Perspective From the Other Side: Q&A with Death Valley Voice
Sep 5, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers players leave the field as the game is delayed due to lightning in the area during the first quarter of a game against the McNeese State Cowboys at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The first SEC contest of the football season is quickly approaching. The LSU Tigers had their game with McNeese State cancelled due to inclement weather, so this will be their first gameOur fellow Fansided site Death Vally Voice asked us for our take on the game, and you can find it here.
They were kind enough to return the favor. Josh Criswell is the editor of Death Valley Voice. You can follow him on Twitter @joshccriswell.
The Tigers didn’t get their game in against McNeese State. How big of a concern is that to you and all of the fans?
"It is definitely a concern heading into Saturday’s game. LSU’s offense is not what I’m worried about. Leonard Fournette is one of the best players in the country, and Brandon Harris leads a much improved passing attack. The biggest worry is how the lack of a season opener will hurt the Tigers’ defense against Dak Prescott, who destroyed them last year. They had an opportunity for a warmup game against a dual-threat quarterback, but now they are forced to shake off the rust against a potential Heisman candidate."
Leonard Fournette had an outstanding year in 2014, but he didn’t break loose until about midway through the year. What do you attribute to his change in production?
"A major factor was getting adjusted to the speed of the college game. He was the best high school player in the state for the final two years of his high school career, and was used to be able to run over or past any defender. The biggest factor, though, was taking over the starting job midway through the season. One he became the clear ‘go-to’ guy in the backfield, he became much more productive."
Dak Precott moved from player to potential to potential Heisman candidate against LSU in 2014. How do people in Louisiana feel about Prescott for heading to Starkville and not staying in state?
"I do not believe the LSU fanbase holds any animosity towards Prescott for leaving. If anything, they have ill will towards the coaching staff for failing to recruit him until it was too late. Mississippi State was present early and often in the recruiting process, while the Tigers ignored him until he emerged as a star his senior year. Big mistake on the LSU coaching staff’s part."
If Mississippi State wins, it will be because…
"LSU’s defense has no answer for Dak Prescott, one of Mississippi State’s running backs has a big game and their defense holds Leonard Fournette under 100 yards."
If LSU wins, it will be because…
"The combination of Brandon Harris, Leonard Fournette and LSU’s talented wide receiver corps is too much to handle, and the Tigers’ holds Dak Prescott under 300 total yards."
What is your prediction for the game?
"This game has the making to be one of the most exciting in the SEC this season, and will tell a lot about both teams. I see a back and forth game, with LSU ultimately coming out on top because Leonard Fournette and the rest of the backfield wears down the Mississippi State defense by the fourth quarter.LSU 30, Mississippi State 24"