(16) LSU vs Iowa
January 1st, 2014 at 1 PM ET
Tampa, Florida
LSU Season Review
With the help of new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, LSU’s offense was rejuvenated this season. Zach Mettenberger had developed into the quarterback needed to allow this offense to thrive. Sadly, he will not play because he went down with a season ending injury in the final minutes of the Arkansas game. In his relief will be Anthony Jennings, the freshman who took over in the Arkansas game and led a game winning drive. Mettenberger may be out, but Jennings is a capable replacement.
Iowa Season Review
Iowa is neither flashy or explosive, but they are a tough, gritty team that will stand tall amongst the best of teams. Their star players resemble such mold. Left tackle Brandon Scherff is a mauler that will give trouble to whoever may line up opposite of him. Running back Mark Weisman is a human bowling ball that will bruise and batter LSU’s defense. Them and their fellow teammates must carry out their strong mentality.
Game Matchup
Feeding LSU’s receivers: As is normally the staple of LSU’s offense, they must feed Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. the ball. The two are lethal playmakers. They do so in different fashion, but they shred opposing secondaries apart. If they are fed early, they will break big plays and score touchdowns, allowing for smooth sailing for the remainder of the game for LSU.
Iowa, limit turnovers: Iowa is simply outmatched by LSU talent-wise. LSU will allow few opportunities for Iowa to score, so they must take advantage of those chances. Turning the ball not only limits their chances, but gives LSU even more opportunities to find the end zone. In short, Iowa must control the battle of time of possession.
Be tougher than your opponent: Such a task is easier said than done. Iowa is not a large program, but they embody everything that resembles the B1G, especially toughness. The trenches will be the most important factor of this contest for both sides. Each team will need to be commanding when run blocking and stout when pass blocking. Reversely, run defenders must be disruptive and pass rushers must be abnormally fierce. Whichever side does so better will likely walk away victorious.
LSU outmatches Iowa in every aspect, even with a freshman quarterback who has yet to start a game. There is NFL talent up and down the roster for LSU and their depth is just as talented. If there ever was a game for the cliche, this is “David vs Goliath” for sure. Iowa has a slim chance to pull out a victory.
Prediction: LSU- 42 vs Iowa- 10
Draft Impact
Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr.: The duo of receivers at LSU are arguably the most lethal and diverse tandem in the nation.
They have been more vital to the passing attack than the quarterback Zach Mettenberger.
If they can perform well despite having their normal starting quarterback, they will catch more attention than they normally do.
Brandon Scherff: Iowa’s offensive line is led by the junior left tackle. He is undecided on his declaration, but a solid performance against SEC pass rushers would certainly reel in scouts from across the NFL and make them consider taking him over other top tackle prospects.