Prowler's Hit Parade: Survive and Advance

I can’t say I was totally surprised the way the game played out, frustrated yes, surprised, no. LSU is now 22-21 when trailing in the fourth quarter under Miles. This is an amazing record. But as Joey Galloway on ESPN said, “that’s not really a list you want to be on.”

You don’t want to be on that list because it means you’ve been outplayed for the first three quarters of the game. This is a bit of a trend with Miles. He has coached 120 games with the Tigers. In 36% of those games he has entered the fourth quarter trailing. So often we see the Tigers play it close to the vest in the first half and pull away in the second. It has worked for LSU as evidenced by Miles 80% winning percentage. But it makes the fans crazy and invites much of the criticism he receives. It wouldn’t hurt to come out and railroad some teams early.

Thoughts on the game:

* In some ways the game reminded me of Miles’ debut back in 2005. LSU played poorly for a good chunk of the game then had a 28 point explosion in the fourth quarter to beat Arizona State in a wild finish. Saw much of the same here.

* I was very pleased with Jennings, partly because of his performance and partly because my expectations were so low after the bowl game. He didn’t turn the ball over, he made plays down field and he didn’t do anything to kill the Tigers. He does need to work on his screen passes and getting a better rapport with the receivers, but I think the future is bright for him. To appreciate how effective Jennings was, he is ranked 6^th in the SEC and 23^rd nationally in passing efficiency. He’s even ahead of Texas A&M’s Kenny Hill.

* In my mind, the QB derby is essentially over. Even though I think Jennings took a huge leap in the QB competition, Harris will continue to play throughout the season.

* The coaching staff needs to help Jennings out as well. Jennings was 5 of 8 for 157 and a TD on first down. Compare that with 2 of 9 for 48 yards and a TD on third down. Part of the problem was LSU’s inability to run the ball, but LSU’s play calling can be predictable.

* Great to see Kenny Hilliard back in form. This could be a really big year for him.

* Leonard Fournette is a freshman running back with great potential. Fans want to hail these guys as the next great player before they take a college snap and are disappointed when they fail to meet these unfair expectations. Give him time; he will be a very productive player at LSU.

* This receiving corps will be very good by years end. Dural, Quinn and Diarse looked sharp Saturday.

* The offensive line was underwhelming in the first half. Only as the game wore on and two Badger linemen went down did things improve. This group will have better days. 2.7 yards a carry is not going to get it done.

* The defense had all sorts of trouble in the first half but seemed to figure things out in the second. The Tigers did force Wisconsin into seven three and outs and held the Badgers to 32 yards on their final five possessions of the game.

* The secondary looks to be in midseason form as McEvoy was held to 50 yards passing while Mills and Martin both had interceptions.

* With the exception of Jamie Keehn’s shanks, special teams were very good. Cameron Gamble looked phenomenal on kickoffs.

Looking Ahead

No one will get the big head after LSU’s squeaker over Wisconsin. Expect better execution this week. LSU obviously outmatches Sam Houston State, so the key is for the players to focus on the mental side of the game. Attention to detail and execution is what the coaches will be looking for because the outcome is not in doubt.

Three things I would like to see versus Sam Houston State: