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July 27, 2010

Why the LSU Tigers are Going to Be Better Than You Think

This is the time of the year when the hopes of college football fans springs eternal.  Everyone's team is undefeated, so far and fans everywhere are hopeful that their team will stay that way all year.  That is, everywhere except among some LSU fans.


Some Fans And Experts Predict a Down Year For the Tigers.
Some LSU fans, as well as some "experts," believe that they have a more realistic vision of LSU's chances for the 2010 season.  These fans and experts point out that LSU has lost powerhouse running backs, Charles Scott and Keiland Williams.  They point out that LSU has no more than one lineman on either side of the ball with more than a full season as a starter.  They look at LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson and wonder if he has any chance of becoming a true leader.  And so LSU has been picked to finish 4th.  Not 4th in the nation, not even 4th in the SEC but, 4th out of the 6 teams in the SEC West division. And even more insulting, it is widely being reported that LSU head coach Les Miles is on the hot seat.  Imagine that!  Les Miles, the LSU coach that in only five years has never had a losing or even break even season.  In fact, the LSU fans and experts know very well that Les Miles' worst season at LSU was two years ago; an 8-5 season that ended with a major 38-3 thumping of Georgia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.  (Noteworthy: That was only Jordan Jefferson's second start, ever,  and he was a true freshman.)  I have heard one dire prediction for this year that LSU will lose 4 or 5 games of the first 6 (depending on how good Vandy and Miss. St. are this year) and that coach Miles will likely be fired before the end of this season.  Not so fast my friend!  I don't think so!  and here are the reasons why:


LSU will have a much better Offensive Line this year and very well may be better on both sides of the line.
Mark my words.  I know they are gambling words that I may have to eat but, hear me out.  Let's face it, last year's defensive line only had a few seconds of highlight material and the offensive line that prior to the 2009 season coach Miles called "maybe the best offensive line he had ever coached at LSU," was horrid.  When you have those kinds of standards set to improve upon, you do not have to do a whole lot to be "much improved" but, my predictions for the LSU lines are much more than just:  "doing better than last year."  True LSU fans will remember Russell Shepard's 69-yard touchdown run against Auburn last year and will also recall Charles Scott's 33-yard scamper that end up as the winning touchdown against Georgia last year.  Here is a refresher video of Shepard's run.  Watch every second of that video.  It will help you see my point that follows.



Did you see it?  Will Blackwell, who rarely got to play last year, who was taken out of the game after that play, and who will start this year, made the key block.  In the Georgia game one of the things that worried many LSU fans was that several of our key offensive line starters were coming off the field sick.  There are some kind of gross camera shots of  LSU linemen losing their lunch in that game as they left the field that will be etched in my mind for probably a few years to come.  I am still looking for film confirmation to confirm that Charles Scott's memorable run in last year's Georgia game came when some of this year's "less experienced" starting linemen were in the game.  I very well could be wrong but, I think Will Blackwell, Alex Hurst (starting OG this year) and possibly even Patrick Lonergan (starting Center this year) were in that play.  From what film I can find, I know that both departed OT Ciron Black and returning OT Joseph Barksdale were definitely key in Scott's big run in the Georgia game.  Those LSU fans with shorter memories may need to be reminded that Ciron Black was only rated by rivals as a 3-star offensive lineman coming out of high school.  Black's offensive line may have had a hard time last year but, he certainly proved to be much better than a "3-star" offensive lineman while at LSU.  The same case cannot be built for the defensive line.  You can point to a whole lot of potential and I think Drake Nevis is set to have a great year.  It can honestly be said that the guys playing defensive line for LSU this year were all fairly well recruited by many major colleges. I have also read in several places that we can expect an increase in LSU's speed coming from the defensive ends.  The defensive line is somewhat of an enigma but, I believe that we can count on John Chavis (second year DC) and Brick Haley ( second year D-line coach) to do what it takes to improve this year's defensive line.  These coaches are great motivators and the defensive line has something to prove this year.

Jordan Jefferson will be much better this year.
I watched Jefferson's question and answer session at SEC media days last week thanks to Nola.com's posting of the videos.  The two questions that stick in my mind from that Q&A session and will probably stick in Jefferson's mind are 1. "Are you ready to step up and be the team leader that LSU needs you to be", and 2. "Does LSU deserve to be ranked 4th in the SEC West?".  Clearly, Jordan Jefferson knows that it is time for him to step up and lead. And though he gave a professional response to the second question, I know that he is motivated by the insult of being ranked 4th in the SEC West.  Jefferson was the quarterback in the games against Arkansas and Auburn last year.  LSU won those two games and those are two of the three SEC West teams that are picked above LSU this year.  Last year was truly Jefferson's first year as a starter and he was only a true sophomore.  Jefferson was replacing a quarterback who was yanked from starting because of the unusually large number of interceptions for touchdowns that he threw.  Jefferson's main mistake last year was that he held the ball too long and took too many sacks because he preferred to take a sack than risk a pick-six.  He may still have a healthy fear of throwing a pick-six but, he should have an improved line that will give him more time and he will have a full year of experience under his belt.  Junior and Senior quarterbacks tend to make better decisions than underclassmen, especially, in the SEC.  I also think that Jefferson will get some relief from an improved running game not only because of the blocking but because LSU has a redshirt freshman running back that may very well have a break out season.  I think Mike Ford, if given the chance, is going to favorably surprise LSU fans.  And the fact that Les Miles is committed to an improved ground game can't hurt.

LSU has all stars in the Wide Receiver corp and in the defensive back field.
Terrance Toliver, Rueben Randle, and Russell Shepard were all rivals five star recruits coming out of high school.  Toliver was the #2 wide receiver recruit in the nation in 2007 and Randle was the #1 wide receiver recruit in the nation in 2009 and Shepard was the #1 dual threat quarterback in 2009.  The last time LSU had a Blietnikof (best college receiver in the country) winner the player had not come to LSU as a wide receiver at all.  Former LSU WR/2000 Blietnikof winner, Josh Reed was a converted running back.  If you have seen Russell Shepard run, I don't think it is a stretch to compare him to a running back.  All three of these receivers have skills and a need to prove those skills. This is Toliver's last chance to make his case for the NFL and I bet he steps up. Tight End Deangelo Peterson has also shown signs of being able to contribute key catches in the two or three opportunities he had in last year's games.  Finally, backing up the three wide receivers is Chris Tolliver, a former rivals four-star recruit.  I mention Chris Tolliver partly because I believe he has potential and partly on the strength of the words of LSU's all-world cornerback, Patrick Peterson.  Peterson, who practices against LSU's wide receivers, made a point to mention Chris Tolliver as a skilled receiver in his Q&A session at SEC media days.  Patrick Peterson is the one LSU player that no one is questioning.  Peterson is arguably the best cornerback in the SEC and the best shutdown corner in college football.  He will lead a very capable set of defensive backs.  Kelvin Shepard will anchor the linebacker corp from his position at middle linebacker.  Experts and less than optimistic LSU fans are not questioning the strength of the receiving corp or LSU's powerful defensive backfield.

The main reason LSU is going to win, win, win and keep winning this year is because nobody thinks they can. Nothing motivates real winners more than being told that they don't measure up.  Fourth out of Six teams in the SEC West?!  Les Miles on the hot seat?!  Last year LSU always seemed to have a lull or a gaff in each game.  This year LSU will focus and play hard for 60minute each and every game.

37 comments:

BigBadTigerDaddy said...

First to comment. Bob, I like your optimism! Pass me some of that Kool Aid!

BillyWayne said...

You make a good case! LSU never does good when people say they will. The Tigers always play better as underdogs. This may be our year. Thanks for showing me the light brother Bob.
Geaux Tigers!!!

Anonymous said...

Geaux Tigers! L-S-U! L-S-U!

DeeMax said...

SOONERS #1

MSlack said...

The heck with LSU and the Sooners...Louisiana Tech is the team to watch. Go Dawgs.

RobW said...

I want to believe Bob. I really really do.............

p.s. Les Miles has to go.

Bob Wynn said...

There are no fans more passionate about college football than LSU's fans. And with that you take the bad with the good. DeeMax - If Bob Stoops were head coach at LSU, with a 6-5 all time bowl record, he would have been fired long ago. Fans would have run him off after his Independence Bowl loss in 1999 and missed out on his undefeated season in 2000. Les is a damn strong coach! Have a nice day!

Bob Wynn said...

One more thing - to RobW - Believe!

Anonymous said...

Rise Up Tiger Nation! and support you coach and team! Geaux Tigers!

BamaBacker09 said...

Roll Tide!

GeauxGreen! said...

Tulane would crush LSU this year. Ashame they dropped us from their schedule for McNeese St. Cowgirls.

Anonymous said...

Bob,
I agree with you 100%. LSU fans are too hard on Jefferson, who did well in the 15 or so games he has played. Let's not forget, Matt Mauk did not look so good against VaTech his 1st year or Matt Flynn playing that horrible game against Ark his senior yr. Jefferson had no running game whatsoever to take the pressure off and his receivers let him down a lot. If we get the inside presence(DT postion), the Tigers are in the hunt for SEC crown.

Let's not forget the Natl Champs had a lot of help to beat us. (Not talking about the interception; just watch the 1st series by LSU on offense.) I don't like our chances with the zebras in that state when you look at the Aub calls(extra kick, pass interf, chop block on dorsey).

Anonymous said...

Rise Up, Tiger Nation, Rise Up
L-S-U L-S-U L-S-U Goooooo TIGERS!!!

MaximumTiger said...

We were robbed by the zebras against UF (yanked down cb) and at Bama (we had an interception). On a decent field we would have beat Penn St. No excuses for the Ole Miss debacle. But we were that close to a one lose or even an undefeated season (if we would have not mishandled the last second at Ole Miss). The Tigers are definitely contenders this year!

McLovin said...

I love how people always thrive on negativity. Les Miles may have had a few "Doh" moments in his time at LSU, but he seems to be a man of honor, he is a great recruiter, and I'll take him over Saban any day of the week. I really wish that people would stop thinking "the grass is greener on the other side." Look at USC with all of their sanctions, do we want some knucklehead coach to come in and do things to get our program in hot water with the NCAA or do we want a coach who is a proven winner that runs a clean ship. I'll take the latter....Thank you and have a great day!

Anonymous said...

Rise Up! Tiger Nation Rise Up!

Anonymous said...

You go Bob!

I think LSU is going to be in every game again this year. That's what I really care about. College football is so competitive that expecting to win every game is hopeless, but I want to see our guys play with heart in every game.

Go Tigers!

Anonymous said...

Sorry, just rather pass on the kool-aide today. Miles having a firm commitment to the run is no different than last year. He was committed, we just couldnt run. Theres a reason Crowton wont let Jefferson throw downfield, gotta be. All those 5 yd passes work wonders on the % complete, but you dont get the 105th offense for nothing.

You've seen what Miles is about, he wants to overpower teams in the best conference, a conference where EVERYONE tries to stop the run first. And our plan? We're gonna run.

Just cant see the bright sunshine. Its not how many has he won, its how many did he win with what he had, and whats he doing with what he has now.

Not gonna beat Bama, or UF, probably not Ark. Thats your SECW title game down the river right there. The rest? If you want to pay big money to see LSU whip up on McNeese, go ahead.

Anonymous said...

I am just another LSU tiger fan Bob, that think that you are a hopeful tiger fan alright, but I do not think that a college football team that has had the offense line problems that this LSU team had last year, will suddenly go away after only one season,the coaching also was terrible last year, so I do not think that new and improved LSU football team, will be all that improved after all...Sorry.

Rico66 said...

The key to our season as is was last year is quarterbacking. If Jefferson does not show vast improvement in the first few games...then yank him! If Crowton continues to run the option with a quarterback who has no clue as to when to hold or pitch and does not give the QB the option to check off when 9 or ten are in the box, then our offense will suck as much as last year no matter who the running backs are. If none of this changes, then maybe a coaching change IS in order...Crowton or Miles, take your pick!

Anonymous said...

Nice read Bob. A agree whole heartedly. What is hard to believe is the so called Tigers fans or realist is what they call themselves can be so negative every thing LSU. Let's see if your down on the O line down on Jefferson down on the D line and most importantly down on our head coach what are you for? Let's be real these last ten years has arguably been the best LSU has had in football and less miles is atleast 50% responsible for. Your right let's show him that as tiger fans we will not stand for a 51-15 record 5 winnings seasons 4 bowl victories 4 top ten recruiting classes (two #1's) and a 12th a clean program a great graduation rate and a National champion! Let's show him like we showed Aransparger. We as Tiger fans will not stand for anything less than perfection. Really to all the hatters please please find another school to route for. I like many other fans are tired of hearing your negativity you are not fans. Fans support there team no matter what! Again I enjoyed the article Bob keep it up. Jason Newman

Anonymous said...

Rise Up, Tiger Nation, Rise Up!

Bob Wynn said...

Thanks to all for your comments. To those of you,like me, that are optimistic: I hope we are right. This is certainly a time to believe in our coach and team. To those of you that are not as optimistic: Hopefully, the Tigers will be able change your mind as the season progresses. I respect and appreciate everyone's comments. I should have another article that you can sink your teeth into Friday. Bookmark the site http://bobs-sports-blog.blogspot.com/ and comeback everyday!

Buddy Slaid said...

Hell boys,
If all you're gonna do is critisize and predict our demise, at least add something like "I hope I'm wrong." Otherwise, you simply don't have the courage to be a true fan, or you're really a Bama fan posing as a Tiger. It ain't hard to ride the train when its all good.

Geaux Tigers!

Anonymous said...

I do not believe that Jefferson is a good enough QB to win at LSU..I do not think that Les Miles is a good coach ether, but a lucky man who got a good job, coaching at LSU.
I think LSU has two strikes so far, as best as I can tell..If LSU loses the wrong football games this year,Les Miles will get the third and final strike..Miles will be fired after this year, if he loses the wrongs game...And I think he will lose...Because Les Miles is not a good coach.

Anonymous said...

Miles' contract doesn't run out until the end of the 2012 season. Miles will have a decent season this year and will coach LSU next season. I don't think HE will renew his contract with LSU after the '12 season. I think he has had a snoot full of the LSU faithful and will end up at somewhere the fans appreciate him. I just hope he has two of the best seasons of his career so he can go out leaving the LSU faithful wanting more. Love Miles or hate him he is a winning coach and will have a great career in college football. Just another great coach the LSU faithful have chased off.

Anonymous said...

Just a quick note to the kool-aide gulpers. First, Arsnparger didnt quit because of pressure from fans, he quit to be the A.D at UF. He said when he got here he only wanted to coach a couple of years. Second, if being a fan means overlooking a game plan that involves running into an eight man front, throwing past five yds downfield once a half, and pretending the qb at LSU only needs to 'manage the game' rather than win it, then for the prices they charge to go see these events, you can be a fan.

When tickets were $20 per seat, we cheered for the home team and if they didnt win it was a shame, as the song goes. But at what is realistically over $100 per seat and more, much more if you sit in a good seat at a game that doesnt involve a directional school, we have every right to expect to see competence on the field. Are somedays just not our day? Of course, are there days the other guy is just better? Sure... We love our Tigers, just like the rest.

But watching a coach 'commit to the run' against teams committing to stop it? Thats just stupid. Having a pair of Parade AA's on the wide outs and one also in the slot and we never throw past 5-10 yds? Thats stupid too cause the safetys cheat and further stop the run.

If we cant say thats not really good enough? Fan-hood aint what it used to be. How long will we hear the O-line has trouble and thats why we couldnt run against some team... then find the next week, knowing we have a suspect O-line, we sit and watch the same game plan again try to run...

Douglas MacArthur told Harry Truman that the frontal assault as a means of battle was obsolete and only our most mediocre commanders still employ it. ... But we'll try it week after week, after establishing we dont have the horses to pull it off, then all the word out of the coaches offices will be 'we found the problem, our O-line isnt getting it done'... Then next week we do it again...

Fans dont notice that too?

Anonymous said...

Bob your are the man...lets geaux tigers...and the TIGERS will beat either florida or bama this year...and for us playing Mcneese its fine...they whipped USL a few years back and I wuold put the house on them beating Tulame

Anonymous said...

For those of you that think LSU would be making a good decision to can Les Miles. Fine - who is the coach that averages more than 9 wins a year that you have in mind? Who is the coach that you have in mind whose worst year includes 8 wins?

Anonymous said...

Jon Gruden is a Good coach with a pro back grown that would be very much in the High schools players mind, when Grouden tries to take the top recruiting classes away from Meyer,Saban.
A QB coach at that,LSU could get him, for the money they pay Miles.

Anonymous said...

I think you are right Bob. LSU has a lot of young talent ready to step in and get it done. I like the fact that Miles hired a bunch of new offensive coaches that are well respected amongst their peers. I don't think we win them all this year but I expect LSU to be a tough out and not finish 4th in the SEC West. I'm thinking a 2 or 3 loss season at worst and it all will start with a North Carolina beatdown. I firmly believe the LSU coaches will stop playing the players with the most seniority and put the best players out there to give us the chance to win the game. If Jefferson can't get it done, I think J. Lee goes in, if that does not work out, then Z. Lee goes in. We'll find a QB this year in my opinion that can finally get it done. Miles, his staff and the players have too much pride not to come out and compete, play smart and hard. After the last two seasons, I think Miles learned some hard lessons and made some bad mistakes that he does not repeat again this year. Geaux Tigers!!!!

P.S.-Jon Gruden to LSU, who are you kidding! You think Gruden would leave that Monday Night Football gig to coach and recruit college kids and listen to a huge LSU fan base that would complain if they were hung with a new rope. If Gruden coaches again, it will be in the NFL.

Anonymous said...

Keep this on the down low, Bob. I intend to make some serious money through the first half of the season, taking LSU to beat the spread each and every time.

LSU simply has better talent than any team they're playing, with the exceptions of Florida and Bama. And they hold their own with those two. If the coaches don't screw this up, this could be a great year for LSU.

Anonymous said...

LOL thought this was the only article on your blog until I clicked on the Title "Bob's Sports Blog" at the top. You have some good and serious stuff here. Love the Sports minute video girl.

Anonymous said...

LSU is folding in 2010..Look back at the last four years of SEC recruiting rankings:
Les Miles has failed,the argument is over,LSU is going to lose.
Unless the people running the LSU tigers like being back in the pack?

Anonymous said...

my opinion of "fans" a true fan stays and roots for the team , win or lose... never boo's their team or coach.we do not need part time fans, too many times , if winning or losing i have seen these so called LSU fans heading for the exit... sleepy and ready for bed or drunk and passing out ..true fans don"t complain or whine and SUPPORT the team and school , no matter what.

BayouBabe said...

Just watched the LSU-UGA game replay on Cox Sports. Couldn't tell if Blackwell was in on Scott's second TD but he pulled and led the way for Scott's first TD. Jefferson look much better in the 4th when Blackwell was in for Lyle Hitte. You may be on to something Bob.

Anonymous said...

True Fans?

If true fans never questioned the team, we'd still have Dinardo. Joe Dean would never have taken enough heat from Emmerit to eventually be recused to force Saban to be hired.

True fans cheer when the team is bad, and pay their money anyway. True fans understand that its a business when the AD says ticket prices have to go up. And understand its a game when they are told to cheer even if the high prices for the tickets are unjustified by what is seen on the field.

True fans dont ask, dont question, true fans do as they're told. By the people taking their money.

Baaahhhhhhhh

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