LSU Tigers

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Leading up to the Chick-fil-A Bowl, we'll take a daily look at a key LSU player. We'll examine how he has done and what his challenges are for the Clemson game.

Bennie Logan, DT, Junior

Accomplishments: Stout and with long arms, Logan is an established run stuffer who has some ability to make an impact in the passing games. Fairly active for a 4-3 tackle, Logan had 36 tackles -- five for loss -- broke up three passes and picked up two sacks. He has a knack for getting his hand on footballs, with three passes batted down plus a blocked kick this season. A second-team all-SEC pick, Logan projecs to be a possible first-round draft pick in the 2013 draft.

Shortcomings: For a potential first-round draft pick, Logan isn't dominant as a pass rusher. In fact, when LSU goes to a three-lineman look on passing downs, it's usually Logan who gets subbed out for the extra defensive back. He has hardly put up the classic LSU dominant defensive tackle numbers players such as Glenn Dorsey and Drake Devis up up before him.

Against Clemson: This is a last chance for Logan to make an impression before he likely leaves for the riches of the NFL. That should give Logan plenty of motivation heading into the Chick-fil-A Bowl. A dominant performance in Atlanta can go a long way of improving Logan's draft status, making him a player who could safely fall in the first round. If he has a shaky game, it could send him to the second round.

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Leading up to the Chick-fil-A Bowl, we'll take a daily look at a key LSU player. We'll examine how he has done and what his challenges are for the Clemson game.

Josh Downs, DT, senior

Accomplishments: Downs was never able to stay healthy enough to reach his potential before this season, so it's safe to say his biggest accomplishment was staying healthy enough to play in all 12 games his senior season. Not only did he play, he repeatedly held off challenges from talented sophomore Anthony Johnson for the starting job (Downs started nine of 12 games). While not extremely productive, he did have 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks while splitting time at the position with Johnson.

Shortcomings: Not the tallest defensive tackle, Downs is more of a run stopper than a big-play maker in the mold of a Glenn Dorsey or even Johnson. He had just 15 tackles in his senior season, hardly numbers one would expect from a starter. You always hold your breathe with Downs every time he's shaken up, fearing a major injury, though it's fair to point out he's bounced back from every minor injury this season.

Against Clemson: LSU is going to have its hands full chasing Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd around, given Boyd's ability to run (492 yards). With ends Barkevious Mingo and Sam Montgomery perhaps having to contain Boyd in the pocket, it will be important for LSU to be able to generate pressure from up the middle with Downs and Bennie Logan.