Commentary

Can Tebow and Co. overcome LSU's defense?

LSU is No. 1 in the polls thanks in large part to one of the best defenses in the country. Now if the Tigers could get Early Doucet healthy, they'd be even more dangerous in the next two months.

Originally Published: October 4, 2007

No. 9 Florida at No. 1 LSU
This is going to be a great matchup highlighted by Florida QB Tim Tebow and WR Percy Harvin against an unbelievably loaded LSU defense. We know about DT Glenn Dorsey, LB Ali Highsmith and safety Craig Steltz for the Tigers, but watch junior DE Tyson Jackson (6-foot-4½, 291 pounds). Although he hasn't had that game-changing performance yet, Jackson does see a lot of double teams and opposing offenses tend to run away from him. Also pay attention to LSU's Chevis Jackson and Jonathan Zenon, who make up one of the best cornerback tandems in the country.

Will we see the return of Early Doucet, who has missed the last three games with a groin injury. Florida has had trouble defending the deep ball, and Doucet could have an impact if he plays on Saturday. LSU quarterback Matt Flynn is trying to get over a high ankle sprain, but he has the skills to play in the NFL and could be an intriguing Day 2 pick in the 2008 draft.

No. 12 Georgia at Tennessee
Erik Ainge injured his small finger on his right hand before the start of the season, but it hasn't affected his passing thus far (66.3 completion percentage, 10 TD, two INT) . Coming into the season, there were concerns over who would be Ainge's No. 1 option in the passing game, but Lucas Taylor has emerged for the Vols (24 receptions, 15.9 yards per catch). When he isn't throwing the ball, Ainge has two great options to hand the ball off to, so it will be interesting to see how Georgia handles Arian Foster and LaMarcus Coker. Foster is more of a north-south runner, while Coker (5-11, 199) gives the Volunteers big-play potential. Coker also returns kicks, averaging 30 yards a return. On defense for Tennessee, watch true freshman Eric Berry at cornerback, who has been sensational. He's fourth on the team in tackles, and you just don't see a lot of true freshman corners who are strong at supporting the run like Berry.

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