Undefeated No More

Don't everyone freak out.  I'm sure the "drama queen" section of the LSU contingent is saying we may not win another game this season.  The more pessimistic of Tiger Nation sees LSU at 8-4 by season's end.  I happen to think 9-3 more likely.  Let's not forget, LSU has an elite defense which will keep every game close this season.  So what happened Saturday?

*LSU got beat by a better team.  LSU was outcoached by Florida's defensive staff and outplayed in the trenches.  Florida put the bye week to good use in its preparation for LSU beating the Tigers at their own game, hanging around and wearing out the opposition in the second half.

*The offensive play calling was predictable and uninspiring throughout the game.  Late in the first half, LSU had first and goal at the 6 and we couldn't punch the ball in.  The play calling was an absolute embarrassment.  First down: run.  This was mistake #1.  This is a perfect spot to throw a fade or go play action.  Mettenberger is much more effective throwing on first down.  A fade is a low risk play that could reap big rewards. Second down: a one man route with Mettenberger rolling out.  What could go wrong?  The ONLY option on the play got tackled in the back field and Mettenberger was lucky to get rid of it.  After having to TAKE 2 TIMEOUTS IN A ROW, we try to run another ONE MAN ROUTE trick play that didn't fool anyone.  Terrible, terrible, terrible.

*On LSU's last offensive drive, Gary Danielson commented that, "you can't hide your quarterback anymore."  He was dead on in his alluding to LSU's super conservative play calling.  LSU did run and pass 25 times each, but there was no attempt at misdirection or using Ford's speed on the outside.  The coaching staff didn't make any adjustments in the second half to try and get the offense moving.


* This may be the worst receiving corps I have ever seen at LSU.  The wide outs don't get open and when they do they drop the ball.  After the Auburn game I was touting Kadrone Boone as LSU's most reliable receiver, so what's he do on his return to his home state, drop two catchable passes in critical situations.  The first drop was on LSU's first drive at the Florida 21.  The second came later in the first half.  Had he caught that pass LSU would have had a first down and kept the sticks moving.  But Mettenberger was then faced with a third and ten and threw his only interception of the game trying to make a play.

*The offensive line has been a huge problem since Chris Faulk went down.  They just don't move the pile and pass protection is completely hit and miss.

*The Tigers turned to ball over three times, the second one after Mettenberger made his best throw of the game.  LSU amassed 8 penalties during the game as well.

*2 SEC road games, a total of 18 points.

*It's 2009 all over again.  The defense is on the field all game because the offense can't get a first down.  It reminded me of the LSU v. Florida game in 2009.  In that game LSU managed only 162 yards.  It felt that the game could have gone on for about 10 more quarters and the Tigers would not have scored.

*The defense was on the field 37 minutes and only gave up 14 points.  They were in the backfield for much of the first half but the offense could never capitalize.

*Wing had a fine game averaging 45.6 yards a punt on 7 kicks.  But he didn't get off any bombs and was not as effective as he has been in the past pinning the other team inside the 10.

*I will never question Beckham's effort, but I imagine he is frustrated and trying to do too much.  He fielded two punts inside the 10 when he should have let them go and he fumbled after making that big catch from Mettenberger.  Again, I think he may be pushing trying to "make something happen" because of LSU's offensive ineptitude.

Where does LSU go from here? 

In the long term Miles needs to clean house on the offensive side of the ball as he did back at the end of 2008 with the defense.  LSU needs a young talented offensive coordinator that can craft a functional passing game.  However, my fear is that whoever is calling the plays in the booth, Miles is down on the field keeping the OC's hands tied.  Offensive dysfunction has been a staple of LSU football since 2008.  The players, plays and assistants have changed, but Miles has been the constant.  It is very likely LSU's head coach is at the root of the offensive problems.

In the short term, the offense just needs to keep plugging away.  It's obvious that this line is not going to be able to sustain long drives so LSU needs to look for bigger plays in the passing game, high risk, high reward.  The problem is LSU faces what may turn out to be the best South Carolina team in the history of the program.  SC's defensive line is every bit as good as LSU's if not better.   The offense has a number of playmakers and Connor Shaw has been playing lights out this season. 

Les Miles is 17-1 after a loss and 22-6 in SEC home games in his time at LSU.  His only back to back losses came in 2008 when the Tigers lost to Ole Miss and Arkansas to close out the regular season.  LSU has won 21 straight games at home dating back to the previously mentioned 2009 setback versus Florida.  While the trend favors LSU, these appear to be two teams heading in opposite directions.   This is a trap game for the Gamecocks as they have Florida coming up next week.  This is a must win for the Tigers if they want to stay in contention for the Western Division.  Everything says South Carolina should come into Tiger Stadium and get a win.  But it won't be easy.  For all his shortcomings, Miles excels in these situations.  I just think LSU’s offensive problems will not be solved any time soon.

South Carolina 17 – LSU 16