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10:36

Kevin Spaiin, T-P - Hi everyone. Welcome to the LSU football chat.
We'll be going live to The Times-Picayune beat reporters Jim Kleinpeter and James Varney around 11 a.m., right before they leave for Tuscaloosa, Ala. and Saturday's big game with Alabama.
Go ahead and start sending in your questions and the guys will tackle them shortly.
Thanks.

11:01

Kevin Spaiin, T-P - OK, everyone, we're going live with the Jims and we're taking your questions.

11:01

[Comment From Tom]
Am I the only one who doesn't think Alabama is going to be able to run the ball against LSU much better than LSU runs it against Alabama? Ingram certainly didn't last year with 6 yards on 5 carries and LSU outgained Alabama last year in the game.

11:02

Jim Kleinpeter, T-P - Sorry Tom, but that was last year. For one thing, Alabama is heavily committed to the run. Even if LSU stops them early, Alabama's gameplan every week is to wear you down and depend on the defense to keep the game close. If your quarterback is Greg McElroy, you don't want to be throwing it all over the field. They for LSU is to stop the run in the red zone. What Alabama does between the 20's won't matter. I think LSU shouldn't worry too much about trying to run. They aren't going to suddenly start ripping off big games. LSU should attack the small Bama corners with LaFell and Toliver, and use the running game as a changeup.

11:02

[Comment From Earl]
Tennessee should have beaten Alabama and I think we're better. I know that doesn't always translate. Anyway, what do you think we can do to do what Tennessee didn't finish?

11:04

James Varney, T-P - The easy answer is score touchdowns instead of field goals. Now, I don't pretend to have an easy answer for how you accomplish that. The most important thing might be ball control, though. Alabama's defense was tired at the end of the Tennessee game. If LSU can hold on to the ball and move the chains - even on some first half drives where it doesn't get points - that should pay fourth quarter dividends. The problem with my scenario is Alabama's run defense is so good. So now we're back to square one...

11:04

[Comment From mike the tiger]
guys, how do you think we'll defense their quarterback? and is he the weak link on offense?

11:06

Jim Kleinpeter, T-P - Right on, Mike. He's been struggling lately, but I think Saban probably used the offweek to build up his confidence and find some plays where he can be successful. LSU plays a lot of cover 2 which prevents deep balls and will surrender the underneath stuff. Kep Julio in front and then make the tackle. I'm sure the Tigers will get a couple of picks Saturday. But LSU really needs to pressure McElroy better than they have other QBs this year. Make him make the plays. Don't let Ingram beat you.

11:06

[Comment From vinney]
Who covers Jones, and, who do you favor in the matchup?

11:09

James Varney, T-P - Peterson covers him. In fact, according to Peterson, that's that. He said Jones might have the explosive capability to go the distance against other teams but not LSU. I think there are still some questions about Jones' health because his numbers simply don't match up to last year and Saban acknowledged Jones has been nicked early. So if he is not 100 percent and Peterson is on him, that might, if not erase, at least ease Jones as a factor.

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