The Nasty Boys are Back

With LSU’s thrilling OT victory over Alabama, the Tigers took control of the SEC West, and the defense led the way. The Tide had the upper hand in the first half as they scored 10 points and had 207 yards of offense. But the second half was an entirely different story. The Tigers held the Tide to only 24 yards before the final pass in regulation which went for 40. LSU sacked Croyle 5 times and harassed him constantly. Alabama had 6 drives in the second half; four of those were 3 and outs netting a total of 13 yards. For the 5th game in a row the Tigers did not create a turnover, yet held another opponent to 17 points or less. LSU’s defensive line may be the best in all of college football.

JaMarcus Russell played extremely well for the Tigers. He finished 16 for 30 with 229 yards a 1 TD. He did not turn the ball over once. In his short career, Russell has been balls out when the Tigers need him. Versus Oregon State, Iowa, Arizona State, Florida, and Auburn, Russell has orchestrated 4th quarter scores to put LSU in the lead. He is the guy you want to have the ball with the game on the line. Despite inconsistent play which is a hallmark for young quarterbacks, Russell in clutch in crunch time. Everyone else will just have to wait their turn to get under center.

It was nice to see Justin Vincent play well against Alabama. With Addai injured, Vincent is LSU’s #1 back for the foreseeable future. His numbers weren’t great, but he made plays when LSU needed him and he held on to the ball which was refreshing to say the least. The receiving corps is finally flourishing after struggling at times during the season. Dwayne Bowe is becoming the big game receiver we have been waiting for and there are no better hands on the team than Craig Davis.

The coaching staff also deserves big props. After struggling in the first half, the Tigers came out roaring in the second. LSU is getting a reputation for being very tough late in tight games. Pelini should get a big high five as well. After giving up 61 points in LSU’s first two games, the Tigers have given up 63 points in their last seven. Some may still be skeptical of Miles and even Jimbo Fisher, but the results can’t be argued with. In Saban’s 5 years in Baton Rouge, only once did he start a season 8-1; and he never defeated Alabama, Auburn and Florida in the same season.

The Tigers take on a weak Ole Miss team in Oxford this weekend. Look for the Rebels to keep it close for a half, but LSU will turn it on and win going away.

LSU 27 – Ole Miss 13