A Les Miles Special

Les gets to keep his job for another week. That's about the most significant observation I took from this game. It was typical Miles. For part of the game, LSU looked like the team we all thought they could be. But a lack of focus led to turnovers and penalties in the second half. Some will criticize Fournette's two fumbles, but LSU went three and out three times in the second half. After seeing LSU for three games, I have little faith in Miles leading LSU to enough victories to save his job.

How many wins does he need? My guess is 10. If LSU beats everyone except Bama and finishes 10-2 it would be very tough to get rid of him. But 9-3 could lead to his ouster. LSU still has to face Bama, Ole Miss, Florida, Arkansas and A&M. If he goes 4-1 against that group he deserves to stay.

Observations:

• Malachi Dupre really stepped up and played up to his potential. Excellent game from him.
• Why did it take so long to get Etling on the field? Had they put him in versus Wisconsin, the Tigers probably win that game.
• Fournette looked good. Not sure if there are any lingering leg issues, but he looked his old self. I'm not worried about the fumbles. He's just pressing a bit I think.
• The offensive play calling was very good for the most part. Even in the second half the staff was trying to move the ball. These guys are coaching for their jobs.
• The defense was great until the last 7 minutes of the game. The Tigers struggled in coverage but Key came up with a huge sack to seal the victory.
• Kevin Tolliver had a very rough night covering MSU's #1 receiver Fred Ross. He must get better as the season moves along.

Auburn up next...

As hot as Miles' seat is, Malzahn's is even worse. After leading AU to the 2013 Title Game, its been a steady decline. The other Tigers have gone 2-10 in their last 12 SEC games. The offense is struggling and the defense isn't good enough to win games all by itself. Having said that, LSU's offense isn't much better. But the Bengal Tigers are doing a better job on defense giving up only 16.3 points a game. Auburn is a very tough place to play. I expect a fairly low scoring game. LSU is a 3 point favorite as of this writing. I like Etling's poise thus far and he will make enough plays on third down for the Tigers to come out with a win.

LSU 27 – Auburn 17

Playoffs Week 3:

Three weeks and three of my initial playoff teams now have a loss, only Michigan remains.  This has the makings of a wild season.  

Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, Louisville