Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
By Hunt Palmer
Labor Day doesn’t feel like it was a long time ago.
LSU was the toast of college football after a road win at Clemson. Fast forward to the season’s finale, and the Tiger are without a head coach and playing out the string of a bitterly disappointing season. The end of that string is a trip to Norman to take on an Oklahoma team potentially playing for its College Football Playoff life.
It’s conceivable a 9-3 Oklahoma team with wins over Michigan, Tennessee and Alabama could get in. But it’s far from a lock.
The Sooners are a 10.5-point favorite on Saturday afternoon. Here are three matchups to watch.
OKLAHOMA’S DEFENSIVE LINE VS. LSU’S OFFENSIVE FRONT
I generally try to isolate a side of the line or a one-on-one matchup, but this one encompasses the both units. Oklahoma leads the nation in sacks and tackles for loss. LSU doesn’t statistically have a problem with that because the Tigers rarely run the ball and throw quickly. However, Texas A&M is right there nipping at Oklahoma’s heels in both categories, and the Aggies sacked Garrett Nussmeier seven times in Tiger Stadium.
LSU’s offensive line doesn’t have to win this battle. They just have to hold their own. Give Michael Van Buren and the running backs a chance. Some tackles for loss and a sack or three are coming. It just can’t become the story of the game.
LSU’S MICHAEL VAN BUREN VS. OU HEAD COACH BRENT VENABLES
The only small chink in the armor for this Sooner defense has been the mobile quarterback.
Trinidad Chambliss ran 12 times for 53 yards. Arch Manning busted a 33-yard run. Venables is going to create pressures. Can Van Buren wiggle out to extend plays? That could allow time for LSU’s wide receivers to uncover. The Tigers haven’t been able to do much aside from screens on schedule. Some improvisation may be LSU’s best hope on Saturday.
The goal for LSU isn’t to score 31-to-35 points. That’s not realistic. you’re looking for a way to get 17-to-20 on the board. That could result in a win like the South Carolina, Florida and Clemson games if the Tiger defense shows up.
Van Buren could be an X factor.
LSU’S DAMIAN RAMOS VS. OU’S TATE SANDELL
The kickers! These two defenses figure to make it a low scoring battle. Tate Sandell is 7-for-7 from 50-plus yards and 22-for-23 on the season. He’s going to win the Lou Groza Award. LSU would like him to be in action more than the red zone offense.
Ramos has been excellent for four years at LSU, and he figures to have some opportunities, as well. Oklahoma has only allowed 15 touchdowns in 11 games.
Both kickers have made an SEC-best 22 kicks on the season.
The game could come down to a late kick between two of the conference’s better kickers.
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