NCAA Gameday: Ronnie Prude

Not only is the NFL season in full swing, but the weekends are packed with NCAA action, and the Ravens are definitely keeping their eyes on the standings. BR.com talked with LSU alumnus Ronnie Prude about what many think is the biggest game, LSU vs. Florida.

BR.com: First of all, have the Tigers lived up to your expectations this year?
Prude: "I think they've really exceeded those expectations. They're doing really good down there. The defense is outstanding - taking care of business by shutting people out and just playing hard-nosed. I think the offense is coming around. [Quarterback] Ryan Perrilloux is doing a great job of moving the ball."

Prude traded his collegiate No. 8 for 27 with the Ravens.

Can Florida go into Baton Rouge and beat LSU?
"Florida's a really good team, and they're dangerous when they want to be. They have a big, athletic quarterback in Tim Tebow, and they have a lot of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. I think it's going to be a big challenge for our defense to see a team of this caliber. We do owe them from last year, though, so it's going to be interesting."

What was that rivalry like in college?
"Well, any time you're playing an SEC opponent, it's a big game. The fact that Florida was so good when I was in school at the time we were so good made it even bigger. We always got up for the Gators."

Do you have a score prediction?
"Absolutely. I believe it's going to be 21-7. I'll give the Gators seven, but that's all because of our defense. They won't get that many points on our defense."

Describe the game day atmosphere when you're at Tiger Stadium?
"It's crazy. The fans are so supportive. When you come in there, opposing teams have to be ready, because if we get on you early, it's tough to dig out in front of our home crowd. For home games, we would walk down the main hill towards our stadium. Our fans would line both sides, and they would be screaming after tailgating all day. But, towards the end of college, I couldn't even hear it because I was so zoned out. It's one of the most intense parts of college football."