LSU vs. Georgia

BREAKDOWN

When LSU has ball

The Tigers have been solid throwing the football, with quarterback Jordan Jefferson completing 61.5 percent of his passes and receiver Brandon LaFell serving as his main target. The pair has combined for five touchdowns through four games.

Keiland Williams, who has 184 yards on 36 carries with a pair of touchdowns, leads the ground game.

Linebacker Rennie Curran, who leads the SEC with 39 tackles, will again pace the Georgia defense. Linebacker Darryl Gamble has also come on strong for the Bulldogs.

Edge: LSU

When Georgia has ball

Joe Cox followed up a five-touchdown performance against Arkansas with two picks against Arizona State, but made big throws when he had to, especially to A.J. Green. Green already leads the SEC in total receiving yards with 428 and yards per game (107). Against the Sun Devils he hauled in eight balls for 153 yards.

Richard Samuel and Caleb King split time at tailback, and both players are still waiting for a breakout performance in 2009.

The Bulldogs will face a strong defense, which features Harry Coleman, who has 29 tackles, and Perry Riley with 28.

Defensive end Rahim Alem leads the Tigers in both tackles for losses and sacks.

Edge: Georgia

Special teams

Trindon Holliday puts the “special” in LSU’s special teams, having returned a punt 93 yards for a touchdown against Mississippi State last week. He is the reigning NCAA champion in the 100-meter dash, making him a threat every time he touches the ball. UGA has been outstanding in all aspects of its special teams. Blair Walsh has quickly established himself as a premiere field goal kicker, and punter Drew Butler is able to flip the field when the need arises. Butler leads the NCAA with a 50.1-yard average on 16 kicks.

Edge: Georgia

Bottom line

Who knows? Despite their penchant for pulling out victories in thrilling fashion, the Bulldogs’ lone game against a Top 25 team resulted in a 14-point loss. LSU is undefeated, but its marquee win to date is against a Washington team that stunned Southern Cal — then turned around and lost big to Stanford. And last week’s victory over Mississippi State was too close for comfort, even if it did come on the road.

Today’s matchup will prove to be the toughest test to date for each team, with the winner establishing itself as a force to be dealt with in its respective division. It’s a game that could wind up 10-6 or 45-42, and Mark Richt and Les Miles will take it either way as long as their squad is the one on top at the end. Don’t be surprised if the Bulldogs give fans their fourth consecutive thrill ride, and second in a row Between The Hedges.

Prediction: Georgia 27, LSU 24

— Scott Adamson