A Smashing Debut

Les Miles coached LSU for 148 games. Ed Orgeron has coached LSU for one game. In that one contest, Coach O's offense put up more yards in a single game than Miles ever did in his entire tenure. If that isn't an indictment of Miles' gross offensive incompetence I don't know what is.

OK. I'm done bashing Miles and his stone age offense.

A few observations:

• Our defense was fantastic. Mizzu came into the game leading the SEC in offense scoring over 44.5 points per game. LSU held the other Tigers to 7 points and 265 yards.
• Mizzu went three and out their first three drives of the game.
• That was the offense LSU is capable of. In the context of one week's preparation, the Tigers were able to use their power running and open up the passing game.
• LSU had 42:00+ in time of possession. Amazing!
• Etling needs to work on his deep passes. He over threw three deep balls with open receivers. But otherwise he was efficient hitting 9 different receivers for over 200 yards.
• Etling needs to learn how to get out of bounds or slide. He took too may shots for my liking.
• The Tigers were in three and four wide formations for a big portion of the game. The staff also mixed in the I formation to good effect as well.
• The players noted that a lighter practice schedule helped with staying fresh and having more energy.

The Swamp

Coach O faces a huge test this weekend traveling to Florida. LSU has won five of the last six in this series. The Tigers are 4-3 in Gainesville the last seven visits. UF leads the league in defense giving up only 230 yards per game and 11.6 points per game. Those numbers are a little deceiving in that four of their five opponents are ranked 102^nd or worse in offense nationally. LSU opened up as a 2 ½ point favorite for Saturday's game. Expect a big effort form the Tigers in a relatively low scoring game. LSU has some real mojo going with the change of regime.

LSU 24 – UF 16

Playoffs Week 5:

After five weeks, the combined record of three of my original playoff picks (LSU, TCU, FSU) is 9-6.  Ouch!  But Michigan is still rolling along.  I think the Big 12 and Pac-12 will end with 2+ loss champions opening the door to the OSU - Michigan loser.

Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, Clemson