20/2015
Views: 4651
Friday's Picks for Day 2 of the NCAA Tournament March Madness
Released On: 3/20/2015
Views: 4661
The Second Half of Thursday's NCAA Games had everything you could want in March Madness
Released On: 3/20/2015
Views: 5325
Upsets, Buzzer Beaters, Dunks, Alley Oops...March Madness is here!
Released On: 3/19/2015
Views: 3918
A Monday Night in Lambeau Replicates the story of the Atlanta Falcons Season
Released On: 12/9/2014
Views: 5263
LeBron James Expresses His Views on Eric Garner with "I Can't Breathe" Shirt During Warm-ups
Released On: 12/9/2014
Views: 5511
The College Football Playoff Is Set. Did the Committee Get It Right?
Released On: 12/8/2014
Views: 5468
The College Football Playoff Teams Is Close to Being Final With The Release of New Poll
Released On: 12/3/2014
Views: 4255
Buffalo Bills Fans Circle the Wagons for Former Player Darryl Talley
Released On: 12/2/2014
Views: 4923
Monday Night Football Recap: AFC East Showdown Between Jets and Dolphins
Released On: 12/2/2014
Views: 5416
Ray Rice Wins Appeal of Indefinite Suspension, Adrian Peterson Will Soon Learn Fate
Released On: 12/1/2014
Views: 5195
Australian Cricketer Phillip Hughes Suffers Tragic Death After Being Struck By Bouncer
Released On: 12/1/2014
Views: 5122
