Squeaker

This was LSU’s 2006 roll out the helmet game. I cannot remember a more uninspired performance by the Tigers since the Gerry D days. More than likely, Arkansas’ and Auburn’s victories earlier in the day deflated the Tigers. Knowing that the SEC Championship was out of reach took the fight out of a team that had been completely dominant through seven home games this season.

But in the 4th quarter, the Tigers recovered and took over the contest. In the 4th, LSU scored two TD’s on drives of 58 and 59 yards. Defensively, the Rebels were held to 10 total plays in the final stanza for 13 yards. LSU forced a critical fumble in OT and kicked the game winner to get out of Tiger Stadium with a 23-20 win.

We’ve become so spoiled by Russell’s home performances, we are hyper critical when he is anything less than brilliant. For the game, Russell was 20 of 36 (55%) for 223 yards and 3 TD’s. Most guys would kill for those numbers. But the bar is set unrealistically high because of his past performances. I have gone back and forth over this but I hope Russell comes back for his senior season. If he does he will be in contention for the Heisman Trophy and the Tigers will be a serious contender for the national championship.

To end on an uplifting note, I must say that the special teams were absolutely awful. I had to make a list to keep track of the futility:

1. Ole Miss blocked an LSU extra point
2. Ole Miss recovered an onside kick
3. Ole Miss converted an a fake punt
4. Ole Miss had two LONG kick-off returns (Marshay Green had two returns for an AVERAGE of 57.5 yards)
5. Ole Miss had a long punt return getting the ball to the LSU 35 (again, Green making the return)
6. LSU had two kick-off returns for a grand total of 6 yards and two punt returns for a whopping 11 yards.
7. LSU missed a FG

Special teams must play much better this Friday.

Looking Ahead

The mainstream college football media loves to jump on a bandwagon without taking a deeper look inside a team. A perfect example is Arkansas. All I have heard is that the Hogs are the best team in the SEC right now. Hmmm. This would seem to be based on the 10-1 record and the legs of Darren McFadden. But let’s take a bit closer look shall we.

Arkansas is ranked #4 in the nation in rushing. Nice number, but when you look at who they have played, the high ranking loses it’s luster. Excluding the USC game, the toughest run defense the Hogs have faced was Alabama (6-6) ranked #38 in run defense. Arkansas gained 172 yards on the ground against the Tide, 60 below their average. Against USC (#13 in run defense), the Hogs gained a mere 130 yards. Now the talking heads will say that game was at the beginning of the season and this is a different team. I’m not so sure. Just last week, Mississippi State held Arkansas to 128 yards on the ground and 14 offensive points. LSU will be THE toughest defense the Hogs face this regular season. No one has been able to run on the Tigers and I don’t see Friday’s game being any different.

LSU slept through about 48 minutes of the Ole Miss game. I expect a big effort from the lads to show everyone who really is the best team in the SEC. If the Tigers avoid their biggest road bugaboo, turnovers, LSU will have its first back to back 10+ win seasons in 113 years of football.

Tigers 24 – Hogs 16