Choke Job

In what was one of the biggest choke jobs in LSU history, the Tigers blew a 21 point half time lead and a 17 point fourth quarter lead Monday night. LSU mustered a measly 44 yards of offense in the second half as the Vols passed the Tigers silly on their way to a critical overtime win.

Let's play the blame game. Our first contestant: Les Miles.

I don't want excuses about the hurricanes and cancellations and players blowing coverages. This game was in hand and pitifully thrown away. The offense went into run out the clock mode as soon as the second half began. LSU repeatedly ran into a very stiff UT defensive line while Russell only threw 9 passes in the second half, two of those being intercepted. The lack of aggressiveness permeated the entire team and ultimately killed the Tigers hopes for victory. Most telling was the decision to play for overtime with two minutes left on the clock. This tells the offense, "I don't have confidence in you to win this game." Many have blamed Jimbo Fisher for the offensive play calling. I disagree. Miles is the head coach, and such a drastic change in offensive philosophy probably came from him. The offensive play calling in the second half was dubious at best. Of the first 13 plays of the second half, 11 were running plays. In overtime, the Tigers had 1st and 10 at the 15 in overtime and ran the fullback up the middle? Then on second down they try a throwback pass to the fullback that fools no one?

Where was the killer instinct? Where was the kill shot to end the game? Where the hell was a play action pass amongst those 13 plays the Tigers ran in the third quarter?

Our second contestant: Bo Pelini

The defense is giving up 5 points a game before halftime, and 25 points a game after the half. You seeing a trend here? The pass defense is now ranked 116 out of 117 division I-A teams. Let's also not forget that USC dismantled Pelini's Oklahoma defense last season in the National Title Game. (Which LSU will not get within sniffing distance of this season.) Clausen did a great job of dinking and dunking down the field as he lead the Vols to a great comeback. But LSU made it easier on him. There was no pass rush and the Tigers couldn't get to him when blitzing. He shoved it right in LSU's face and the defense is going to have to get used to it unless significant changes are made. I don't know if there is a drop off in talent on the defensive side of the ball or the scheme is not being picked up yet, but the defense didn't show the kind of improvement I would have hoped for. Lou Tepper proved that playing soft zone will get you run out of the SEC in a hurry.

Both sides of the ball are responsible for losing this game, the offense couldn't stay on the field and put up any points in the second half while the defense couldn't get off the field or make a play to win the game.

And our final contestant: Jamie Howard

What idiot called him up? Who would invite to the home opener the orchestrator of the most monumental meltdown in the history of LSU football? Next thing you know we will have Josh Booty out there before the game. (If that ever happens, the loud booing will be coming from me!)

Saban lost some heartbreakers, but never like this. I know the doomsayers will be out en masse calling for heads to roll and predicting a losing season, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. A fairer assessment will come after October 15 when the Tigers play the Mighty Gators. LSU will have played 5 games by that point and we can make conclusions based on half a season, not just two games against top 15 opponents. Miles will right the ship and make changes or get run out of town.

As for this weekend, the Tigers are favored by two touchdowns over Mississippi State. LSU scored 51 on the Bulldogs last year. I expect a lot less on Saturday. This game is huge for Miles, something I never would have thought before the season started.

LSU 31 - MSU 20.