Tough Road Test Awaits LSU Tigers on Saturday

Daniel Shirey, USA TODAY SPORTS

The LSU Tigers have raced out to a 4-0 start in 2013, with a new offensive scheme and the same type of defense that has become the norm in Baton Rouge. However, while some have questioned how tough the opposition has been through four contests.

LSU opened the season with a neutral-site win over the TCU Horned Frogs. After wins over UAB and Kent State, LSU beat the Auburn Tigers in Saturday’s Southeastern Conference opener.

Now, the tough games begin for head coach Les Miles. There are five ranked teams remaining on the 2013 LSU schedule, and the first of those five, the Georgia Bulldogs, will host LSU on Saturday in Athens.

The biggest change for LSU this season has been on offense. The Tigers are averaging 43.3 points per game, and quarterback Zach Mettenberger has been outstanding. Mettenberger has completed just under 65 percent of his passes for 1,026 yards, with 10 touchdowns and only one interception.

While those numbers are outstanding, the key for LSU is that the passing game has opened up the running game, which Les Miles loves to use. A prime example came on Saturday night when Jeremy Hill torched the Auburn defense for 184 yards and three touchdowns. With such balance on offense, LSU has become even more formidable. The Tigers will need that kind of balance this week against Georgia.

This week will provide a bigger challenge than any LSU has faced so far in 2013. Facing a Top-10 opponent on the road is never easy. However, if the Tigers can take advantage of a young Georgia defense, they could prove to the nation that they are a legitimate BCS contender.

Tim Letcher is a contributing writer for www.RantSports.com and a member of the Football Writers Association of America. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher, on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.