I will never complain about a road victory over a top 10 team. Winning in the SEC is tough and winning on the road at one of the elite programs is even tougher. But I think LSU suffers from a perception problem. Fans and the media see the bevy of PHYSICAL TALENT on the field but can’t appreciate the mental part of the game which is critical. I can see that JaMarcus can throw the ball 50+ yards on the run; I can see that Trindon Holliday is incredibly fast; I can see that Glen Dorsey is a great pass rusher. What you don’t see is the decision making process. You can’t see the level of concentration a player has throughout a game. The Tigers, for whatever reason, have not focused as well when playing in the big road games this season. In the three games against Auburn, Florida and Tennessee, LSU turned the ball over NINE TIMES and had 21 PENALTIES. It is amazing that the Tigers were able to win even one of those games after committing so many errors.
To many, Russell is maddening because at times he looks tremendous and at other times he looks awful. The game in Knoxville was a microcosm of Russell’s career. There are unexplainable gaffs (how does the ball flutter out of his hand? I’ve never met him but he must have enormous hands, right? Remember in the Arizona State game when the ball just slipped out like he was goofing around when he went to pass?) then cool deliveries (the 4th down pass to Doucet and the TD to Doucet to win the game, game winning TD passes versus Arizona State and Alabama) which make me shake my head.
Accept it folks, on some Saturdays Russell is going to keep the other team in the game and then break their heart as time expires. This is who he is. Be thankful he never gets down, he keeps hammering away and stays in the game. He continues to be a work in progress, and most importantly, his teammates believe in him. Now I haven’t taken a poll in the locker room nor do I have an inside source, but as much as I have criticized him at times, I believe in him. And if I can keep the faith, the people around him have to be doing the same.
Some have said that this is a “signature” win for Les Miles. These are probably the same people who were saying that the Peach Bowl against Miami was “the biggest game in the history of LSU football.” In our, “what have you done for me lately culture,” the next game is always the biggest game and fans lose perspective in a heartbeat. What about LSU’s thrilling 16-13 win at fourth ranked and 9-0 Alabama last season? Beating the #4 team in the country at their place is not a “signature” win? As long as we are talking about Les Miles, why not mention his back-to-back victories over Oklahoma in 2001 and 2002. OU was ranked #4 in the nation in ’01 and 3rd in ’02. Do those count as “signature” wins? Please!
A few other random thoughts:
* The refs jammed LSU again on the no call fumble recovery. In the first half, a Tennessee player touched the ball as it bounced in the end zone after an LSU punt. The Tigers recovered the ball and instant replay CLEARLY showed the ball change direction and motion after hitting the back of the UT player’s hand. Yet the call on the field stood and UT took the ball and drove for the first TD.
* LSU had 231 yards rushing against the Vols. Amazing considering how LSU struggled to run the ball against Auburn and Florida.
* Keiland Williams needs to get the ball from now on. His numbers were not great, but he looks very strong and knows how to hit the hole.
* I was surprised LSU did not blitz more. The UT offensive line was solid and LSU’s front four were not as effective as usual.
* Is Trindon Holiday the fastest little dude you have ever seen?
* Loved the fake punt and other creative wrinkles in the game. A very well coached game…if JaMarcus would just stop turning the damn ball over…
* LSU is #1 in the nation in total defense and #11 in total offense.
Next week the Tigers get a dangerous Alabama team coming off a horrible home loss to Mississippi State. LSU has been steady defensively all season and down right ruthlessly efficient at home. The Tigers should pound the Tide and win comfortably.
LSU 32 – Bama 13
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