Sept. 11, 2009
Purchase Football Tickets | 2009 Gameday Central
An inside look at the storylines and players you need to know for Saturday’s marquee SEC matchup.
Setting the Stage – Storylines:
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Larry Smith looks to build off a very impressive performance in the Commodores’ 45-0 season-opening victory against Western Carolina in which he torched the Catamounts for 153 yards on 10-18 passing, including a 46-yard scoring strike to redshirt junior tight end Justin Green. Smith will be facing a different animal when he and his Vanderbilt cohorts travel to raucous Tiger Stadium to face 11th-ranked Louisiana State. Known for their relentless pass rush and athleticism under head coach Les Miles, Smith will have to display a quick delivery and play within himself if he is to lead Vanderbilt to a victory in his third career start.
The Vanderbilt defense heads to Baton Rouge riding a wave of confidence from their domination of Western Carolina, posting their first shutout since 1999 and holding the Catamount offense to a pedestrian 115 yards of total offense. Simply put, Western Carolina was no match for the Commodore defensive firepower, led by senior cornerback Myron Lewis (3 pass breakups), redshirt senior defensive end Broderick Stewart (3 total tackles and several quarterback hurries), and redshirt sophomore linebacker Chris Marve (4 total tackles and 2 forced fumbles). In order to take down the Tigers, however, the Commodores will need promising young players like redshirt sophomore defensive tackle T.J. Greenstone and sophomore cornerback Casey Hayward to build off impressive performances in the season opener and establish themselves as disruptive threats to the LSU offense.
Music City Bowl most valuable player and senior punter Brett Upson did not start the 2009 campaign off on the right foot, as the punting game struggled for the most part in Vanderbilt’s season debut. With the Commodores totaling 84 net yards on five punt attempts, the kicking game must improve in order to win the ever-crucial field position battle and keep LSU out of Vanderbilt territory.
With redshirt senior running back Jared Hawkins doubtful for Saturday’s game, true freshmen running backs Zac Stacy and Warren Norman must prove they can carry the offensive load against a SEC juggernaut. The pair clearly passed the test in game one, becoming the first freshman duo to rush for 100 yards each in Commodore history, but LSU will provide a more stringent test for Vanderbilt’s running game.
Last weekend, the Commodores sported the no-huddle offense, which they will use throughout the season in order to ideally keep opposing defenses on their heels and out of breath by the fourth quarter. Led by speed, strength, and conditioning coach John Sisk, Vanderbilt were in superior physical shape against Western Carolina, and Saturday will prove whether the training brought about by the no-huddle will be enough to run past SEC opponents.
The A-Listâ€â€ÂNoteworthy LSU Players
Jordan Jefferson, sophomore quarterback
Jefferson, the 2008 Chick-Fil-A Bowl offensive MVP, is entering his first full season as LSU’s starter and is on his way to adding himself to the list of elite SEC quarterbacks. He helped LSU narrowly escape Washington’s upset bid of the Tigers last week with a career night, completing 11 of 12 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns. His elusiveness in the pocket and outstanding arm strength could pose a serious threat to Vanderbilt’s vaunted defense.
Rahim Allen, senior defensive end
An AP first-team All SEC selection from a year ago with eight sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss, Allen is back for more and already registered a sack in LSU’s season opener against Washington. He is new defensive coordinator John Chavis’s prized possession for this season, with his combination moves and speed off the edge a recipe for disaster for opposing offensive lines. If Vanderbilt’s veteran line can contain Allen and give Smith ample time to throw, taming the Tigers would become much more feasible.
Charles Scott, senior running back
Though the bruising back only raked up 51 yards in their opener, the 2008 coaches’ first team All-SEC selection has demonstrated the ability to run over defenses throughout his illustrious career. He has a legitimate chance to become the first LSU back to rack up 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons since Kevin Faulk did it from 1997-1998. Another dominant effort against the Commodores could spell trouble for Chris Marve and Co.
Terrance Toliver, junior wide receiver
Toliver had a career day against Washington, hauling in four passes for 117 and two scores for an offense that is anxiously awaiting his arrival onto the national scene. The 2007 Freshman All-SEC selection, Toliver slipped a bit last year due to suspect hands and a consequent reliance on departed receiver Demetrius Byrd. However, he has the opportunity to prove his 2009 debut was no fluke against a very talented Vanderbilt secondary.
Jacob Cutera, senior linebacker
The first-time starter made his presence felt in a big way last weekend, registering five solo tackles and returning an interception 29 yards for a touchdown. His play will be crucial to LSU controlling a Vanderbilt rushing attack that went off for 433 yards last week.