The Ghost of Les Miles

LSU's DJ Chark gallops on his way to a 75 yard punt return for a TD.

I'm still checking the box score every 15 minutes to make sure LSU is still the winner of one of the greatest comebacks in Tiger history. I would argue that the LSU-Auburn series gives college football fans must see TV year in and year out. Name me a series that has had as many wild twists and turns these teams have given us.

1988: "The Earthquake Game"  LSU 7 - Auburn 6.  The Tiger Stadium crowd set off a richter scale on LSU's campus.

1994: "The Interception Game"  Auburn 30 - LSU 26.  LSU's Jamie Howard throws three fourth quarter pick 6's as LSU blows a 23-9 lead. 

1996: "The Night Barn Burned" LSU 19 - Auburn 15.  This was a literal barn burner as the old Auburn Sports Arena burned downed during the game shooting huge flames near Jordan-Hare Stadium.

1997: "The Drive"  Auburn 31 - LSU 28.  Cecil "the Diesel" Collins went off for 232 yards and 2 TD's but Auburn's Dameyune Craig led a 80 yard late 4th quarter TD drive to win the game for the Tigers.

2004: "The Extra Extra Point"  Auburn 10 - LSU 9.  Tied 9-9 after a late Auburn TD, Auburn kicker John Vaughn missed the extra point.  However, LSU was flagged for jumping to try and block the kick.  Auburn re-kicked and won the game by one point.

2005: "The Missed Field Goals Game"  LSU 20 - Auburn 17 (OT).  Auburn missed five FG's in the game the last in overtime sealing the victory for LSU.

2007: ":02" LSU 30 - Auburn 24.  Les Miles called a pass to the end zone rather than kick a 41 yard FG to win the game.  Flynn hit Byrd for a TD with :02 left on the clock. 

2010: "sCam Newton Runs Wild" Auburn 24 - LSU 17.  On the way to the Heisman Trophy and a National Title, Cam Newton ran for 217 yards and two TD's on LSU.

2016: "Les' Last Game"  Auburn 18 - LSU 13.  LSU drove deep into Auburn territory as the final seconds ticked away in a tight game with two coaches coaching for their lives.  In a scene too often repeated, Miles mismanaged the clock and LSU's "winning TD" pass was run after time expired.  Les was fired the next day.

2017: "The Comeback" LSU 27- Auburn 23.  LSU goes down 20-0 to then outscore Auburn 27-3 to win late.

 

* This game was a Les Miles Special.  How fitting that Miles and the 2007 National Title team celebrated their 10 year anniversary at half time?

* During Auburn's 20 point opening outburst, LSU couldn't get out of its own way, Chark fumbled, there was a late hit out of bounds, a block in the back on a kick return, Etling and Guice running in to each other on 3^rd and short and Delpit got beat for a long TD on a double move.

 

* We have a kicker!! Connor Culp hit two CLUTCH FG's late in the 4^th to provide the winning margin for the Tigers.

 

* I think Auburn got up big and switched off mentally. Once that happens, it can be very difficult for a team to recapture its focus.

 

* LSU defense was amazing in the second half. Auburn was 1-8 on 3^rd down and gained only 64 yards. Stidham's numbers were brutal . 9 for 26 for the game with only 6 yards passing in the second half.

 

* Many have criticized Malzahn for the second half play calling. But through six games, LSU was giving up over six yards a carry in the third quarter. The strategy to stick to the running game made sense. Run the ball and wear down LSU's D-Line. Remember, Florida ran all over LSU last week in the 3^rd quarter scoring two TD's. The problem was the inability to convert on 3^rd down.

 

 

Other random thoughts

 

1. Seven ranked teams lost to unranked teams this week. Clemson, Washington, Washington State, Auburn, San Diego State, Texas Tech and Navy all went down.

 

2. Speaking of Washington and Washington State, the Pac-12’s playoff hopes took a huge hit with both losing.

 

3. Alabama can be beat, but I just don’t see it happening.  They are smashing people week after week.

 

4. LSU’s top two coaching targets from last year, Fisher and Herman, are a combined 5-6 this season.  Not that I wouldn’t love to have either of those guys on the Tiger’s sideline, but it is interesting none the less.

5. Look out for Michigan State.  The Mighty Spartans have a great chance to be 7-1 when they host Penn State the first Saturday of November.

 

Playoffs:

 

Alabama and it really doesn't matter. But for arguments sake let's throw in Penn State, Georgia and Notre Dame.

Tigers Find Footing in Swamp

Devin White sacks Florida QB Felipe Franks

Da Coach O had to have this one in the worst way. And he got it. O is now 4-0 coming off a loss in his brief tenure at LSU. That's a positive that can't be understated, the ability to pick his team up after disappointment. A few thoughts:

*  Devin White is a beast. He was all over the field Saturday. White leads the SEC in tackles per game and is 8^th nationally.

*  The defensive line played very well for three quarters. For the season, in the first, second and fourth quarters, the Tigers are holding opponents to 3.87 yards per carry or better. In the third quarter, LSU is giving up a whopping 6.08 yards per carry. Sure enough Florida ran their way back in the game in the third quarter scoring their only two TD's of the game. Not sure what is going on at half-time, but it needs to be fixed with Auburn coming to town.

*  I'm still not sure what to make of Etling. He ranks 4^th in the SEC in passing efficiency at 149.72. For context, only Mettenberger (2013, 171.45) and Lee (2011, 152.04) have racked up better numbers over the last ten years for LSU. His yards per attempt average is 8.9 which places him 15^th nationally. But when he misses throws like the one to Darrel Williams I want to throw a shoe through the TV. He is no doubt tough and gritty. His runs were crucial in the game. I think he should continue to play at least until we get to six wins and bowl eligibility, then we can revisit the issue.

*  The Florida Gators may have some of the worst fans in the country. Such an insufferable lot especially after what happened last season. Coaches say every game only counts for one win or loss on your record. That may be so, but this one was MUCH sweeter than most.

Up Next...Auburn

Auburn leads LSU in just about every statistical category that matters. The spread opened up at Auburn by 9. The line has moved down to 6.5 since. This is an Auburn team that looks really good on both sides of the ball. LSU is too inexperienced in the offensive line to pull off an upset.

Auburn 28 – LSU 16

Other Random Thoughts

1.  Miami, TCU and Washington State are a combined 15-0 and all have legit shots to win their leagues.

2.  Oklahoma was a 33 point favorite over Iowa State...and lost, at home. LSU's loss to Troy was bad. Oklahoma's loss is much worse.

3.  The American's men's soccer team pulled one of the greatest choke jobs ever loosing to Trinidad & Tobago 2-1. The US team won't be making the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Catastrophe is an understatement.

Playoffs:

Alabama, Clemson, Penn State, Georgia

End of an Era

Nick Brossette fumbles on LSU's first offensive play.

If it didn't end badly, it wouldn't end at all.

-Anonymous

In November of 1999, Gerry DiNardo was fired before the last game of the season. DiNardo had gone 2-13 in his last 15 SEC games ensuring his departure. Then the LSU athletic department made a program defining decision to hire Nick Saban. Saban led LSU to two SEC Titles and its first National Championship since 1958.

It was not the smoothest start. In his first season, Saban lost to UAB at home 13-10. It was the last non-conference loss by the Tigers at home up until Saturday. Walking to the car from the game I couldn't help but notice the symmetry. LSU has now come full circle after an incredible 17 year run that marks the greatest stretch in LSU history.

Fans need to prepare themselves for for a very different future than they have grown accustomed. Thus far, the Orgeron era is playing out as many of the skeptics feared. The Tigers are 3-2 and will probably be underdogs for every game the rest of the way.

I'm starting to believe Les Miles left this program in even worse shape than I originally thought. Both lines are undermanned and lack the talent of previous seasons. Key is a shadow of his former self. Etling is who he is. Two true freshmen are playing on the offensive line. There appears to be a real lack of leadership in the locker room. (maybe that is changing?)

I had a friend describe Orgeron as a cajun used car salesman. I think the description fits. Many times I called Miles the village idiot for some of the things he said and did. Alleva fired Miles to hire a smooth talking good ole boy from South Louisiana. Leadership is an innate ability. It can't be taught or learned in a book. Some guys have it and some don't. I want to give Orgeron the benefit of the doubt, but it is very difficult from what I have seen thus far.

So where do we as fans go from here?

Orgeron is not getting fired this season. He could finish 3-9 with a 60 point loss to Alabama and he will be LSU's coach in 2018. At the end of the 2018 season the buyout will still be about $5.8 million if my interpretation of his buyout clause is accurate.  Anyone who thinks they know where the Tigers will be at that point is deluding themselves.

Screaming for the coach to be fired is pointless, silly and counterproductive. The goal should be to support the players and get to 6 wins to make a bowl.  I think we can all agree that the Tigers need the extra practice time that comes with bowl preparation. It's OK to be disappointed, angry and frustrated.  But folks need to come to grips with what LSU football is right now.  

Why is the buyout so big?

To protect Orgeron AND Alleva. These two are tied at the hip at this point. If the hiring of Orgeron didn't work out, Alleva knew he'd be shown the door as well. So what did Alleva do? He wrote himself an insurance policy that the LSU Board of Supervisors negligently signed off on. No other explanation makes sense. LSU had all the leverage and still gave Orgeron a contract he in no way deserved.

LSU is a big time program now. The LSU athletic department was recently valued by the Wall Street Journal at $910 million, fifth in the nation. I am confident that the Tigers will at some point return to the championship form we have seen the last 17 years. But to do that Alleva must go. His most important task since coming on as AD was to find a replacement for Les Miles. Unless something dramatic happens, his search and subsequent selection of Orgeron is heading toward being a complete debacle. He cannot under any circumstances be allowed to be involved in the next coaching search.

As for the play on the field, I honestly can't find one good thing to say.

Offense:

1. 4 turnovers. The first on the very first offensive play.
2. 0-8 on third down conversions. For the season, Etling is 14 for 30 on third downs for 106 yards and 6 first downs. When he has passed on third down this season, the Tigers are only converting 20% of the time. Some comparisons:

	Attempts	Completions	First Downs	Conversion %
J. Jefferson (2009)	76	43	28	36.8
J. Lee (2011)	53	27	20	37.7
Z. Mettenberger (2013)	89	58	49	55.1
A. Jennings (2014)	85	40	28	32.9
B. Harris (2015)	93	47	32	34.4
D. Etling (2016)	77	45	29	37.7
D. Etling (2017)	30	14	6	20.0

In fairness, Etling has been fantastic on 1^st and 2^nd down. (45 of 67 for 799 yards and 5 TDs)

3. The Tigers are tied for 103 in the country in red zone conversions.

Defense:

1. Poor tackling is systemic.
2. 2016 red zone TD% - 24.2. 2017 red zone TD% 50.
3. LSU gave up 7 rushing TD's all last season. The Tigers have given up 7 this season already to arguably the five weakest teams on the schedule.

Special Teams

The FG kicking is terrible.  That is all i'm going to say about that.

Up Next

LSU is somehow only a 3.5 point underdog at Florida. I have seen absolutely nothing from LSU to think they can beat UF much less keep the game under one score. Florida seems to be improving every week as the Tigers regress. The Gators QB, Felipe Franks, will run for at least 80 yards and a TD and will give LSU fits all afternoon. Etling will be under pressure as soon as he steps off the bus. The calls for Alleva and Da Coach O's heads will only get louder.

LSU 13 – Florida 27

Other Random Thoughts

1. How good is Bama? I will consider it a victory if LSU stays within 5 TD's of the Tide.

2. Butch Jones is gone at Tennessee. Last year the door was wide open for the Vols to turn the corner and he didn't get it done. This was a rebuild year but with no goodwill to support him, the end is near.

3. Miami, TCU and Washington State are a combined 12-0 and all have legit shots to win their leagues.

4. On top of everything else, LSU's highest rated 2018 recruit decommitted on Monday.

Playoffs:

Alabama, Clemson, Penn State, Georgia

Orange Squeezed

Tigers gang tackle Syracuse receiver.

Saturday night was painful. But the Tigers won and at the end of the day that is what's most important. Let's start with the positives.

1. The LSU offense sputtered for most of the first half, but for the game, the Tigers put up 35 points and gained over 400 yards.
2. The offense is showing big play ability in the passing game. Etling had 2 TD's that went for 43 and 87 yards. Etling has the 4^th best QB rating in the SEC.
3. The defense held Syracuse to under 100 yards rushing. Even with the 285 given up to State, the Tigers are only allowing 106 yards per game on the ground.
4. Only three penalties for 25 yards. MUCH better.
5. When Syracuse scored to make the game 28-26 the Tigers came back with a great seven play TD drive to go back up nine. Easily the most important drive of the season.
6. After scoring to go up 35-26, the defense held the Cuse to a four play minus-3 yard drive to end the game.
7. I liked Myles Brennan entry into the game. He got meaningful snaps which would have NEVER happened under the last head coach. He played well when the game was still in doubt. He has a huge upside and fans should be excited. Having said that, Etling should remain the starter as Brennan continues to get reps. The Tigers are 3-1 and should be 4-1 after this weekend. LSU then travels to Florida for a huge game in the Swamp. Let's agree to revisit the issue at the half way point of the season.

Now for the bad.

1. LSU is ranked 97^th in the country in punting. I would be curious to see the back up punter.
2. The offensive line is a hot mess. This group has been poor all year and doesn't seem to be getting much better.
3. LSU was up 28-10 late in the third quarter then proceeded to allow Syracuse to score 16 straight points. The run started with LSU's O-line getting pushed back in to the endzone resulting in a safety for Syracuse.
4. The Tigers committed another drive extending penalty in the 4^th quarter. With 3^rd and 19, the defense was flagged for roughing the passer on an incomplete pass. The Orange eventually scored their final TD on that drive.
5. LSU has a number of talented guys on defense, but consistency from play to play will be an issue with their inexperience.
6. LSU's best players, Guice and Key were non factors in the game.

LSU fans can be a negative bunch and I must admit I have been hard on this team the last few weeks. But LSU can improve. This Saturday LSU faces Troy. The teams are very close statistically. Troy is decent against the run so this will be another test to see where LSU is in regards to the O-Line. I look for improvement this week versus an inferior foe. A few things to look for:

1. Can the O-Line start opening some holes for the running game?
2. Will we see more Myles Brennan?
3. How far is Arden Key away from game fitness?
4. Does the offense look to a shorter/quicker passing game to help the O-Line?

Finally I want to address a claim I have heard twice in the last two weeks from articles on the web. LSU players quit during the game. I'm calling total bull---- on that. I see plenty of effort from some players that are not as good as we want them to be. With young teams you get a lot of up and down performances. Consistency is not a trait associated with younger players. Fans need to accept these players as they are and not as they want them to be. Do I want out guys to be better? Of course. But calling them quitters because they don't execute like we want is lazy, counter productive and just plain inaccurate.

LSU 38 – Troy 17

Other Random Thoughts

1. Never, ever, ever, ever, ever say, “We Want Bama.”

2. Florida gets this season's lucky charm award after only four weeks. The incompetence of their opponents is the only thing keeping them from 0-3.

3. Georgia looks legitimate this season. They are the best hope to take down Alabama in the SEC.

4. A number of contenders have been exposed thus far (Auburn, LSU, Oklahoma State, Louisville to name a few). Curious to see who is next.

5. I liked what the Cowboys and Cardinals did on Monday night. Take your knee, then stand for the anthem. You make you point (whatever it may specifically be) then you show respect to the flag and the anthem. From a PR perspective, the players have chosen a terrible way to try and bring their grievances to the public.

Playoffs:

Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma, Penn State

Too Much Cowbell

Danny Etling gang tackled Saturday night in Starkville

LSU fans are out with pitchforks after the Tigers' 37-7 beat down at the hands of Mississippi State. Lots to dissect so let's get right to it.

1. State pushed LSU around on both lines of scrimmage. On offense, LSU could not generate much of a push up front or consistently handle the State pass rush. Why? Because the five starters are a very average bunch. LSU's best O-lineman left school before the season started and was replaced by a true freshman. State could bring four and get a steady pressure on Etling.
2. On defense, the Tigers just got mauled at the line. Lack of depth, injuries and two ejections culminated in State getting 285 yards on the ground.
3. LSU's upperclassmen are not delivering. Ed Paris and John Battle were awful last night getting fooled twice on State TD's. The receivers dropped passes and Etling just isn't good enough to make up for a shaky offensive line.
4. Penalties. Still a massive problem.
5. LSU is not deep on either line. This is a deeper problem which has been building over the last few years. Great teams are built on the offensive and defensive line. LSU needs to recruit heavily in these areas if it intends to compete at the highest level.

I find it highly amusing when fans say the game was “embarrassing.” It's a football game folks. A football game that you have zero responsibility for or ability to control. The players and coaches can feel embarrassed, but you need to step back and get some perspective. I think part of this stems from many fan's arrogance when it comes to State. Maybe the LSU players didn't properly respect State? I have no idea. But fans need to realize that Dan Mullen is an excellent coach and recruiter. He has overseen the best 8 year run in the history of Mississippi State football.

A loss like this is tough. From what we have seen all these things are off the table:

No National Title

No Playoffs

No SEC Title

No SEC Division Title

No Big 6 Bowl Game

That is a bitter pill to swallow after only 3 games. 

Fans need to come to grips with another fact, LSU is not a premier program right now. The Tigers have slowly atrophied under Les Miles over his last three seasons. Outside of Guice, do you see any future NFL starters on that offense? LSU lost a ton of playmakers on defense and is not in a position to just reload as they have in previous years.

Ask yourself, why are so many freshman getting playing time?

The SEC is unforgiving. Slip just a little and you get results like we had last night.

I'm not ready to give up on Da Coach O and this staff after one game. (But I'm sure there are a number of LSU fans saying “I told you so”) 

Let me ask the question in another way, do you believe Aranda can figure this out? Do you believe that Canada can do a better job? Sure, Orgeron is ultimately responsible for the play of the team, but he is going to sink or swim based on his coordinators getting this right.

I want to see how the coaches and players respond. I also want to be fair to these players and this staff. Let's give them an opportunity to make corrections and see if they can improve.

The Tigers return home for two games they should win before heading to Gainesville the first Saturday of October.  Syracuse is up first this Saturday.

LSU 35 – Syracuse 24

And one last thing, no matter what happens, Joe Alleva needs to go.

Other Random Thoughts

1. The Texas v. USC game was fun to watch. The Golden Child Tom Herman is 1-2 with games still left versus Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and TCU.

2. The Florida v. Tennessee game was terrible until the 4th quarter. The offensive play calling inside the redzone lost the game for the Vols. Not sure how many more losses like that Jones can withstand.

3. I've been saying this for years: Auburn's offense MUST have a running QB to be effective. 

4. Clemson is clearly the best in the ACC.  The number two spot is wide open.

5. Best Division in football is the Big 10 East.  Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State are all playoff contenders.  Maryland also has a win at Texas.

Playoffs:

Alabama, USC, Clemson, Oklahoma State

Coach O is 1-O

The final score was 27-0 and the game really wasn't that close. Going in I expected another sloppy opening performance as we have seen the last few years. But I was pleasantly surprised to see LSU come in and dominate on defense early as the offense found its footing. A few observations:

* Danny Etling was excellent. He made all the throws the coaches asked and was very efficient with the ball. Let's see if he can do it when more pressure is applied.

*Guice was solid but BYU had him contained most of the night. I'm expecting bigger games and a better per carry average (4.4 yards) as we move forward.

*Red zone offense must get better. The Tigers were a little bland with goal to go situations.

*I know some fans complained about the play calling on offense. I would suggest they remain patient and let the offense evolve. LSU is still a power running team that will use play action. Let's revisit the issue after the Tigers visit Florida on October 7.

*Considering how many freshman played on defense, this was a tremendous performance. I know BYU is limited, but LSU was suffocating all game.

*Look for freshmen to continue to get meaningful snaps. It will build experience and keep younger players focused as they know there are opportunities to be seized.

*Special teams were a mixed bag. Kick-off coverage was average at best. The new place kicker, Jack Gonsoulin, went 2 for 3 and on FG's and made all 3 PAT's.

LSU plays Chattanooga on Saturday in a game that will effectively be over by halftime. Look for plenty of young players to get game action and maybe we will see more of Myles Brennan at QB.

LSU 55 – Chattanooga 3



Other observations from this weeeknd:

1. Kevin Sumlin is done at A&M.  You just cannot lose a game like this when your head coaching job is in jeopardy.  Epic collapse by the Chavis defense.

2. Brandon Harris is not good at football.  After throwing a game killing pick in last season's opener in Wisconsin, Harris threw two INT's in the opener forhis new school, North Carolina.  Same result as last season, his team lost.

3. Alabama's defense is as nasty as ever.

4. Feel really bad for the players that suffer injuries.  These guys work so hard and to then have it taken away in the first game of the season is cruel.  Texas A&M, FSU and Maryland all lost their starting QB's for the season this weekend.

5. So much for the next "Chosen One" Tom Herman.  After giving up 51 to Maryland in Austin, the Longhorns look no better than they did in 2017.  Curious to see how this plays out.

PLAYOFFS!!

After one week of action I'm going with these guys: Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Penn State.

Mormons Meet Decadence Fest

French Quarter Decadence Festival

With the game moved from Houston, BYU's Mormon contingent will mingle in the Quarter this weekend with revelers enjoying the New Orleans Decadence Fest.  I suggest everyone have a hand grenade and play nice.

As for the game itself, LSU has an advantage at most positions across the field.  But BYU plays a tough and physical style that will challenge the Tigers, at least for a half.  Here's what to look for:

1. Expect BYU to stack the line of scrimmage and force Etling to make plays.  We will see how much he has improved over the off season.

2. LSU is talented but inexperienced at the LB position.  Without its best member, Arden Key, we will find out where this group is in its development.

3. Although not specifically identified, some players will not participate because of suspensions.  Keep an out out for who you don't see on the field Saturday.

BYU will keep it close in the first half, but LSU's depth and talent will prevail in the second half.

LSU 30 - BYU 13

2017 SEC East Predictions

East

 

1. Georgia
2. Tennessee
3. Florida
4. South Carolina
5. Kentucky
6. Vanderbilt
7. Missouri

Georgia

Talent is never the question.  Can Georgia play up to their ability for 12 games?

Tennessee

Butch Jones has done a very good job recruiting for the Vols.  Plenty of talent in Knoxville.

Florida

In eight games versus FBS teams with a winning record, the Gators averaged 2.81 yards per carry and five rushing TD’s.  That's a problem.

South Carolina

6-6 sounds about right for a middle of the road team.

Kentucky

Kentucky is on a 30 game losing streak versus Florida. UK gets the Gators at home this season.   Is this the year...?

Vanderbilt

Will give a few teams a scare but come up short.  Vandy should go bowling again.

Missouri

Mizzou is the worst team in the league.  The problems run deeper than just the football program.

2017 SEC West Predictions

Nick Saban frustrated as National Title ceremony
 interrupts preparation for Alabama's next game.

SEC West 

1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Auburn
4. Texas A&M
5. Mississippi State
6. Arkansas
7. Ole Miss

Alabama

Loaded once again.  Without a doubt the most talented team (on paper) in the country.  Saban will be grumpy until the Tide wins another National Title.

LSU

Coach O gets his dream job but five SEC road games will be tough to navigate.

Auburn

The media like the Tigers, but I’m not buying it.  Gus Malzahn needs a running QB (see “sCam” Newton and Nick Marshall).  Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham performed well in the pocket for Baylor, but he’s not a runner.

Texas A&M

This will be Sumlin’s last season in College Station.  While he has done a good job at A&M, Sumlin has not broken through with a division title or a Big 6 Bowl birth.

Mississippi State

Dan Mullen is one of the best in the business and will be an all-time great in MSU history when he is done.  Last year was a rebuilding job.  This year he will get to 8 wins.

Arkansas

I think we know what we have from the Hogs under Beilema.  In 2016, in seven games versus FBS teams with a winning record, the Hogs averaged 2.61 yards per carry and six TD’s.  That is not going to win you many games against quality opponents.

Ole Miss

Karma.  Everyone cheats, but Ole Miss was REALLY cheating.  The Rebels will now pay for the 27-12 run from 2013-2015. The NCAA is coming down hard.

A Few Things of Interest

Guice rushing against Ole Miss in 2016.

A complete listing of Miles' complete failure at recruiting and developing QB's from The Advocate.

A breakdown of LSU's running backs from ATVS.

Myles Brennan getting some love from Da Coach O. (Via Nola.com)

Florida suspends seven players for opener against Michigan.  (Via ESPN.com)  I'm sure all of you are shedding tears over that one.

LSU debuts at #12 in the Coaches Poll. (Via USAToday.com)  Too high or too low?


Finally, I want to thank everyone for checking out the Top 35 from the Last 35 Years.  The post got over 1100 views!  I appreciate all the support.

LSU Top 35 of Last 35 Years

The football magazines are out and Athlon posted their Top 50 players of the last 50 years.  It’s an interesting list and got me thinking about some great LSU players from the past.  I went with 35 years because I attended my first LSU game on October 23, 1982.  So I have personally seen everyone on this list.  Please feel free to comment or email (prowler257@aol.com) me with your own lists.  I will be glad to post them on the blog.

My criteria for the list included a host of factors.  I considered statistics, awards, career achievements versus single season excellence and my memories of seeing these players in person and on TV.

1	Kevin Faulk 1995-1998	RB	#1 in LSU history in career rushing yards; #1 in LSU history in career rushing TD’s; #1 in LSU history in career All-Purpose yards; #3 in SEC history in career rushing yards.  Named All-SEC in 1996-1998 and 1995 SEC Offensive Freshman of the Year. Gerry DiNardo's most important recruit, Faulk was a game changer from day one.  He could do it all and was the catalyst for LSU's eventual resurgence as a national power.
2	Leonard Fournette 2014-2016	RB	#4 in LSU history in career rushing yards; #1 in LSU history career yards per carry; LSU single season rushing record, five 200+ yard rushing games; 2015 First-Team All-American. If you want to put him 1st I can't argue.  Fournette was a once in a generation talent that puts him in a league with Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson and Adrian Peterson.
3	Patrick Peterson 2008-2010	CB	2010 - Winner of the Thorpe Award, Bednarik Award; First-Team All-American (consensus), SEC Defensive Player of the Year (SEC Coaches), SEC Special Teams Player of the Year (SEC Coaches), First-Team All-SEC (SEC Coaches, AP), First-Team All-SEC Special Teams (SEC Coaches) Another incredibly talented player from day one.  Peterson holds the LSU single season record for KO return yards and scored 2 TD's on punt returns during his LSU career.
4	Tyrann Mathieu 2009-2011	CB	2011- Heisman Finalist, Bednarik Award Winner,  Walter Camp National Player of the Year Finalist, First-Team All-American at Cornerback, SEC Defensive Player of the Year (AP), First-Team All-SEC (SEC Coaches, AP) The "Honey Badger" exploded on college football during LSU's 2011 march to the National Title Game.  In only two seasons, Mathieu set the SEC record with 11 forced fumbles.  He took over punt return duties late in 2011 and had two returns for TD’s.
5	Glenn Dorsey 2004-2007	DT	Most decorated defensive player in LSU history. 2007 - Nagurski Award Winner, Lombardi Award Winner, Outland Trophy Winner, Lott Award Winner; First-Team All-American (consensus), SEC Defensive Player of the Year (SEC Coaches, AP), First-Team All-SEC (SEC Coaches, AP) 2006 - First-Team All-American, First-Team All-SEC (AP, SEC Coaches) Selected 5th overall in 2008 NFL Draft
6	Tommy Hodson 1986-1989	QB	#1 in LSU history in career attempts, completions, passing yards and TD’s; Most wins by a QB in LSU history; Maybe not the most physically gifted QB in LSU’s history, Hodson was by far the best player at his position over the last 35 years. He led LSU to two SEC titles in 1986 and 1988.
7	Dalton Hilliard 1982-1985	RB	#2 in LSU history in career rushing yards and TD’s, #1 in LSU career rushing attempts, #3 in LSU history in career 100 rushing games. Hilliard was a powerful RB that could catch out the backfield and make defenders miss.
8	Josh Reed 1998-2001	WR	2001 - Biletnikoff Award winner, #18 in NCAA history single season receiving yards, First Team All-American, First Team All-SEC A converted running back, Reed teamed with Rohan Davey to bring LSU its first outright SEC Title since 1986.  Reed holds LSU records for single game, season and career receiving yards.
9	Morris Claiborne 2009-2011	CB	2011 - Thorpe Award winner; First-Team All-American (unanimous consensus), SEC Defensive Player of the Year (SEC Coaches), First-Team All-SEC (Coaches, AP)
10	Alan Faneca 1995-1997	OL	Started 36 straight games at right guard for LSU form 1995-1997.  1995 Freshman All-SEC; 1997 First Team All-American, Jacobs Award winner, Outland Trophy Finalist (1st in LSU history)
11	LaRon Landry 2003-2006	S	#3 in LSU history in career interceptions, #7 in career tackles, 2003 All-SEC Freshman, 2005 First-Team All-SEC, 2006 First-Team All-American, Selected #6 overall in the 2007 NFL Draft Landry combined speed and power to improve every season he played at LSU.
12	JaMarcus Russell 2003-2006	QB	#3 in LSU history in career passing yards; 3rd most wins in LSU history by a QB; #2 in LSU history in TD passes and career completion percentage.  2006 First-Team All-SEC, Manning Award Winner; Drafted #1 in the 2007 NFL Draft
13	Wendell Davis 1984-1987	WR	1986 and 1987 First-Team All-American and All-SEC, 1987 SEC player of the year.  Ranks #2 in LSU history in career yards receiving, single season yards receiving, and single season receptions.  He ranks #1 in career receptions.
14	Corey Webster 2001-2004	CB	2003 and 2004 First-Team All-American, 2002-2004 First-Team All-SEC; #1 in LSU history in career passes defended, #2 in LSU history career interceptions.
15	Marcus Spears 2001-2004	DE	2004 First-Team All-American, 2003 and 2004 All-SEC.  Ranks #1 in LSU history for single game tackles for loss, #4 in single season tackles for loss and single season sack total, and 6th in career sacks.
16	Bradie James 1999-2002	LB	2002 First-Team All-American, 2001-2002 First-Team All-SEC.  Holds LSU single season record for tackles and #2 in career tackles.
17	Odell Beckham 2011-2013	WR	2013 Hornung Award winner, 2013 First-Team All-American and All-SEC.  #1 in LSU history in single season all-purpose yards, #5 in LSU history in career all-purpose yards, #2 in LSU history single season KO return yards.  Selected #12 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. Beckham fully blossomed in 2103 as LSU’s all-purpose threat.
18	Domanick Davis 1999-2002	RB	#1 in LSU history in career KO return yards and Punt return yards, #1 in SEC history in total kick return yards, #2 in LSU history in career all-purpose yards. Davis could do it all for LSU and was a key player in LSU’s 2001 SEC Title.
19	Anthony McFarland 1995-1998	DT	1998 First-Team All-American, 1995 SEC Co-Defensive Freshman of the year.  #1 in LSU history in career tackles for loss, #3 in LSU history single season tackles for loss In the same recruiting class with Kevin Faulk, McFarland was an impact player from day one.
20	Ben Wilkerson 2001-2004	C	2004 Rimington Trophy Winner, 2004 First-Team All-American, 2003 & 2004 First-Team All-SEC
21	Nacho Albergamo 1984-1987	C	1987 First-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC.
22	Rohan Davey 1998-2001	QB	Davey is here for his 2001 break out senior season. Had six 300 yard passing games in 2001, an LSU record. (seven 300 yard passing games for his career which puts him #1 in LSU history), holds the single game yardage passing record, (vs. Alabama).  #1 is LSU history in single season passing attempts and yards, #3 single season completions, #7 single season TD passes.  Five of LSU’s top 10 highest passing yards games belong to Davey.
23	Eric Martin 1981-1984	WR	1983 First-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC, #3 in LSU history in career receiving yards, 100-yard games and consecutive games with a reception,  #7 in career receptions and single season receiving yards
24	Chad Lavalais 2000-2003	DT	2003 - First-Team All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year.  8th in LSU history career tackles for loss. Lavalais was disruptive a DT as I have ever seen.  His career numbers don’t stack up against some other players, but his 2003 performance was brilliant.
25	David LaFleur 1993-1996	TE	1996 First-Team All-American, 1994 & 1996 First Team All-SEC
26	Harvey Williams 1986-1990	RB	#5 in LSU history in career rushing yards and #6 in career yards per carry, #9 in career rushing TD’s
27	Ron Sancho 1985-1988	LB	#2 in LSU history in career sacks, #6 in career tackles for loss.
28	Gabe Northern 1992-1995	DE	Ranks #1 in LSU history for single game tackles for loss, #1 single season tackles for loss, #3 career tackles for loss, #2 single season sacks, #3 career sacks
29	Eddie Kennison 1993-1995	WR	1993 SEC All-Freshman Team; #6 in LSU history with 32 consecutive games with a reception,  #9 in LSU history in career all-purpose yards, #3 in career punt return yards, holds the record for the longest punt return in LSU history (100 yards), #4  in career KO return yards. Another dynamic all-around player, Kennison could solo in an LSU highlight clip.
30	Herman Johnson 2004-2008	OL	2008 First-Team All-American, 2007 & 2008 First-Team All-SEC
31	Kevin Minter 2009-2012	LB	2012 First-Team All-American & First-Team All-SEC; 4th in LSU history single season tackles, 9th single season tackles for loss.
32	Greg Jackson 1985-1988	S	1988 First-Team All-American; tied for 3rd place in LSU history single season INT’s, tied for 4th place in LSU history career INT’s
33	Zach Mettenberger 2011-2013	QB	Led the most prolific offense in LSU history in 2013.  #7 in LSU history in career pass attempts, #6 career pass completions, #3 career completion percentage, #5 career TD’s, #2 in career 300 yard passing games, LSU single game record with 5 TD passes,
34	Michael Brooks 1983-1986	LB	1985 First-Team All-American; 10th in LSU history in career sacks and single season sacks, 5th in LSU history in single game tackles for loss and career tackles for loss.
35	Brad Wing 2010-2012	P	2011 First-Team All-American & First-Team All-SEC, #1 in LSU history in career punting average. Had a brilliant 2011 season and was a true weapon for the Tigers.