Keys to the game, Oregon versus LSU: defense

photo courtesy bleacherreport.com

#3 Oregon's defense must contain the run and get pressure on the passer.


Les Miles looked right into the camera, as serious and unsilly as he has ever been. It was Wednesday of game week, and he told the expectant LSU media, "We're going to run the football."

Not a surprise, but it neatly sums up the challenge for Nick Aliotti's defense. Bayou Bengals tailback Spencer Ware is a 5-11 227-lb. bruising operating behind a big, experienced defensive line. He darts, slashes, stiff arms, jukes, cuts against the grain, busts up into hole, drags tacklers, and leaves them grasping air. He has good speed and a dangerous top gear. LSU beat writer Jim Kleinpeter says he's faster than the departed Stevan Ridley, a 1000-yard rusher for the Tigers last year..

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