When Georgia has ball

Knowshon Moreno finally came up big against SEC competition last week, blistering the Vanderbilt defense for 172 yards. While he’ll be the focus of the Bulldogs’ running game today quarterback Matthew Stafford will be the key.

Stafford has struggled with interceptions the past two weeks and will need to avoid mistakes against a swarming LSU defense. The Tigers hope to mimic Alabama’s successful defensive strategy by stuffing the run and forcing Stafford to spend the game airing it out.

Balance is a must, along with the ability to close the deal once inside the red zone.

Edge: LSU

When LSU has the ball

The Tigers are scoring 31.2 points per game and averaging nearly 400 yards per game in total offense.

The quarterback tandem of Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch has been a boost for Les Miles’ club, with Jarrett passing for 1,041 yards and Hatch averaging nearly five yards per carry.

Charles Scott has been outstanding at tailback, with 631 yards and eight touchdowns.

While LSU prefers to pound away at the opposition with their size and strength, this is a squad also capable of using finesse to light up the scoreboard.

Brandon LaFell, Demetrius Byrd and Richard Dickson have three touchdowns apiece catching the ball and have combined for 907 receiving yards.

Edge: LSU

Special teams

Blair Walsh has struggled with field goals of late, although he has connected on 11 of 15 attempts and is perfect from inside 30 yards.

Brian Mimbs averages 42.5 yards per punt, and UGA has plenty of weapons returning punts and kickoffs, led by Asher Allen and Ramarcus Brown.

Kicker Colt David has hit seven of eight treys and all of his extra points for LSU, while punter Brady Dalfrey is averaging 40 yards per boot.

Trindon Holliday is LSU’s return specialist, with 184 punt return yards and a TD as well as 234 yards in kickoff returns.

Edge: Even.

Bottom line

Today begins a four-game home stand for LSU, while Georgia starts a stretch that will keep them away from Sanford Stadium for four games.

Mark Richt has gotten some of his finest efforts in road contests, but the Tigers have been especially strong at Tiger Stadium under Miles.

Although the Bulldogs started the season ranked No. 1 they have yet to look like one of the nation’s elite teams. They’ll need to this afternoon in order to defeat LSU and keep their national championship hopes alive.

Prediction: LSU 20, Georgia 10.

— Scott Adamson