Top OOC Games of 2007: #1 Virginia Tech at LSU
Posted on 2007 under ACC, Analysis, BCS Conferences, SEC |27 Jun
#1 Virginia Tech at LSU
This, my friends will be the best and most important out of conference game of the 2007 football season when the Hokies and the Tigers face-off on September 8th. From the preseason magazines I have read, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that both teams will be ranked in the Top 15, maybe even Top 10 by this game in the second week. With that ranking hype, National Title implications for the game will be brought forth.
Most importantly LSU lost its leader and QB when JaMarcus Russell bolted for the NFL, but I don’t think it will be as big of a drop off when Matt Flynn takes center stage. Remember it was Flynn that led the Tigers over Miami in the Peach Bowl two seasons ago. He looked impressive doing so. Behind him will be two running backs Keiland Williams and Richard Murphy, but don’t count out last year’s leading rusher Jacob Hester.
At WR, the Tigers lost Bowe and Craig Davis so Early Doucet will have to pick up the slack along with someone else. On defense LSU looks tough as they return 3 linebackers, 2 cornerbacks, and 3 defensive linemen. They are going to be tough to score on.
The Hokies need to find a way to erase the memories of their collapse in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Many questions arose around their starting quarterback but it looks as if Sean Glennon will still be the man for the Hokies. Fortunately for him, he still has Branden Ore, who ran for 1,137 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, to hand the ball to. The Hokies are also deep at receiver with Josh Morgan, Justin Harper, Eddie Royal and Josh Hyman all returning.
On defense once again Virginia Tech will be good. Like LSU they have a lot returning on the defensive line and in the secondary, but they have to sure up their linebackers a little bit. Finally, the one thing that I cannot forget to mention is the play of the special teams for the Hokies. That play has won them a lot of games over the years.
Looking at these teams on paper I think that this is going to be a low scoring slugfest with the winning team only scoring around 17 points. Overall I think that the play of Matt Flynn will be much better than Sean Glennon and that could prove to be the difference in the game. Also I believe that defensively the Tigers are a little better off. So I will go with the Tigers right now by a few.
by Brian Sakowski
by Fred Wood, on June 27 2007 @ 9:31 pm
I respectively disagree with you on the outcome of the game. VT will win the game by a few for the very reason you stated, but evidently, have not researched your facts very well.You say defensively the Tigers are a little better. Well VT has been the #1 team in America the last two years in a row on defense and loose no one this year on defense and how do you sure up the two best linebackers in America, Hall and Adibi? Either you’re not checking your facts well or you’re biased toward LSU.
Offensively it will be a tossup, with the QB edge going to LSU and the running back edge going to VT. VT 14…..LSU 10………defense always wins and Tech has the edge here.
And if I’m right, mark it down, they’ll run the table and win the NC.
by Brian Sakowski, on June 28 2007 @ 6:35 am
Let me refresh your memory, that #1 VT defense as you say gave up 18 points to an unranked Georgia team in the 4th quarter of their bowl game. Virginia Tech has a history of not coming out to play in big games, I’ll admit it is usually later in the season. And you are incorrect on your statement that they lose no one on defense. They lost their WLB, SS, and you are going to depend on a walk on and a guy coming off shoulder surgery to sure up your d-line.
Also have you factored in how the Hokies are going to play in the heat and humidity in Baton Rouge? It isn’t exactly the same as Blacksburg, especially in the early Fall. The ACC was a joke last year, and Tech couldn’t even win it. The SEC was the best conference last year and will be in the top two this year. And before you call me a homer, I’m a Big Ten fan.
by Caylan, on June 28 2007 @ 5:06 pm
I disagree with this game as the #1/ most important/ National Title implications. It is way way way to early in the season. Every game is important, but they get more important during the last few weeks of the season.
by Joey, on June 28 2007 @ 6:57 pm
Nice comeback…lol.
by Fredrik J, on June 29 2007 @ 1:32 pm
Brian, the defense did not give up those points, it was the offense. Giving up the ball the many times on their own end of the field isn’t something the defense can help. There were very impressive goal line stands, but you can’t keep the offense out that often no matter who you are.
The defense was great, it was the offense - more the QB - that needed help that game.
by VTwojo, on July 13 2007 @ 2:15 pm
Fredrik has it right, Georgia did not even total 200 yards for the entire games. we just happened to give the ball up too many times in our own territory.