The Mad Hatter

“It’s just a hat and I’m not mad at anybody.”

-Les Miles

You can’t make this stuff up.  If I didn’t know any better, I would think that Miles planned on the game going down to the wire to prove to the naysayers that, in fact, he can manage late game situations.  Miles pushed all the right buttons and called the fake FG which eventually led to the game winning touchdown.

I’m not going to go into Miles’ long term future or whether he is a good coach, lucky or has made a deal with Satan.  Bottom line, he’s got the 5^th most wins since 2005 among active coaches.  He’s 20-7 in games decided by 7 points or less.  His players give a tremendous amount of effort throughout the season.  He can make the most patient of fans pull their hair out.  He uses poor syntax and can speak in the most confusing manner. (The Quotable Les Miles)  But he wins.  He’s 6-0 and will be 7-0 going into Auburn next week.  The Tigers could finish the season anywhere between 14-0 and 8-5.  Miles can quiet a lot of detractors over the next 6 games.

Jarrett Lee has kept LSU undefeated this season.  He has led two game winning TD drives the last two weeks.  This last week was his best performance as a Tiger.  He started five drives against Florida and led the offense to four TD’s.  Jefferson started six drives and garnered a grand total of…..6 points.  Lee got more playing time in the second half and I believe it is inevitable that he eventually gets the large majority of snaps as the season moves along.

The defense played well versus Florida but the final drive by the Gators was frustrating.  Given the defensive excellence through six games, fans can hardly complain.

Given the perceptions of the media, LSU has not gotten much credit for their 6-0 start.  Any discussion of the Tigers includes references of clock mismanagement, luck or their formerly inept passing game.  Urban Meyer was 36-2 at the Swamp going into this game, the only losses coming to Auburn in 2007 and Ole Miss in 2008.  Despite Florida being a little down this year, this was a great win for LSU.  But all you hear about is Lucky Les and how mediocre UF has been this season.

LSU will handle McNeese this weekend, but the big test will be against Auburn in two weeks.  Enjoy the build up and savor the soon to be 7-0 start.   

Hi. My name is Les Miles, and I'm an idiot

Absurd - ridiculously unreasonable, unsound, or incongruous.  (Merriam Webster Dictionary)

The term that repeatedly comes to mind is “absurd.”  The stupidity and poor coaching at the end of that game goes beyond comprehension.  Whoever made the decision to try and sub players at the end of that game should be fired, Miles, Crowton, whoever.  For a group of people that make collectively over $4 million per season, the fiasco which will forever define this game is completely inexcusable.

1. Which phrase best describes the end of the LSU v. Tennessee?
1. A Chinese fire drill
2. A bunch of monkeys trying to f*ck a football
3. The Mad Hatter strikes again
4. All of the above

To begin with, it took the staff 20 seconds to run Jefferson in the game for the second down play.  Why was he in there?  Lee was doing a GREAT job on that drive?  Jefferson barely got the play off.  After getting tackled, instead of immediately spiking the ball, he looks to the sideline.  He was tackled with 26 seconds left to go.  With 14 seconds left, Tolliver, Shepard and Randall are run in.  Jefferson does not move to get under center until 7 seconds are left.  T-Bob snaps the ball with only 3 seconds left.  Of course Jefferson mishandles the snap.  Tennessee bailed LSU out by having too many players on the field.

Only a few people probably know the truth, but it is my guess that Miles called for the substitution.  He has no concept of time and this smacks of his disorganized mind.  Why weren’t two plays called?  Was Jefferson told to spike the ball if he didn’t make it and he panicked?  Regardless, I also blame Jefferson; he has NO CONCEPT of game situations or clock awareness.  He should have immediately taken charge and gathered the team up to spike the ball.  I cannot say how tired I am of Jefferson’s shortcomings.  He was 3 of 10 for 30 yards and 2 INT’s.  His passing efficiency rating was 15.2, possibly the lowest in LSU history for a player making at least 10 pass attempts.

Miles is now 56-15 at LSU.  He is 31-14 in SEC games.  His record defies logic.  How does someone who is so incompetent at managing late game situations compile such a record?  It’s almost too easy to say he’s dumb, a moron or a fool.  If it was simple as that, he would not be where he is or have had the success he has enjoyed.  Could he be called the village idiot that continually falls in shit and comes out smelling of roses?  Maybe he is incredibly lucky.  I think it is fair to say that he is one of the worst game day coaches out there.  After the game he said he was embarrassed about the chaos at the end of the game.  He should be.  He’s a joke and LSU fans deserve better.  At this point, Miles has absolutely no good will remaining and every game will be a referendum on whether he should be fired.  Miles has no one to blame but himself for the perception that the media and fans hold of him.

Les Miles, you’re an idiot.

Earlier this season I discussed Miles’ magic number.  At this point I think 9 wins is a must.  I am pretty confident there will be a big turnover on the offensive side of the ball if Miles is invited back next season.

On the positive side, Lee looked great relative to what we have seen from Jefferson thus far.  He threw downfield effectively and went 7 for 9 in the game winning drive.  Is he the savior? Nope.  But at this point he is the best LSU has to offer.  He took command of the team and made clutch throws down the stretch.

The defense was also terrific.  The Tigers gave up only 14 points and 217 yards to Tennessee.  LSU sacked Sims 5 times and stuffed the Vols on fourth down triggering LSU’s game winning drive.  LSU is now ranked 6^th in total defense, 6^th in rushing defense and 5^th in scoring defense nationally.  It is a shame this defense will be wasted by Miles’ stupidity.   

It seems inconceivable to me to be this frustrated with a 5-0 team.  Like most fans, I realize LSU and Les Miles are living on borrowed time.  With upcoming games versus Florida, Auburn, Alabama, Ole Miss and Arkansas, LSU’s season may get very ugly before it’s over.

Florida is up next. The Gators were destroyed by Alabama Saturday.  I expect LSU’s defense to continue to carry the day in Gainesville.  The question is what will we get from the offense. Can Lee be “the guy” on offense?  Will Miles insist on Jefferson’s participation?  Can the defense generate some turnovers?  Can the offense stop committing turnovers?

LSU’s defense is too good to get blown out and Florida’s offense is too weak to dominate the Tigers.  Florida will make a few more plays than LSU and win by ten.  But don't be surprised if LSU comes out and plays very well.  Effort has NEVER been a question under Miles.  Don't be stunned if LSU pulls the upset.

Gators 23 – LSU 13