Bucking the Trend

The SEC held its Media Days this week and the press picked Tennessee to win the SEC East and the SEC Championship. At first glance this seems a solid pick, but I looked a little deeper at the winners of the SEC Championship Game over the last 10 years and found an interesting common denominator among the former Champions, experience at the quarterback position. Of the 10 SEC Champs since 1995, half were led by senior QB’s (Wuerffel in ’96, Manning in ’97, Martin in ’98, Davey in ’01 and Campbell in ’04). Two Juniors captured titles (Wuerffel in ’95 and Mauck in ’03), as did two red-shirt sophomores (Zow in ’99 and Greene in ’02) and finally one red-shirt freshman (Grossman in ’00).

What does this all mean? Only one team won the SEC with a second year player as the quarterback, Florida in 2000 with Rex Grossman. Who is Tennessee’s starting QB this season? True sophomore Eric Ainge will be under center when UT opens up at home versus UAB. Senior Rick Clausen took over last season after Ainge went down with a shoulder injury and played well capping off the 2004 season with a big win over Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl. But it appears that Ainge is the clear #1. If Ainge remains the starter, the Vols will be bucking history in their quest for their first SEC Championship since 1998.

2005 LSU Preview

Expectations are great. No, really.

Fan interest is high. The stadium is full every Saturday night. Excitement surrounds the program. The Talking Heads are singing your praises.

Just don’t lose.

Don’t lose to Arizona State.
Don’t lose to Tennessee.
Don’t lose to Florida.
Don’t lose to Auburn.

And for God’s sakes man don’t lose to the likes of Mississippi State!

Expectations are great…as long as you don’t stumble.

LSU will be far from stumbling through the 2005 season. The Tigers are loaded and have the potential to make a run at an SEC Title and possible National Title. But to do so, the QB position must be a source of stability. For most of 2004, LSU fans covered their eyes as Randall and Russell flopped around from game to game. One week’s hero was next week’s goat. That can not happen this year if LSU is to have any chance of making a legitimate run at the Rose Bowl.

The entire offensive line is back and is joined by a bevy or returning players at the skill positions including Skyler Green, Craig Davis, Alley Broussard and Mr. Everything, Joseph Addai. If the pieces fall together, this could be the most prolific offense in LSU history. In 1969, the Tigers averaged a gaudy 34.9 points a game. While the 2005 Tigers will not be that prolific, look for LSU to put up BIG numbers throughout the season.

I am VERY curious to see LSU’s new defense. Seven starters return for new defensive coordinator, Bo Pelini. Pelini spent 2004 as co-defensive coordinator at Oklahoma and 2003 as defensive coordinator of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Pelini's 2003 Nebraska defense led the nation in pass efficiency defense (88.66 rating), ranked No. 2 in scoring defense (14.5 points per game), was No. 11 in passing yards per game (177.8 yards per game), and No. 11 in total defense (297.2 yards per game).

The defensive line is in great hands and is led by Kyle Williams. The linebacking corps and secondary will see new faces but there is plenty of talent returning with All-SEC Safety LaRon Landry leading the way.

Can Les Miles pull a Larry Coker? Can he win it all in his first year?

Yes and yes.

Miles and LSU can, but I don’t think they will. The Tigers will finish a fantastic 10-1. LSU will make a return trip to the SEC Championship, but a great regular season with a single blemish will not be enough to play in Pasadena. Who will serve as that sole loss? I have no idea. Last year I nailed the season picking LSU to go 9-2 and lose to Auburn and Georgia. This season I am not nearly as confident. There are a number of tough tests in 2005 that could derail the Tigers. But I expect a great deal of success and another SEC West title.

Finally, I want to dedicate this season’s Hit Parade to a wonderful person who is very close to me and the Traylor Clan. Our prayers will be with you all season.

Bitterness be Gone!!

I think it is fair to say that the end of the 2004 LSU football season sucked. Not the whole season mind you, just the ass end of a promising season that was derailed in early October. As the season played out, that ridiculous penalty against LSU in the Auburn game loomed larger and larger. Now there was no guarantee that LSU would have won that game, but…had LSU survived overtime and finished 10-1, the Tigers would have made their third appearance in four years in the SEC Championship.

What if…what if…what if!

Saban’s departure was inevitable and only a matter of time. While I was not as upset as some other folks, his announcement definitely put a damper on Christmas. The Capital One Bowl was a stinker for the first three quarters before the Tigers woke up only to give up a last second hail-mary to the Hawkeyes. (Remember UK in ’02? What goes around comes around…blah, blah, blah.)

Good riddance to 2004!

Hello 2005!!

Tigers Rose Bowl Bound??????

College Football News has LSU and USC playing for the 2005 National Championship in the Grand Daddy of them all. Click here for more.

SEC West Preview

The Georgia Dome will see Tigers again this season, but look for Tigers of a different stripe. LSU will return for its 3^rd visit in 5 years to the SEC Championship. The schedule is brutal but the toughest games are at home. The rest of the West is a big jumble. Folks are hyping Alabama but I’m not buying it. The Tide are one or two injuries away from a poor season. Starting THREE freshmen on the O-Line will leave Croyle at the mercy of nasty SEC defensive linemen. Auburn is reloading while Arkansas brings back almost everyone. Ole Miss and Mississippi State will fight it out for the cellar.

We could squabble about rankings but very little separates the top four teams in the West. I think Houston Nutt will get the Hogs back to a bowl game while Ole Miss will sink closer to the bottom. The Rebels made a mistake by replacing David Cutcliff in the off-season and I can assure you, Johnny Vaught is not walking thru that door.

SEC East Preview

The days of beating up on the Mighty Gators are over. If you haven’t gotten your licks in yet (this means you UGA), then don’t expect to get them in now. Urban Meyer will return Florida to the lofty perch it assumed under Steve Spurrier. The Gators are loaded on both sides of the ball and anything less than a BCS birth (at least in my mind) would be a disappointment. Everyone is picking Tennessee but I am not sold. Rocky Top plays at Florida and then the next week at LSU in a brutal early road trip. The Vols then play at Alabama and have to sandwich in a game at Notre Dame late in the season. The bottom line with Georgia is I do not believe in senior QB D.J. Shockley. Do you think the Dawgs are better than last year after losing David Greene, Reggie Brown and Fred Gibson, Thomas Davis, Odell Thurman, and David Pollack? Yeah, me either.


I admit it, I love Spurrier. He brings flair and panache to the game. He runs smack and throws the ball deep up by four TD’s late in the game. Alas, he doesn’t have the players this year and may never get them. The Gamecocks will run up some mean scores the next few years, just not this season. Vandy is….well….Vandy. Don’t even get me started on UK. Hiring Rich Brooks was just plain stupid and the AD should get fired for it.

SEC 2005 Forecast

East

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

West

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

New Sheriff in Tiger Town

After serving a stint with the Dallas Cowboys and the last four years with the Oklahoma State Cowboys, les Miles is the new Sheriff in Tiger Town. While it is impossible to forecast the future with absolute certainty, I think the search committee did a very good job hiring Miles.

Many of you will hear complaining and griping about Miles, but before falling in with the emotional (and regularly ignorant) crowd, look at the numbers and compare them with Saban’s tenure at Michigan State. Miles is 28-21 after four seasons in Stillwater. OSU has been to three straight bowl games after only one appearance in the prior 13 years. As a side note, the last time Oklahoma State was competitive on a consistent basis was back in the late 80’s when a guy named Barry Sanders was toting the rock. If memory serves me correct, he was pretty good (he won the 1988 Heisman Trophy).

Against Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Nebraska, Kansas State and Colorado, Miles was a respectable 7-7. Only Texas befuddled the Cowboys as Miles went 0-4 versus the Longhorns. Miles was 17-8 at home overall and 16-4 over the last three seasons. His road record was a respectable 10-11. Easily Miles’ two biggest wins are the consecutive victories over Oklahoma in 2001 and 2002. The Cowboys pushed the Sooners to the limit this year finally falling 38-35.

His quarterbacks have consistently played efficiently even as the offense morphed this year to a more run oriented attack after two seasons of Josh Fields to Rashaun Woods. In 2002, the Cowboys had a 3,000 yard QB, 1,000 yard RB and 1,600 yard WR. The Cowboys started a redshirt freshmen this year at QB who, while not spectacular, played very well, passing for over 1,400 yards, 13 TD’s and only 4 INT’s. The last three seasons, the Cowboys have averaged 35 points a game on offense, ranking 15^th in the nation in 2004. With all the weapons returning next season at LSU, expect more of the same.

Defense will be the real question mark. Miles will bring his defensive coordinator, Bill Clay, with him from Oklahoma State. The Cowboy defense has been porous the last four years giving up about 25 points a game, ranking 49^th in the country this past season. That is a far cry from what the Tiger faithful have come to expect from Saban’s nasty defense. I am sure part of that is a function of the talent level at Oklahoma State. I haven’t watched enough Cowboy football to compare LSU’s defensive tendencies versus OSU. But the Cowboys did have 32 sacks in 2003 which shows me they got after the QB. Oklahoma State finished this season ranked #1 in the country in turnover margin at +18. In comparison, LSU finished 79^th at –3.

Miles will have an opportunity to prove himself immediately. LSU will be loaded as the entire offense returns. The defense will miss Marcus Spears, Lionel Turner, Travis Daniels and Corey Webster, but there are a number of guys ready to step in and make an impact. (BTW – Webster made a living this season off last year’s hype, easily the most disappointing guy on the defense.) LSU should be picked to win the West in 2005 and possibly contend for an SEC Championship and National Championship.

The pieces are also in place for a solid recruiting class this season. Miles just needs to pick up where Saban left off and rebuild a few relationships. I am confident that Miles will lock down the state of Louisiana and with his experience in recruiting the bevy of talent in Texas, expect a few studs from across the border to migrate to LSU. I’m very excited about the future and I think LSU is in good hands. Let’s hope Les Miles can build upon the success of the last five years and lead LSU back to another Championship.

Grinched

In comedy, in the courtroom and on the gridiron, timing is everything, and the timing of Saban’s announcement stinks to high heaven!! On Christmas evening, Saban gave LSU a huge lump of coal as he jumped to the No Fun League’s, Miami Dolphins. Saban’s departure was expected and very few were surprised, but on Christmas Day?? Sure, I know, he wanted to tell his players first yada-yada-yada. I get it. I also understand that the Miami gig is a fantastic opportunity and I can’t blame him for moving on to the next level. But his timing was a bummer, and perhaps, unavoidable.

I listened to the first few minutes of Saban’s press conference but then I realized, why the hell am I watching a press conference involving the Miami Dolphins head coach? As that fact dawned upon me I quickly turned off the TV and got back to much more important matters, like open the remaining gifts with my family.

I know there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth and plenty of FOOLS cursing Saban’s name. Get a grip. The man won two SEC Championships and a National Title. He has won 48 games over five years and beaten the best in the business. It hurts now, but as time passes and LSU continues to win, the pain will subside. I know some will root against Saban so they can say, “should have stayed at LSU.” Others will cheer for the Dolphins and hope Nick’s success continues at the next level. I’m more ambivalent. I don’t know Saban personally. He seems like a good guy. He worked very hard while he was at LSU earning every dollar thrown at him. He won a bunch of football games and I was able to watch LSU win a National Title because of his hard work. But our relationship is over, because the only thing we shared was LSU football. Now that the link is broken, we can go our separate ways.

College sports is a business where loyalty takes a back seat to a number of things including, wins, money and ego. Had Saban come in and struggled, folks would be burning up the airwaves with complaints. Look at Ron Zook, before he even coached a game two guys created FireRonZook.com. Remember, Nick Saban was hired for ONE reason, to win football games. Everything else is window dressing. He wasn’t hired to be funny. He wasn’t hired to fall in love with LSU. He wasn’t hired to eventually retire in Baton Rogue and become a symbol of the university. He was paid for W’s, and he delivered big time.

Where to now? I have no idea. I assume Bertman has been working behind the scenes putting together a short list of coaching candidates. LSU is VERY attractive and LSU should do well as long as the process isn’t botched. I hope it happens soon. A new coach must assemble a staff and pick up where Saban left off in recruiting. LSU will be loaded next year, with the right guy, the Tigers will make another run at a National Championship. Let’s hope the next guy is in the Saban mold….not Curley bout Crazy.

PS…Oh yeah, the bowl game! Lost in the saga was the fact that LSU will play Iowa on New Year’s Day. A number of questions come to mind. Will Randall put together consecutive solid games? Will the younger players be distracted by the uncertainty of a new coach? Will the entire team focus on the task at hand when they know the taskmaster will be out the door at game’s end? All we can do is hope for the best and be prepared for the worst.

Final Musings...

Final Musings?! What do you mean? The season isn’t over yet! What about the bowl games?

What about them? You play all season to get in the best bowl possible, then play a meaningless game over New Year. Outside of the Championship Game, the rest of the match-ups are a bunch of exhibitions…thus the fundamental problem with the college football postseason. If you have a pulse, you’re in. 6-5? Come on down. Lost two games by more than 25 points this year? You can still play a great post season bowl no one has ever heard of. Haven’t beaten a team with a winning record this season? Think nothing of it. We will gladly have you fans in town to blow their hard earned money.

Auburn got hosed this season, but those are the rules. Everyone is complaining that Auburn should be ranked ahead of Oklahoma and USC. This is the wrong argument. Fans should be saying, “this system blows and we need to blow it up.” I like the four team playoff idea. Only one extra game. I would rather have the 5^th place team yelling than a worthy 3^rd place team.

Who does Ole Piss think they are fooling? You can throw as much money at a guy as you want, you are not going to play with the big boys every season. Recruiting Mississippi is tough with Ole Piss, Southern Miss and MSU all competeing for the same players. Firing Cutcliff was a HUGE mistake. Mark it down, the Rebels will be looking for a new head man following the 2007 season.

What happened to Miami? Lose a Championship game to Virginia Tech? At home?

Notre Shame is not a great job. The Irsih don’t have a natural geographical recruiting base advantage (think the Florida schools, OU and Texas, LSU, Michigan Ohio State or USC). Everyone is on TV now, so ND’s special deal with NBC isn’t all that special. The fan’s are unrealistic and the academic standards can create recruiting issues. Plus they try and low ball “THE MAN” (Urban Meyer) after they gunned Willingham. If I have to pick between making 1 million a year or DOUBLE that amount, the decision is made much easier.

I like Oklahoma in the National Championship game. No one is going to pick them, a la the 2001 Orange Bowl when the Sooners spanked the Criminoles. I picked the Sooners to win it all back on August 25, so I am sticking with them now.

Good...Bad

Good…The Mighty Spartans. If you are undefeated late in the season and in the hunt to play for a National Title, you better strap it on when playing the Spartans. Ohio State in ’98 and now Wisconsin in ’04 have fallen victim to MSU in late season upsets. My vote for Big Eleven coach of the year is John L. Smith. No one has done more with less this season. With a win over pathetic PSU, the Spartans will go bowling again.

Bad…Wisconsin. You are playing for the Rose Bowl. You are playing for a possible National Championship. You fall flat on your face. Giving up 49 points to the Spartans!! Are you kidding me. This ladies and gents, was a total meltdown.

Good…Auburn has the look of a Champion.

Bad…Georgia looks a little toothless this season. Sure, they punked LSU and Florida. But against UT and AU, the Dawgs pooped on the carpet and got spanked for it.

Good…Miami. NEVER, EVER, EVER count out the Canes. Sure, they feel asleep the last two weeks, but in the big money game they were superb.

Bad…Virginia. Can we finally agree that this team is a good second tier squad in the ACC? They have not beaten a team with a winning record and have been beaten by a combined total of 44 points by FSU and Miami. Stay on the porch ‘cause the big dogs are running all over your ass.

Good…Florida avoided a losing season with a serious beat down of South Carolina.

Good or Bad?…Spurrier to the Gamecocks? Although only a rumor, there are juicy possibilities. You think he would just love to stick it to the Gators?

Good…Scott Peterson. GUILTY.

Bad…Up next…the needle?

Good…The Contenders. USC, Auburn, Oklahoma, Utah.

Bad…Poser Material. Wisconsin.

The Big Story

The biggest story of the past week is George Bush’s triumphant reelection as President. While I could easily talk about the importance of his reelection, that’s not why we’re here is it?

The big story in college football, in my mind, is the four undefeated teams remaining with a shot at the Orange Bowl. USC, Oklahoma, Auburn and Wisconsin are all in the race for the National Title. I am amazed not at the fact that they are in the mix, but how they have gotten there.

USC has a few blowouts on the resume, but they have deftly avoided the upset bug in a few nail biters. The Men of Troy have won 4 of their games by 11 points or less, with the Stanford and Cal meetings going down to the wire.

Oklahoma has survived spirited challenges the last few weeks on the road from Oklahoma State and Texas A&M. 3 of their last 4 games have been decided by 10 points or less.

Auburn has done a better of job avoiding close games. Actually, with the exception of the one point win over LSU, The Tigers have blow everyone out with their closest margin of victory 18 points.

The Badgers lived dangerously to start the season. With a 2 point win over Arizona and a 3 point win over Purdue after a last second missed field goal, Wisconsin dodged heartbreaking losses.

All of these teams have senior leadership and a little luck added in. But this trend goes beyond these four. Texas was down by 28 against OSU this weekend then roared back to win. Oregon dropped an easy 4th down pass late in the game Saturday letting California off the hook. Louisville could not get a stop against Miami a few weeks ago to preserve a huge upset. Michigan has won three games by 3 points or less. LSU beat Oregon State and Troy by a combined 5 points. With four weeks left in the season, there are 13 teams with zero or one loss. Last season ended with no undefeated teams and only two teams with one loss (LSU and USC). What gives?

I think it is a combination of mental toughness by the winners and an inability to seal the deal by the losers. I have watched over 100 games this season (sick, ain’t it?), every single one of the games I have mentioned earlier. The favorites have consistently made plays late in games while the underdogs have been oh-so-close yet unable to make that ONE critical play, fumble recovery, an interception, a big sack, or a deep pass setting up a field goal late to seal a huge upset. It can be frustrating seeing some heavyweights slip by overmatched opponents, but it is also a pleasure to watch good teams execute in clutch situations.

Speaking of execution, I think LSU fans are going to be on the warpath after the game against Alabama. Although the streak was broken back in 2000, LSU has only beaten Alabama once in Tiger Stadium since 1969. This is a solid Alabama team with one of the nation’s best defenses. The Tide is ranked #1 in the country in total defense and pass defense, giving up only 224 yards and 107 yards per game respectively. Alabama is 6th in scoring defense giving up only 13.5 points a contest. The Tigers are no slouches though. LSU ranks #4 nationally in total defense and pass defense. Both teams will rely on the running game while on offense. But LSU has turned the ball over a ridiculous number of times this season (88th nationally in TO margin) and I look for that to continue this week. Alabama also has a big edge in special teams. The Tide is ranked #1 in KO returns and Brian Bostick is 13 for 16 in the field goal department. This game has been described as the beginning of a “3 game season.” Too bad the Tigers will get off to a rocky start.

LSU 10 – Alabama 13.

Top 5 QB's of the Past 25 Years

Rather than tell everyone what they already know, i.e., the Tigers don’t have a reliable QB, I thought I’d reflect back on the best LSU signal callers from the last 25 years. I have personally seen all these guys play, and they have very different styles. But what they held in common was the ability to make plays at critical junctures. Each has a signature victory, which LSU fans, young and old, will reminisce about for years to come.

1. Tommy Hodson - #1 in career passing yards, attempts, completions and TD passes in LSU history. This was really a no brainer. As cool as they come, Hodson orchestrated the game winning drive in 1988 in the legendary Earth Quake game against Auburn. He won 2 SEC Championships and played in three bowl games. He was All-SEC four times (86-89). Along with Y. A. Tittle and Bert Jones, Hodson is one of the best EVER to don the purple and gold.

2. Matt Mauck – I know, how can you rank the guy second when he won a National Championship? Mauck was the beneficiary of a tremendous defense and surrounded by a bevy of talent. Mauck knew how to make plays and was definitely a big game type of guy. He played masterfully in 2 SEC Championship games and who can forget the TD throw in the 2004 Georgia game. Ranking him 2^nd is not a knock on Mauck, only a tribute to Hodson.

3. Herb Tyler – In looking at the last 25 years, I cannot think another player who squeezed as much production out of his ability as Herb. He ranks in the top four in LSU history in every important career passing statistic. In addition to his passing, Tyler racked up 23 rushing TD’s. The 1997 victory over #1 Florida ranks with one of the greatest wins in LSU history. He was never appreciated fully until he was gone.

4. Rohan Davey – Injuries and that nightmare it sickens me to mention (the sorry good for nothing Josh Booty) are the ONLY reason Davey is not ranked higher. He led LSU to the 2001 SEC Championship and a Sugar Bowl victory over Illinois. He holds the single season record for yards, attempts and completions. Davey holds the SEC record for total yards in a single game for his 540 yards against the Crimson Tide in 2001. Don’t forget, LSU’s only Biletnikoff winner, Josh Reed, owes a great deal to Davey’s right arm.

5. Allen Risher – My dad calls him the smartest QB he’s seen play at LSU. The “Slidell Slinger” played from 1980 to 1982. The ’82 team, which finished 8-3-1, was a grand total of 7 points away from an undefeated season. He led LSU to a huge victory over the Criminoles as Oranges rained down on Tiger Stadium on a very special Saturday night. While he was probably less athletic than the QB’s ahead of him, he was a leader and his senior season was my first as an LSU fan. So yeah, I like the guy.

Good...Bad

Good…Oklahoma State goes up 35-7 over the Longhorns in Austin.

Bad…The Cowboys then proceed to give up 49 straight points and lose 35-56. One of the wilder games I have ever seen.

Good…Boomer Sooner baby. Repeatedly punched in the mouth by the Aggies, Oklahoma battled back as Jason White threw 5 TD passes in a great win at Kyle Field.

Bad…Coach Fran loses for the second week in a row. Which is worse? Losing in OT to Baylor or at the buzzer of regulation to Oklahoma?

Good…Tommy Bowden doing the late season thing again to avoid getting fired. This was no fluke; Clemson played very well and hung around long enough to win in OT.

Bad…Larry Coker. I don’t remember Johnson, Erickson or Davis losing at home in November.

Good…One reason I love my job, the people. A guy comes to court to plead guilty to a misdemeanor this week and wears a t-shirt that says on the back, “In honor of Melvin Jones, 4/18/73 Alpha, 9/29/00 Omega, We’re all going to miss you.” That’s nice, a little tribute to a guy who passes before his time. As I am sitting in court listening to the judge read the defendant his rights, out of curiosity I type “Melvin Jones” into our computer system. WOW!! It turns out that Melvin was very busy while with us. He had at least 10 arrests, including cocaine possession, burglary and robbery amongst other things. You can’t make this shit up!

Bad…Wasted talent. I went to the Angola rodeo last week and bought a beautiful charcoal picture of a little girl drawn by one of the inmates. This is a wonderful picture that is now hanging in my office at work. I knew I’d end up regretting this, but I looked him up in the system to see what he is in for. Forcible Rape. Great. What a waste.

Good…Ohio State is putting the pieces back together for the upcoming showdown with the Wolverines. Tressell will pull out all the stops. If Ohio State wins, fans will forgive the Buckeyes for a lackluster season.

Bad…Michigan State. This comes with an asterisk however. The Mighty Spartans will rebound next year as more of John L. Smith’s players enter the program. The cupboard was bare on defense and it takes time to rebuild the mess left by Bobby Williams. Have hope Spartan fans, better times are ahead.

Good…Marcia Cross from Desperate housewives. Bada-bing.

Bad…Haven’t seen enough of this show.

Pissed!!!

When Nick Saban says he is “PISSED” in the post game radio interview, you know the man isn’t happy. For the last four plus seasons, Saban has made it a habit to keep his emotions in check when talking about the Tigers and dealing with the media. But Saturday night, his patience was sorely tested in LSU’s come from behind victory over Troy. He even told Jordy that he (Saban) appreciated Jordy’s positive spin on the game, but that didn’t change the fact that he was pissed.

Before I rip on Randall, I think the biggest problem this season has been turnover margin. LSU is ranked #101 out of 117 Division I teams. The Tigers are –7 this season. At the top of the ladder, Texas A&M is +16. Turnovers have killed the Tigers and kept the last two games closer than they should have been. The running backs have been careless with the ball and the same can be said for the quarterbacks.

With Marcus Randall at the helm, LSU has been as schizophrenic as any team in the SEC, even the entire country. Randall is now 8-6 in games in which he started or came off the bench to finish. LSU’s longest winning streak with Randall is two games. (win, loss, win, loss, win, loss, loss, win, win, loss, win, loss, win, win) In his career he has thrown 15 TD’s and 11 INT’s. I assume that Saban has decided to end the QB merry-go-round and just stick with Randall, come hell or high water.

Welcome to Hell…

Don’t misunderstand me, Randall plays very hard and prepares for games. But he hasn’t conquered the mental part of the game. Be it acting as a steadying influence or playing well week after week against quality opponents. Looking at his numbers, one could conclude that he is putting together a nice season. The problem is consistency. He played well last week yet struggled against an overmatched (or so it seemed on paper) Troy team. Opportunities present themselves Saturday and he didn’t take advantage of them. Against Florida, WITH a healthy running game, Randall made a number of plays and correct reads. Against Troy, he never took advantage of man coverage. He threw deep maybe once or twice. Is this a function of play calling? I have no idea, only the staff can answer that question. But this has been a problem ALL season. Having said all that, stunningly, LSU is second in the conference in passing offense.

* BTW: It seems like we ran only four different plays last night; the shuffle pass to Skyler Green, the slip screen to Craig Davis, 10 yard out routes, or my favorite, the drop back and run around and get two yards by Randall/ QB draw for 1 yard.

Adding to Saban’s angst, LSU’s inability to run the ball is a huge problem. I don’t know how the O-Line graded out, but it could not have been very good. Looking at the bigger picture, during Saban’s tenure at LSU, the Tigers have had only one 1000 yard rusher (Justin Vincent, 1001 yards in 2003). Again, this may be a function of play calling and the rotation of the running backs.

I think the rest of the season looks unclear at this point. No one can get a handle on this team. I assume Randall will be the quarterback all season, but how can you leave him in there if he continues to play poorly? If Saban rides the season out with Randall, where will the Tigers be next season? I have heard a number of negative things about Russell. He’s not that sharp; he doesn’t like to watch film; he can’t read defenses. If these things are true, I think the race will be wide open with Matt Flynn getting an opportunity to play. Quarterback is the toughest position to project coming out of high school, and while recruiting is important, I will always remain skeptical until a guy makes plays IN Tiger Stadium.

LSU gets Vandy next week and I am reluctant to guess what the final score may be. The Tigers will win the game, but who knows which offense will show up. Saban will be chewing ass all week, so I expect a solid performance. LSU 34 – Vandy 3.

So Now What????

So now what?

Are we going to have to wait another 45 years for the next National Championship?

What is the over/under on the number of games LSU loses before some fans start calling for Saban to be fired?

How many games will go by before we hear, “I really didn’t appreciate Matt Mauck till he was gone”?

Anyone starting to think this “new” piggyback BCS model is worse than the old bowl system?

Bush or Kerry?

Will Mack Brown’s job be on the line when the Longhorns meet Oklahoma on October 9?

What crappy Big Least team will end up in the BCS mix?

Is there really a Liberal Media Bias?

Who is going to lose first, USC or LSU?

Who is going to be the next “soldier” going to “war” for this “U?”

Anyone ever use the term “C---” (rhymes with “bunt”) as a term of endearment? (Click here if that one went over your head. Yes, this is a SPORTS related!)

What institution of higher education is going on probation next?

Is ESPN’s SportsCenter turning into the WWE of sporting news shows?

Kirsten Dunst or Mira Sorvino?

Where have all the stud running backs gone?

Who are the best LSU quarterbacks over the past 25 years?

Why do the plastic screws on my toilet seat keep breaking?

All are great questions, questions that the Hit Parade will be tackling all season long.

Moment of a Lifetime

I admit it. As I watched Nick Saban hoist the crystal football inside the Superdome, I got a little misty eyed. After watching good teams make runs to 10 win seasons in 1987 and 1996, and living through hell from 1989 to 1994, the 2003 football season will always hold a special place for me. The 2004 National Championship trophy represents the personal culmination of 22 years of cheering, cursing and crying. During all those preseason conversations filled with hope which inevitably led to late season discussions of “what if?,” I always held out hope, even if the flame flickered quite often during the “Curley-bout-Crazy” era.

In a season full of blowouts, two plays stick out in my mind: (1) Matt Mauck’s game winning pass to Skyler Green versus Georgia in Tiger Stadium, (2) Manning going down at Ole Miss on the Rebels final offensive drive. The plays typified LSU’s success on both sides of the ball. Excluding the Florida game, the Tigers had timely offensive production and key defensive stops all season.

I can’t add much about LSU’s performance. The DEFENSE was just too DAMN good. Earlier this season, I called them the Nasty Boys, and they lived up to the name time and again this season. The defense put LSU in a position to play for the National Championship. The defense won the Sugar Bowl while special teams and offense gave Oklahoma its scoring opportunities. Spears’ interception and return for a TD to begin the 3^rd quarter gave LSU an insurmountable lead which the defense preserved the rest of the way. How fitting was it for Lionel Turner to sack Heisman winning quarterback Jason White to seal the victory?

I’d be remiss in not mentioning the issue with the “split” title.

LSU would beat USC.

Oklahoma was the #1 scoring team in the nation. The Tigers held the Sooners to 14 points. LSU only gave up more than 20 points once the entire season, and that was to Arkansas as the Tigers scored 55 in a route. USC has more Heisman Trophy winners, more All-Americans, more Titles and more national recognition than LSU. But the Tigers have the Nasty Boys, and the Nasty Boys would not be denied.

I want to thank everyone for reading the page each week. You readers keep me going each week even when I’m feeling lazy.

See you next season…

Back in the Saddle

41 minutes and 43 seconds.

In a 60 minute game to possess the ball that long is unheard of. LSU regained its rhythm with a powerful 33-7 win over the less-than-Gamecocks. Any fears of a slump or hangover were put to rest in the first half as LSU went up 19-0 on three long scoring drives.

The offense line was fantastic. They opened holes and game Matt Mauck plenty of protection. Mauck was a model of efficiency going 24 of 30 with 2 TD’s. He did a great job managing the offense and even threw downfield a few times. He also checked down to Justin Vincent twice picking up big yards. I realize why the passing game is ball control. The long ball is not Mauck’s forte by a long shot. He under threw Henderson and over threw Green and Clayton on the three long passes of the game. I’m glad he’s chucking them up there however. He will make some strikes as the season moves on and hopefully keep the safeties from creeping up on LSU’s running game.

Speaking of the running game, LSU rushed for a season high 263 yards on 52 carries. The key was LSU’s superior line play. It’s amazing what our backs can do when given a crease. Broussard ran over the safety on his 33 yard gallop early in the game. Vincent was strong inside and shifty around the ends. If LSU can continue to open holes, the offense will flourish.

0 yards.

To hold a team averaging 185 yards a game on the grand to ZERO yards is outstanding. But what do you expect from the #1 rushing defense in the country. LSU is also first in the nation in scoring defense only giving up 9.86 points a game. With the exception of the two long pass plays by Pinkins, the defense played extremely well.

The game next week will be another classic in the series. I know Auburn has won 5 in a row, but I am not convinced. They have beaten two good teams in that stretch, Tennessee and Arkansas. After the beatings laid on those two by Georgia and Florida, I am left wondering, how good are those wins? Tuberville is up to his same bullshit leaving Carnell Williams in the game late getting him 6 TD’s to run it up on Jackie Sherrill. Auburn is still a one dimensional team. They are ranked 92nd in the country in passing. The teams are 2-2 in the last four meetings in Tiger Stadium. Saban is 1-2 against Tuberville.

The LSU defense will be able to slow the running game down and get after Auburn’s QB Jason Campbell. If LSU can have put together another solid performance running the ball, LSU will win the game. In a defensive struggle, I like LSU.

The REAL Tigers 23 – Those other Tigers 13.

Good...Bad

Good…The Mighty Spartans. 3-0 and in first place in the Big 11. They continue to impress but the meat of the schedule is up next with games at Minnesota, Ohio State and Wisconsin. The Spartans will win at least one of those games and be right in the hunt for the Big 11 title.

The Most Pathetic…Minnesota giving up 31 points in the 4th quarter against John Navarre. Navarre was 0-6 against ranked teams on the road. He’s a classic choker, just blitz him and he’ll crumble. What does Minnesota do? Play prevent defense the entire 4th quarter. Coaches lost that game, not the players. Play not to lose and you are just that, a loser. YOU SUCK GOLDEN GOOFERS!

Good…One half of my National Championship is rolling along. The Sooners annihilated Texas this weekend. Mack Brown needs a win in that game in one of the next two seasons of he will get run out of town. Some schools have game you just CANNOT lose on a regular basis. Auburn – Alabama, Ohio State – Michigan, USC – UCLA and Oklahoma – Texas. Lose too many against the big rival and you are going to get run off.

Bad…Texas. Wow.

Good…Notre Shame. Just when you think they are going in the tank, they pull off a great upset on the road no less running all over Shittsburgh.

Bad…Don’t believe the hype. Shittsburgh, Tennessee, K-State and Virginia were supposed to contend for conference championships. They are a combined 5-5 in conference games and only 15-9 overall.

Good…Boston College moves to the ACC.

Bad…The Big Least is quickly swirling round the bowl.

Good…The Contenders, Oklahoma, Va. Tech, Miami, TCU, and Northern Illinois

Bad…Poser Material, Ohio State, LSU, Arkansas, Minnesota, the Criminoles and Cornholers.

Good…Hobbies.

Bad…Knitting Club. What the hell is knitting club?

Good…Arnold in California.

Bad…Do you know that my state representative Is Cleo Fields? I thought this was a GOOD neighborhood I moved into!?

The Best…Convictions…and I’m not talking about your strong belief in the 4-3 vs. 3-4. I’m talking about putting killers behind bars. Melvin Elie, who I heard speak for the first time last week, was convicted on October 9, 2003 of Manslaughter. In my ever changing view on life, THAT counts as a big win. A much bigger win that beating Georgia.

The Worst…The pressure. Everyone has it. But during the trials, it become especially acute. By the time the trial is over, the overwhelming feeling is one of relief. It feels great to win and see justice done, but you are so worn out, you can’t fully appreciate the W. I still love my job, it just takes a real toll.

Title Hopes on Hold

Football can be a funny game. One day you are 5-0, ranked 6th in the country and folks are using your name in the same sentence with National Champion. The next day you are ranked third in your division and you have serious question marks for the rest of the season.

LSU stunk Saturday afternoon. The defense blew assignments and the offense was completely inept. One had to figure LSU would lay an egg this season, but not against the Gators. This is the same team which has beaten LSU 14 out that last 16 meetings. The same team that once beat LSU 58-3 in Tiger Stadium. The same team that Nick Saban now stands 1-3 against.

LSU has a laundry list of offensive problems:

- Matt Mauck looked terrible. He was 19 of 33, but only for a little over 200 yards. He was not sharp and took a few sacks when he could have thrown the ball away. He still refuses to throw downfield and give the LSU receivers a chance to make big plays. Chris Leak looked like the experienced veteran while Mauck looked like a lost freshman.

- The offensive line cannot run block. Pass protection was pretty good. But after six games, LSU does not have a consistent running game.

- Shyrone Carey is LSU’s best running back. Addai would do well on a power running team, but he’s not one to “make something out of nothing.” LSU needs to get Carey back in there pronto. Looking long term, LSU needs to recruit another top RB. Justin Vincent is no great shakes either.

- With a lack of execution, it is tough to accurately evaluate the play calling. We didn’t run any inside hand offs out of the gun and I don’t know if we have run ONE draw play the entire season. I don’t think you can expect the throw a bunch of 4 yard passes and hope they turn into TD’s. I think this is more a function of Mauck’s ineffectiveness rather than the actual play calling.

For the most part, the defense played well. There were breakdowns which can be attributed to Jack Hunt being out and good play selection by Florida. The two TD’s were off similar plays. The running back would delay then sneak out of the backfield and get open over the middle. Georgia would have scored a few weeks ago on a similar play had Lavalais not knocked the pass down on a great individual effort.

Where does LSU go from here? The Tigers will bounce back, but I don’t know if the offensive problems are easily correctable. The O-Line must improve and Matt Mauck must get better. I even thought the staff might throw Randall in the game to provide a spark. Randall has his shortcomings, but at least he is not afraid to throw downfield.

LSU is at South Carolina next weekend. The Gamecocks are lead by Dondrial Penkins at quarterback. Daccus Turman and Demetrius Summers form a running back by committee. South Carolina is solid on defense and will play to stop the run. Unless Mauck learns to throw deep and follow his progressions, the Tigers could be in for a long night. LSU’s defense is still nasty and will keep the Tigers close. But I think LSU’s woes will continue.

LSU 16 – USC 18.