LSU Tigers

10-3 Overall | 6-2 SEC (3rd West)
lsusports.net
FBS RankingOffenseDefense
Rushing173.7 (49th)102.8 (9th)
Passing200.5 (89th)206.4 (28th)
Overall86th8th

Tigers report: Strategy and personnel

The Sports Xchange
 
Strategy and personnel · Notes, quotes · Inside slant
 

BOWL AT A GLANCE
LSU vs. Miami, Peach Bowl, Atlanta, Friday, Dec. 30 -- Who did the Peach pay off to get this matchup? A game between No. 9 Miami and No. 10 LSU on a Friday night, the day before New Year's Eve? Outside of the BCS bowls and the traditional New Year's Day bowls, which will be played on Jan. 2 this year, this game could be the most watched bowl from Dec. 20-31.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB JaMarcus Russell -- In part because of Georgia's defense and in part because of a lack of support from the running game, Russell suffered one of his worst games of the season against Georgia and finally left the game in the third quarter because of an injured left shoulder. Considering the way he's grown this season and completed 60.3% of his passes with 2,435 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions, don't look for Russell to have a repeat performance in the Peach Bowl.

RB Joseph Addai -- He's probably the key to the offense against Miami. Injuries have limited his performance in the past four games but he has three weeks to get healthy. If Addai and the offensive line can get things going against a tough Miami defense, Russell and his receivers will have more and better chances to make plays.

SS Jessie Daniels -- Coach Les Miles didn't fool anyone by clouding the truth about Daniels' injury status in the SEC championship game. Miles said all week leading up the game that Daniels would be available but he did not play against Georgia. His replacement, sophomore Craig Steltz, teamed with cornerback Chevis Jackson to give up a 45-yard touchdown pass for a 7-0 lead on Georgia's first possession.

DT Claude Wroten -- He entered the SEC championship game with a reputation as one of the SEC's best defensive linemen and didn't do much to back that up. Wroten spent most of the time getting pushed around by Georgia G Max Jean-Gilles and finished with only two tackles.

PRO POTENTIAL
T Andrew Whitworth -- Has the size (6-6, 325 pounds), smarts and technique to play at the next level, but is not as athletic or natural as the better tackles in the draft so he'll probably have to wait for the second or third round.

DT Claude Wroten -- Explosive, talented player with the ability and quickness to make big plays, but hasn't been as consistent or productive as he needs to be as a senior. Sometimes slow to react or make decisions and must improve technique and skills, but his upside will give him a chance in the first day.

RB Joseph Addai -- Not a potential star but a solid all-around back who works hard, gets all he can out of an opportunity and brings the ability to pound or elude, protect or catch passes.

WR Skyler Green -- Explosive return specialist who has yet to make good on his potential as a receiver, but his potential will give him a chance to return kicks and be a third or fourth receiver at the next level.

DT Kyle Williams -- Tough, hard-nosed and resilient player who gets off the ball quickly and plays the run and pursues well, but gets overpowered too often and isn't effective enough as a pass rusher.

DE Melvin Oliver -- Quiet, underrated player who has shown signs of growing into his potential as a senior, especially in recent games. He's been especially productive in critical situations, getting up field and making plays when it's mattered most.

ROSTER REPORT
LSU trailed 24-7 when its best hope for a comeback, QB JaMarcus Russell, left the field late in the third quarter because of an injured left shoulder following a sack. He never returned, and coach Les Miles never confirmed the nature of his injury. "I don't know to what extent it will keep him out," Miles said. "It's certainly something we are concerned about." Leading rusher Joseph Addai is evidently still less than 100% from the ankle injury that limited his availability in three previous games. He did not start, did not have a carry until about five minutes remained in the first half and finished with seven yards on two carries. Backup Justin Vincent rushed for 15 yards on eight carries, while third-string tailback Shyrone Carey led the Tigers with 43 yards on 10 carries. Starting WR Early Doucet suffered a left ankle injury in the second quarter. He finished with one catch for 16 yards. The Tigers came in with four changes in the starting lineup: WR Bennie Brazell started in place of Craig Davis, Craig Steltz started in place of injured SS Jessie Daniels, CB Jonathan Zenon started in place of Chevis Jackson and Vincent started in place of Joseph. G Will Arnold continued to sit out due to a lingering illness.

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