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Tennessee football at LSU: 10 keys to the game

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 13, 2021; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; A general overall view of the LSU Tigers logo at midfield at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; A general overall view of the LSU Tigers logo at midfield at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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What really stands out about Tennessee football and the LSU Tigers is just how similar they are in many ways. Their schemes aren’t the same by any stretch, and with the Vols in their second year under Josh Heupel while LSU is in its first under Brian Kelly, the teams are also in different places as programs in general.

However, as we get set to break down the crucial elements of this matchup, more than any other time, they will often have the same focuses. Spoiler alert, a lot of it revolves around how they each perform offensively and defensively on designed passing plays. That language is crucial, though, as the plays don’t have to end in passes.

This is definitely a big matchup for both teams, as the Vols have a chance to move to 5-0 and flirt with the top five, and LSU has the chance to prove it’s in a different spot after that early loss to the Florida State Seminoles. Here are the 10 keys to the game between Tennessee football and LSU.

These factors in Baton Rouge, La., will decide the outcome between Josh Heupel’s Tennessee football Volunteers and Louisiana State under Brian Kelly.

Oct 14, 2017; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; General view as the LSU Tigers take the field against the Auburn Tigers during a college football game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Clause/The Advertiser via USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2017; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; General view as the LSU Tigers take the field against the Auburn Tigers during a college football game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Clause/The Advertiser via USA TODAY Sports /

10. Death Valley crowd at Noon

Two things are true. Tiger Stadium is the most brutal place to play in the SEC and maybe the nation with how loud and raucous the fans are. At the same time, they are heavily dependent on night games, and the fact that this is a Noon ET kickoff, 11 a.m. ET in Baton Rouge, La., means some lethargy could creep in.

Look, LSU is is synonymous with night games. They were the first to do it, and their fans depend on it. What will the crowd be like for such an early kickoff? Given how the Vols’ offense operates, a loud crowd could really cause problems. If they aren’t full-go, that’s a huge advantage for LSU that is now nullified.

A lethargic LSU crowd has helped Tennessee football before. They came back to win in Death Valley in 2005 on a Monday night. The game was postponed due to Hurricane Rita, which was three weeks after Hurricane Katrina, and it created too many distractions. Although the situation isn’t dire this time like then, a noon crowd could change things.

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