Chat Reel: Randy Rosetta

Advocate sportswriter Randy Rosetta participated in an online chat today. Here's a transcript:

Tha Guru (Texas): Do you think that Rueben Randle, who has caught everything thrown his way this season, will have a breakout game against Penn State to put him on the map going into next season?

RR: Guru --

I'm curious about how much Randle will be used in this game because LSU has three senior receivers playing their final game and a new receivers coach who may be prone to rely on them in his debut game.

We all know Brandon LaFell and Terrance Toliver are going to get balls thrown their way and that Penn State will focus on them. Which receiver steps into the void and makes an impact is a huge key. That could be Randle, and he is clearly the most talented of the crew after the two top dogs.

Jim (Orlando, Fla.): any chance we will finally get to see Shepard put the ball in the air on Friday?? also would love to see Jefferson put one up a long way and let Trindon run under it! Know the Lions could not keep up with him! Jim in Orlando - yes I live here.

RR: Jim --

If I were a betting man, I'd say no to both ideas.

Since Shepard hasn't thrown a ball all year, I can't imagine he will now. And as enticing as it is to let Trindon run a fly, there's the matter of trying to put the ball where he can get it and the defender can't. Again, not something LSU has managed to do in four years, so it's had to imagine it happening against a pretty solid defense.

Chaney (Sarepta): Randy how many of our Juniors do you think will not return for their Senior year?

RR: Chaney --

Off the top of my head, the juniors most likely to leave early are: Kelvin Sheppard, Chad Jones, Terrance Toliver and Joe Barksdale.

I don't think all of them will bolt. And I think all four of them would benefit from one more year in college.

Kerry (Baton Rouge): With Charles Scott and Keland Williams out will Ridley be able to pick up the slack in the Capitol One Bowl?

RR: Kerry --

See the answer a couple questions below.

Yes, I think Ridley is very capable of picking up the slack. I think he has the power of Charles Scott, the speed burst of Keiland Williams in the open field and he receiving skills of Richard Murphy. Had Ridley not blown out his knee in spring practice, I'm not sure he might not have gotten a lot more carries througout the season. This game is an important launching pad to next season for him.

He'll also get some nice complmentary help from Trindon Holliday and Russell Shepard on misdirection runs. With Charles Scott and Keland Williams out will Ridley be able to pick up the slack in the Capitol One Bowl?

Buck (Bayou Choupique): Any chance Gary Crowton might leave for someplace else?

RR: Buck --

Not that there is any hint of right now. I wondered if his name might pop up with the UNLV and San Jose State head-coach positions, but nothing materialized. THe only big-time job open now is Texas Tech, and there are a lot of other guys with ties to West Texas that make more sense there.

That said, I think the addition of Billy Gonzales -- and the subtraction of Larry Porter -- will make a notable change in the way Crowton does things.

Michael (Montgomery, Ala.): How will the LSU offensive line match-up against the Penn State D-line? and related to that, What will be Penn State's defensive strategy? Conservative or will they take chances?

RR: Michael --

I think that's a big key to the game based on how up and down LSU's offensive line has been this season and how effective Penn State has been up front. If the Tigers can seize the upper hand quickly up front and keep Jared Odrick from disrupting the running game or abusing Jordan Jefferson, that obviously gives LSU a lot more offensive flexibility.

As far as Penn State's strategy, the feel we've gotten this week is that the Lions arent going to make any wholesale changes from what they have done all seasona nd really for years and years under Tom Bradley. I'm sure they will blitz early to see how Jefferson handles it and adjust accordingly. I would guess they don't want to purposely get their talented linebakers ut of position because those guys are the heart o their defense.

Joe (Mechanicsburg, Pa.): Penn State fan here...First off, major props to Tiger fans, as I've heard consistently glowing reviews from fellow PSU fans in Orlando about how nice the LSU fans are. Having been to 10+ PSU bowl games over the years, can tell you how often we see the opposite. For my question, given the LSU depth chart @ RB due to injuries, do you see this influencing LSU's offensive gameplan? I'm specifically referring to the prospect of LSU going with a spread version of offense with a heavy dose of short, quick passes. As stout as PSU's D has been, this style of offensive attack has created some challenges for them in the past.

RR: Joe --

Good stuff to hear. LSU fans are passionate and can sometimes rub opposing fans the wrong way, but that's usually in the SEC where there are a lot of longstanding bitter feelings.

Now, LSU's RB situation is a little strange heading into the bowl game, with the top three games off the preseason depth chart on the shelf. But something I've thoght and written a few times is that the RB position is one area where LSU has a ton of quality depth and the TIgers aren't as affected there as they would be at some other spots.

I think Stevan Ridley, the sophomoe who will start against Penn State, is as talented or more talented than the three guys are hurt and has a better blend of skills than any other the three. His inexperience puts him at a disadvantage and he actually is only 10 months removed from major knee sugery himself. But with the long layoff, I have a hunch he has learned a lot about the cuts he needs to make, the blitz pickups he's esponsible for, etc.

I also think LSU will opt for a short, quick passing game at times and will incorporate Ridley into that, as the Tigers did on a fourth-quarter game-tying drive against Arkansas in a 33-30 overtime win. Once Jordan Jefferson gets comfortable with that part of the game plan, I also expect LSU to take some deep shots to try and give Brandon LaFell and Terrance Toliver some chances to make plays.

August (Beaumont, Texas): Hi Randy, DC coach John Chavis was questioned earlier on the LSU website about Georgia DC opening, but did not really give a confermation either way. Can you tell us what you have heard from your sources? Thanks.

RR: August --

Can't go too much into detail, but today Les Miles acknowledged that Georgia coach Mark Richt has spoken to John Chavis and called Les directly in the last 24-36 hours.

I think it's clear Richt is ready to pull the trigger and he has Chavis' attention. But I also think Chavis wants to stay put and see where LSU can go in the next few years. Stay tuned.

Larry (Denham Springs): With a pretty stout Penn State defense and possible sloppy field conditions do you Really think LSU can hang? GEAUX TIGERS

RR: Larry --

Yes, I think they can. Remember, if the field is sloppy that affects both teams. So if it neutralizes LSU's speed advantage, it also figures to have an impact on how aggressively the Penn State defense -- especially the linebackers -- can pursue runners.

Now the Lions defense is tough. But it's hard for me to fathom it's better than Florida's or Alabama's or several others in the SEC. Against two comparable teams in the Big Ten, Penn State gave up big plays, lots of yards and lost -- Iowa and Ohio State.

Bruce (Panama City, Fla.): Jordan Jefferson has seemingly locked up the QB job for the foreseeable future, so where does that leave Russell Sheppard? He's clearly an incredible athlete, and the coaching staff will almost certainly figure out how to get the ball in his hands in a variety of ways, but there are only so many footballs to go around. I can't see him as the tailback, and to only use him occasionally in the "Wildcat" seems too predictable to work effectively in the SEC week after week. What do you see on the horizon for Mr. Sheppard? Thanks, Randy, and Happy New Year from a lonely LSU fan in the heart of Gator and Seminole country.

RR: Bruce --

I think Shepard will evolve next year into a back in a similar mold as Dexter McCluster next year, with not as many carries, maybe more looks as a receiver and a more viable threat to throw the ball from the wildcat.

There's an offseason, spring ball and fall camp for him to establish a little more trust with the coaches and convinve them to open things up a little more.

To Bruce and all readers, have a safe and Happy New Year and enjoy the game tomorrow.