Hold Those Pink Slips

On the heels of an incredibly tough loss followed by idiots starting up web sites advocating the firing of the LSU coaching staff, the Tigers played very well and came home with a 30 point thumping of Mississippi State.

JaMarcus Russell was 20 for 23 with 2 TD’s and 197 yards. LSU finished with 402 yard of total offense and only fumbled once (Carey - late in the game in garbage time.) It appears that Addai will be the “go to” running back this season. He played almost exclusively the first 3 quarters. I like the decision and look for him to get about 20 touches a game as the season progresses. Playing 2 backs was a staple of Saban’s philosophy, so maybe Miles is looking to put his own footprints on the offense.

Other than the blown coverage, the defense was outstanding. After giving up the lone score on a missed assignment, the Tigers buckled down and only allowed MSU 163 yards the rest of the way. In the interim, LSU tallied 5 sacks and an interception. The rushing defense is now ranked 9th nationally and 2nd in the SEC to Tennessee. There is still plenty of room for improvement, but I liked what I saw.

The most important thing for everyone to remember is LSU still has a lot of football to play and almost all of their goals are within reach. The Tigers still get the Less than Mighty Gators and the Other Tigers at home. The West will probably not be decided until November 12 in Bryant-Denny Stadium. LSU will play a number of games before then and if Miles and company can help find an identity for this team, they are good enough to play with anyone.

LSU gets Vanderbilt in Nashville this coming Saturday. The Commodores lost at home this week to Middle Tennessee State 17-15. I am looking for another sharp performance from LSU. Vandy’s senior QB, Jay Cutler, will test the secondary and either give fans hope or have them calling for Pelini’s head. Cutler is attempting 41 passes per game with a 60% completion rate. The pass rush of the front four will be critical. It is obvious that the defensive backs are still mastering the blitz and coverage schemes, and a consistent pass rush by the front four will relieve some of the pressure on the younger players. Daniels and Webster are gone; the younger players are learning on the fly and must be given time to develop. Some of these guys are getting their FIRST bits of playing time while learning a new scheme.

This season has been very weird and the more football LSU gets in the better. These guys are still hungry and looking to prove themselves. Stay positive and the Tigers will keep on winning.

LSU 34 – Vandy 17.