Tigers report: Strategy and personnel
THIS WEEK'S GAME: Arkansas State at LSU, Sept. 11 -- Last week's 22-21 overtime victory over Oregon State sent up a lot of red flags around the LSU program. That should help LSU coach Nick Saban get the attention of his players this week and make the most out of an opportunity to get several problem areas on track, including the quarterback position.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
QBs Marcus Randall and JaMarcus Russell -- Randall, a fifth-year senior, started and struggled against Oregon State, while Russell, a redshirt freshman, came in the second half and rallied the Tigers and forced the game into overtime. Then Randall returned when Russell left the field with leg cramps, and experienced some measure of success in LSU's overtime victory. All of this puts Saban and his staff in a difficult position. The Tigers need to solidify their quarterback situation as they prepare for a four-game stretch that includes road games at Auburn, Georgia and Florida.
LB Lionel Turner -- In times of need, winning teams turn to their leaders. Turner led the way last week with 15 tackles, including 11 assists and a sack. Not only must he continue to play well, but he must bring others with him and make sure they're doing the right things.
ROSTER REPORT
Saban isn't counting on the availability of WR/PR Skyler Green (ankle) or OG Will Arnold (knee) against Arkansas State. Green entered the Oregon State game with a sore ankle and made the situation worse, but Saban is hoping a week off will allow them to come back for the Auburn game on Sept. 18. The Tigers have adequate replacements for both Green and Arnold, but they're fortunate they don't have to replace starting center Ben Wilkerson, who missed practice on Monday with a slight knee strain. He is expected to play against Arkansas State. ... Chris Jackson is still the kicker and the punter -- for now -- after missing two field goals and averaging only 38.7 yards on six punts. His replacement on punts, Patrick Fisher, averaged only 36.7 yards on three punts and shanked a 12-yard punt that went out at the LSU 45-yard line.
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| OLE MISS vs. LSU November 17, 2012 3:00 AM ET | |
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