A Work in Progress

MSU’s goose egg on the scoreboard was an accurate reflection of the performance of LSU’s stifling defense. The 45 points on the Tiger’s side of the ledger is a bit misleading.

The defense looked in mid season form and tallied SEVEN takeaways against the overmatched Bulldogs. Looking at the big picture of this season, fans should be very excited about LSU’s chances simply because the defense will give the Tigers an opportunity to win every game, no matter how poorly the offense plays. Steltz was a monster in the secondary and the defensive line is so deep and talented, would anyone be surprised if 6 or 7 of those guys eventually play in the NFL?

I’m not really sure what to make of the offense. The play calling was incredibly conservative. LSU didn’t pass on 1st down until very late in the first half when the clock essentially forced Crowton to throw. Nothing was completed further than 10 yards down the field. This was a really different look for the Tigers, a lot of running out of the I-formation with two wide receivers. Reminded me of the days of Gerry DiNardo. (yikes!) It would be unfair and premature to grade the offense at this point. With so many new pieces in place and new coaches on the offensive staff, a shake out period should be expected. Having said that, the offensive line has got to get better. After hearing such good things during fall camp, I was very disappointed in that group.

I did like the fact that Flynn managed the game very well and didn’t have the types of mental mistakes that plagued Russell. He’s not as dynamic and physically talented as Russell, but working with the mindset of “game management,” complimented by a brilliant defense and strong special teams (more on that in a moment), Flynn has the ability to lead LSU to a title. Efficiency and mistake free football will be good enough to win the SEC West.

Special teams were solid. The new punter, Patrick Fisher, was fantastic. He punted 7 times for a 45 yard average. As an interesting side note, LSU didn’t have that many punts in one game all of last season.

Overall, I think fans should be happy with the outcome. 45-0 should keep the bitching to a minimum, at least until next week.

2007 SEC West Preview

High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation.

- Charles Kettering

The SEC West is LSU’s to lose. Is this an unfair statement? Probably. But the expectations on the 2007 Tigers are incredibly high. Ranked #2 in the nation to start the season, some fans will hold the delusional thought that anything less than a National Championship would be a complete debacle. LSU is going to win at least 10 games this season, but the angst in Tiger Town will be palpable. Every missed block, dropped pass and boneheaded penalty will be scrutinized and critiqued ad nauseam.

The Tigers get Virginia Tech, Auburn, Florida, Arkansas and South Carolina at home this season. Over the last 7 seasons, the Tigers are 43-6 in Tiger Stadium. Miles is 13-1 over the last two years, the only loss coming to Tennessee in overtime. Virginia Tech is a non-conference game, but an early win here will be a big boost for LSU as the offense tries to match last season’s productivity. Fifth year senior Matt Flynn will get his chance to win a title, be it an SEC or National Title, that Russell never did.

My only hope is that LSU fans can enjoy the ride and not be consumed by the finish line and dreams of a second crystal football.

Auburn will again be very good. People forget that the Plainsmen won 11 games last season capped by a Cotton Bowl victory over Nebraska. Led by senior QB Brandon Cox, Auburn has the players to compete with anyone in the country. A tough schedule will keep the Tigers in check though. Games at Florida, at LSU (home team has won 7 straight in this series), at Georgia (road team is 11-3-1 over last 15 years in this series) and at Arkansas present formidable hurdles.

Alabama. Oh boy, I could probably devote plenty of time to the Tide this preseason, but let’s keep things simple for the moment. Nick Saban will win games while he is at Alabama, but this season he will not bring a championship to Tuscaloosa. The Tide have a favorable schedule with home games against Georgia, LSU, Arkansas and Tennessee. The problem for Saban is the Iron Bowl will be played at Auburn where Saban is 0-3. I’ll devote an entire column to Saban’s return to the SEC later this season.

Fayetteville has not been Hog Heaven for Houston Nutt this off-season. He’s dealt with defections, text-message tomfoolery and an unhappy core group of fans. But on September 1, 2007, he will line up Darren McFadden in the backfield and all of the off field distractions will fade into the background, at least for that Saturday. Offensively, Arkansas will be better than last season. But after losing a number of players on the defensive side to the NFL, don’t expect another run to the SEC Championship game.

Ole Miss and Mississippi State are going to struggle again. Both coaches could conceivably be fired after the season. Orgeron is clearly over his head and Croom has not been able to improve the program since he has taken over.

SEC WEST

1. LSU
2. Auburn
3. Alabama
4. Arkansas
5. Mississippi State
6. Ole Miss

2007 SEC East Preview

So many question marks in the East:

* How will Florida fare with nine new starters on defense and Tim Tebow under center?

*Can the Vols win their first SEC Championship since the 1998 season?

*Will the Bulldogs bounce back from a sub par 2006?

*Is this the season Spur Dog gets the Gamecocks to Atlanta?

*Can Kentucky build on last season’s 8-5 record?

*When will the Commodores get the 6 wins necessary to play in the post season?

This may be Tennessee’s year to make it back to the SEC Championship game. Seven seniors start on a defensive unit that should improve over last season. The Vols play at Florida but get Georgia, South Carolina and Arkansas at home. Erik Ainge should be one of the top QB’s in the SEC while serving his second season under David Cutcliffe. Don’t forget the importance of senior leadership at the quarterback position. The last 3 SEC Champs all had Sr. QB’s at the helm.

Last season, Ohio State returned only two starters on defense yet went 12-0 and played Florida for the National Championship. This season, the Gators return only two starters on defense and look to defend their title. The big difference between the 2006 Buckeyes and 2007 Gators, OSU lined up senior QB and eventual Heisman winner Troy Smith behind center. Tim Tebow may eventually reach that lofty perch, but trips to LSU and South Carolina plus a visit by Tennessee will keep the Gators from a repeat visit to Atlanta.

This may be Steve Spurrier’s best team yet at South Carolina, but an absolutely brutal schedule awaits the Gamecocks. USC plays at Georgia and at LSU then has a three-week stretch of at Tennessee, at Arkansas then the Gators visit Columbia. Another mid-level bowl may be the best USC fans can hope for. But don’t be surprised if Spurrier pulls a few surprises this season. Blake Mitchell (QB), is a senior this year and Spurrier, at least in my mind, is the best coach in the league. He will win a few he shouldn’t.

Georgia is probably one year away from making a run at the top of the division. The Dawgs starting QB, Matthew Stafford is only a sophomore and the defense must replace studs off last year’s line.

Kentucky and Vanderbilt have improved over the last few years, but by playing in the SEC East, their achievements are completely overshadowed. Expect UK to make another run at a bowl game. Vanderbilt will be knocking on the door again, but much like South Carolina, the Commodores have a rough midseason three-week stretch of at Auburn, home versus Georgia and at South Carolina.

SEC EAST

1. Tennessee
2. Florida
3. South Carolina
4. Georgia
5. Kentucky

6. Vanderbilt