LSU played the fourth quarter versus Alabama with a backup quarterback, a backup running back, a backup tight end and a backup center. Add that to the fact that LSU’s best PLAYER was not on the field as Julio Jones streaked down the sideline for 73 yards, and Miles' utterly STUPID attempt at a two point conversion in the third quarter and you have a nine point loss to the number three team in the country.
LSU played valiantly and even led going into the fourth quarter, but Bama held LSU to 9 yards in the final stanza while the Tide put up 14 unanswered points.
* The attempted two point conversion is what infuriates me the most about the loss. STUPID, STUPID, STUPID. I am not sure if that originated with Miles or he just went along with another coach yelling for two, but he is the head coach and must take full responsibility. That single call changed the dynamic of the game and put LSU in an impossible situation late. Had he kicked the extra point, LSU would only have been down 7 with three minutes left to go. Plenty of time to move the ball and even throw in a few well timed running plays. But because of the call earlier, LSU was down 9 and Lee was forced to drop back every play. That was an unfair spot for Lee.
* LSU got hosed by the refs. Imagine that. Peterson was clearly inbounds on the pick. I am sick of the SEC refs who can’t even get it right with replay. Pathetic. I hope that crew gets suspended. That’s not a rant or throw away statement; I really do hope that Mike Slive suspends those guys in the booth.
* LSU was called for roughing the kicker mid way through the fourth quarter. Daniel Graff, who blocked a punt against Tulane, came free and had a bead on the punter. He was in position to make a play but instead ran into the kicker and drew the five yard penalty. Bama had new life and eventually scored a FG on that drive. Graff was trying to make a play to regain the momentum for LSU but came up a bit short. Unfortunate and unlucky.
* LSU made too many mistakes to win a big game like that on the road. On LSU’s first drive, Jefferson seemingly scrambled for the first but then twisted and stood up and was tackled just short. LSU was forced to punt. Put your head down and run man! Next drive, Jefferson connects with Lafell for a big first down only to have it called back because LSU lined up improperly. LSU had 8 penalties for the game, many of those pre-snap.
* Would you believe LSU lost and MOVED UP in the BCS rankings? How bout them apples?
* Miles is going to earn his paycheck the next three weeks (or not). It will be interesting to see how he handles the psyche of the team after this tough loss. With a division and SEC title out the window, can he get this group to focus and finish strong?
* While unlikely, LSU can still play in the Sugar Bowl. A loss by Bama to Miss. State or Auburn then another loss to Florida in the SEC Title game combined with LSU winning out would give both teams two losses. LSU would finish near the top 5 in the BCS Standings and be very attractive for the Sugar Bowl. It’s a stretch, but not impossible. * LSU will have to figure out how to finish the season without Chuck the Truck. His broken collarbone puts him out until the bowl game or worse.
* This is the second draft of this blog. In the first draft I was ready to throw Miles under the bus and declare the SEC West Division the permanent property of Alabama as long as Saban walks the Tide sidelines. That may still happen, but I am holding out hope that Miles & Co. finish strong and have this team ready to rock in 2010. Seriously, it’s not like LSU has lost to bad clubs. Florida and Alabama may be the best two teams in the country and LSU went toe to toe with both. No shame there.
SEC officials...crooked or just stupid?
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