ESPN College Football

Monday, November 23, 2009

LSU at Alabama

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By Scouts Inc

LSU offense vs. Alabama defense

• It's almost as if LSU is operating with three different offensive systems. The first is a power running attack which typically features Charles Scott as the deep back in a two-back set. The second is a shotgun spread formation which typically is triggered by Jordan Jefferson. The third is LSU's version of the Wildcat, which features freshman Russell Shepard either at quarterback in place of Jefferson or at running back next to Jefferson. The Tigers are trying to get all of their various playmakers involved but there are a couple of potential flaws. First, with so many skill players rotating in and out of the game it's hard for Jefferson and Scott to get into rhythms as a passer and runner, respectively. Secondly, it's easier for opposing defenses to detect tendencies based on LSU's personnel groupings. For instance, if Scott is in the game it's likely to be a power run or a play-action pass. And when Shepard replaces Jefferson, odds are Shepard will take the direct snap and run. That predictability could spell doom against a very well-coached Alabama defense.

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