LSU vs. Wisconsin: 3 Things to Watch

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive back Trey Matthews (28) jumps over Louisiana State Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) to try to get the ball loose in the second half at Tiger Stadium. Fournette kept running to score his second touchdown of the game. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive back Trey Matthews (28) jumps over Louisiana State Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) to try to get the ball loose in the second half at Tiger Stadium. Fournette kept running to score his second touchdown of the game. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

The LSU Tigers kick off the 2016 season against the Wisconsin Badgers. Below we share our “three things to watch”. These are things that will be a factor not just in today’s game, but will also show signs of things to come over the course of the season. Let’s begin.

1. Can Brandon Harris Make the Badgers Pay for Stacking the Box?

Apr 16, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris (6) scrambles during the Spring Game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris (6) scrambles during the Spring Game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Leonard Fournette is, in my humble opinion, the best running back in the country. Naturally then, he is the number one option for the LSU offense. He totes the rock early and often. Wisconsin will likely have little chance of stopping Fournette without stacking the box. This will leave the LSU receivers with favorable matchups.

Last season, quarterback Brandon Harris couldn’t take advantage of these matchups often enough. Will he be able to this season? We will find out on Saturday.

2. Will the LSU Run Defense Return to its Stingy Roots?

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) is tackled by LSU Tigers linebacker Kendell Beckwith (52) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) is tackled by LSU Tigers linebacker Kendell Beckwith (52) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

LSU has been known throughout the 21st century as a smashmouth football team. They run the ball and they stop the run. Last season, that was only half-true. Derrick Henry and Alex Collins ran through the vaunted Tiger defense like knives through butter.

Perhaps in response to that, the Tigers brought in new defensive coordinator Dave Arranda. Arranda had previously been employed by Wisconsin. That nugget of information will likely be mentioned by the commentators approximately 10 times. Can Arranda fix what ails the Tigers? We will have a good chance to see, because Wisconsin also likes to lean on the running game. I can’t wait.

3. What Does the Mad Hatter have up his Sleeve?

Dec 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles and the Tigers run out on the field before playing against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles and the Tigers run out on the field before playing against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Les Miles has a penchant for doing unexpected things during a game. Last season, he almost lost his job. This season, I think it is safe to say that Miles won’t go down with any bullets left in the gun. If the chips are down, I think it’s safe to expect some wackiness from Miles. It should be a fun season down on the Bayou.

Conclusion

Oct 4, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU Tigers receiver Malachi Dupre (15) and Auburn Tigers defensive back Trovon Reed (25) battle for the ball during the second half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn beat LSU 41-7. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU Tigers receiver Malachi Dupre (15) and Auburn Tigers defensive back Trovon Reed (25) battle for the ball during the second half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn beat LSU 41-7. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

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