I have a feeling Les knows his days are numbered at LSU. He's saying all the right things but he doesn't look like he actually believes them. After another dreadful start, Harris was benched for Danny Etling. Etling led the Tigers to three quick second quarter TD's. Coupled with White's wild punt return for a TD, LSU effectively put the game away by halftime. A few observations:

• I think Harris' career at LSU is over. He has zero confidence and looked terrible in his two series. Don't be surprised if he transfers at the end of the season. Add his name to the list of QB's Miles has failed to develop into a competent passer.
• The talking heads keep saying that Harris needs to be kept in the fold and even see playing time. My question is why? I honestly can't tell you when he is prepared to play or not. He knows the plays by now, right? He's practiced with the first team all spring and summer. If he's needed they will throw him back out there. If he's that mentally frail, how can we expect anything from him?
• Malachi Dupre needs to take a seat next to Harris. This guy has been a HUGE disappointment. Time for a new #2 WR.
• Etling started 6 for 8 for 100 yards and a TD. After the half he was 0 for 6 with one rushing TD, an INT and a fumble. It seemed the play calling changed in the second half and Etling's performance suffered.
• It's a sign of how low things have gotten when a guy goes 6 for 14 for 100 yards is being considered a savior. (His QB rating would be 12^th in the league had he played in both games.) Regardless of how well Etling plays, LSU's archaic offense will be this team's undoing.
• No matter how good he turns out to be, I have no faith in Miles' offense. His meddling in the play calling will cost LSU games this season and ultimately his job. LSU currently ranks 113^th in the country in total offense.
• With the exception of the long pass play I was happy with the defense. At this point, the players need to embrace their roles and mind their assignments. The Tigers need to be disciplined on defense.
• The paper reported that Miles and Aleva spoke after the Wisconsin game last week. Would have loved to be a fly on the wall for that chat.

Mississippi State

LSU has owned this series for years. LSU is 27-4 versus the Bulldogs dating back to 1985. MSU is giving up only 2.13 yards per carry on defense. On offense, State's QB, Nick Fitzgerald passed for 178 yards and ran for 195 last week versus South Carolina. Look for him to give LSU's defense plenty of trouble.

Regardless of Fournette's health, LSU will continue to rely on the running game. Etling will be forced to make some plays on 3^rd down to keep drives moving. The game will probably be relatively low scoring. LSU wins, but only because the game is at home.

LSU 23 – Mississippi State 20

Playoffs Week 2:

Two weeks and I lost two of my playoff teams.  Loser of Michigan vs. Ohio State will be looking pretty good.

Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, Florida State