Tuesday, October 28, 2008

LSU v Georgia 10.25

LSU v. Georgia 10.25.08

Geez. I’m hard pressed to think of anything positive right now, a mere 10 minutes after the game has ended. I’ve just spent the last 3.5 hours yelling at the TV, my head hurts, and we got embarrassed – not a great combination.

Language Barrier
My mom chastised me for using “creative” language in the early minutes of the game, especially b/c my 88 year old grandmother was watching the game with us. Well, lo and behold if not just 5 minutes later Maw Maw is yelling her fair share of “colorful” language at the TV. So funny!

Shout Out
I have to give a shout out to Cole, who played O-line for the Tigers last year and let me wear his National Championship ring Thursday night. That was cool. Cole, you probably won’t like what you read below, but keep in mind, in spite of my critiques, I love the Tigers.

Pick 6
I think Colt David should give Lee his number - 6. It seems to be a favorite.

Charitable Giving
This is why Lee should wear the number six. Lee continued his charitable giving to the opponents with not one but two interceptions for touchdowns. The first play of the game – SERIOUSLY? Add in the other INT in the first half and you have a really giving QB. O and a side note, the first two INTs came on FIRST down.

QBe Damned
No doubt about it, our QBs are a real problem. I’m all for redshirting Jefferson, but the talk begins – should Miles lift the redshirt and take these bumps and bruises with our QB of the future? My tendency is to say yes. In the last few years, LSU has had great talent at QB, but only having them play for a year, maybe two. Let’s start from scratch and start young. Let JJ get a good feel of the game now – it’s not like he can struggle much more than Lee. Wouldn’t it be something for LSU to have a QB that started for 2.5+ years before he goes pro?

Block Somebody, ANYBODY!
For the love of all things purple and gold, will the O line PUH LEASE block someone? How many runs didn’t go anywhere, b/c we didn’t hit someone. Granted we had some key blocks on key plays, but how many others were blown up by the D b/c we can’t block them?

Kudos to the UGA O-Line
Young and Inexperienced – could have fooled me. Our D line didn’t get near enough pressure on Stafford. Their O line hung in there and opened some big holes for Moreno and gave more than enough time for Stafford to throw. Nice Job.

Coincidence? I Think Not
LSU lost by 14. We gave up 14 easy points to the defense. No coincidence about it.


Wanted: Headhunter
I realize we have some young DBs but I never could have imagined we would not be able to replace a hard hitting safety/sure tackler like Steltz. We do not tackle well in the secondary, we don’t “bring the wood” and hit hard, and we don’t cover well…0 for 3. Recipe for giving up 103 pts in two games (ok, ok, technically the defense only gave up 82 pts – at least 21 can be attributed to the offence and Lee’s generosity).

Coaching
As I’ve been saying for a few weeks, coaching decisions are killing us. I’m a Les Miles fan, but ultimately he’s responsible, b/c he’s the boss. This co-defensive coordinator thing doesn’t seem to be working. You would think b/t the two of them they could coach this inexperienced secondary and put them in a better position to make plays, but, more often than not, we are WAY out of position and can’t tackle. Offensively whoever coaches the QBs is not doing a good job with Lee. I realize he’s young and has a long way to go, but I’m a big believer of learning from your mistakes and not making the same mistake twice. That doesn’t seem to be a priority for our QBs. Lee continues to stare down receivers, throw off his back foot and misreading defenses – and that happens on completions!

Halftime Adjustments
Last week, this was good for us. This week not so much. In fact, we came out worse offensively and defensively.

Blah
Our special teams are not good. Colt David is a solid kicker, so he doesn’t count. Punting – awful. Kickoffs – less than mediocre. Return game – kickoff returns were ok, punt returns were non-existent. We did a good job covering kicks, but there are few bright spots here.

Fourth and Five
Just a thought – why not put Hatch in to pick up this critical fourth down. He gives us more options and even he can throw the ball far enough to pick up five. After 2 INTs do you really think Lee is in the frame of mind to step up and throw the big ball on a critical 4th down in the Red Zone? Strategically, I didn’t like the call.

Hatch Plays Well
He’s pretty steady, and does a good job with our running game. Too bad he can’t throw for crap. And the intentional grounding wasn’t his fault – it’s Crowton’s. Why are we throwing the ball with him anyway, when throughout the drive the running game was clicking? Especially with a drop back pass on a play that needs time to develop. Yeah, yeah, keep the defense off-balance, and all, but they looked pretty balanced on the rush.

Game Ball to Scott
Charles Scott came back from a mediocre game at S. Carolina to have a great day. He ran for over 140 yards and 2 TDs. He ran tough and got some good gains when we needed it. We saw some horrific blocking by the O-line, so more kudos to Scott for running that well, without much help.

Officials
Not so good. Several face mask no-calls, the huge third down play that was flagged for pass-interference but waived off b/c the ball was supposedly tipped at the line, forcing LSU to kick a field goal, instead of the automatic first down. That ball was not even close to being tipped. The TV commentators claimed that is actually a reviewable play, so the officials blew it twice on one play, since the booth didn’t call for a review.

Highlight of my Day
I early voted today and only waited in line for 20 minutes!

#5
Was it just me, or did Keiland look a little chunky and slow? He ran hard, but his speed wasn’t blazing. Not knocking the effort, just the donuts.


Good Luck
Good luck to Georgia this season. I like their team and Mark Richt. They looked good today, and next week’s match up with Florida will be enjoyable to watch. It’ll be nice to sit back and watch both teams play, without having to endure the heartache of LSU getting beat-down by one of them.

Style Points
Anyone who thinks this is a myth is kidding themselves. You can’t tell me that laying the hammer down and running up the score doesn’t help (USC last week?). Tulane is no N. Texas, but we need to return the favor of the beating we received against UGA and earn some style points, and maybe make “the team who shall not be named” a little apprehensive about playing us.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

LSU v. South Carolina; Oct 18, 2008

Last night's game was certainly a tale of two halves, especially defensively for LSU. Stephen "Convict" Garcia was pretty fired up on a couple of wide opened runs, and he kept hitting that drag route over the middle (thanks to repeated picks from the back judge - more on him later) and we couldn't figure out either. Offensively, Lee arranged for his customary peace offering to the opposing defense (aka - costly first half interception) and we really never found a rythm, then HALF TIME. I heard there was some soul searching and gut checking going on in the LSU locker room that thankfully fired the boys up to play a very good second half. So...

Let's Play a Game
Let's pretend the first half of the SC, Florida, and Auburn games didn't exist. Sure, our record would still be the same (we still lose to UF), but I would have to endure less heartache. I have an idea, let's play for 60 minutes next week, just for shiggles, and see what happens!

O - Yes!
Ok, so not the prettiest or cleanest effort by the offense (especially in the first half), but I thought for about 75% of the game (ugly third quarter) there was creative play calling and a effective job of mixing in the two QBs and talented RBs. There were even some plays that were blocked very well. We did struggle to execute, but overall, it wasn't so difficult to watch. Technically, we could have had another 7 pts, the way #5 was running the ball on the last drive, but I was perfectly fine sitting on the ball and running out the clock.

Defense "Express"
Apparently, playing four defensive ends as your 4 man front has a name, it's called the "Express" and boy did it chug right through the SC front. A dominating performance by the front four (whoever was in there) and some nice blitzs by the DBs. I think we may have quadrupled our sack total for the year in the second half - at least that's what it felt like!

Welcome Back
An enthusiastic "Welcome Back" to the blitz. It was nice to see you again, I've missed you so! It's amazing what a little pressure can do, especially on a first time starter like that punk Garcia. He enjoyed the first half but he got mauled and harrassed in the second half and got up woozy at times. You think he went out and got drunk after the game? Probably. Let's just hope he didn't get arrested...

Best Hit in the First Half
Had to be the fore-arm thrown by the back judge when Garcia scrampled from the LSU 7 or so and took off towards the goal-line. On about the five Garcia runs straight at the official, who actually throws (not in a protective fashion) a fore-arm shot right at him. It was awesome! Not sure why Garcia made a move right at the guy - maybe he was drawn to the prison-esk stipes?

Horse-collared
I haven't seen this called all year, yet leave it to one of our guys to be flagged at a critical time in the game. So, refs, if you're going to call this, what about the shot to Richard Dickson in the end zone. Not only was it a horse-collar, but it could have been a late hit too. Just b/c he scored before the hit, doesn't mean he should receive the same protection as any other play. Equal opportunity protection. Bad no-call.

Glass Half-Full
Though I don't usually take this glass half-full approach (I'm a realist - the glass either has something in it, or it doesn't) I'd like to point out the positive of Lee's first half interception - it was the first one (of his 3) that was not run back for a touch down. Congrats!

Officiating
The officiating seemed especially bad last night. Many comments were made about "The Old Ball Coach" paying them off. O and the SC running back did not score on fourth down, he clearly "slid" over the line after he was down with the ball not even close to the goal line. Or maybe I'm confusing the LSU game with the Saints game...two critical plays that come up inches short of a first down? Two inches is clearly side judge error.

Hatin' on The Adovcate...Again
This time it's not about the goofy headlines, it's about the fact that I didn't get my Sunday edition! Mr Manship, I realize you expected the paper to be a little late to include coverage of the LSU game, so I slept in and waited, but when I checked at 11 am and still had no paper - that's a little ridiculous.

Throwing off Your Back Foot
This is not advised. Lee keeps saying adrenline and nerves have him rushing throws and throwing off his back foot, resulting it badly missed throws, some to the other team. My thoughts are that it's poor mechanics - his footwork is not good. I made a point to watch some throws where he wasn't under a lot of pressure and it seemed like his footwork was just as bad as when he makes a bad pass. Just something to think about.

Coaching
I was pretty critical of the coaches in the first half for not having the team ready to play emotionally. Game management continues to be a problem, and can you please tell me why we are still getting flagged for illegal shifts and formations after seven games? Terrible. But, in a gesture of good will to the LSU coaches, I will say they did a MUCH better job making half time adjustments this week than last. Granted, the Gamecocks are not on the same level as the Gators, but you have to start somewhere.

No Indvidual Props
I don't think any one individual stood out to me as being the star of this game. I think as a collective unit the LSU Football Tigers won this game on hard work, determination and team work. Well done, and welcome home!

What I Learned from this Game
I absolutely CANNOT drink beer and sit in a comfy chair while watching the game. I was uncharacteristically mellow and sleepy for most of the game. I really just wanted to curl up and take a nap! Damn the beer.

Poles
So we're 13 in the BCS and knocking on the door to the top 10 in both the AP and USA today, at # 11. This isn't an awful spot to be in. We can create our own destiny en route to a rematch with the Gators in the SEC Championship Game. Hey - it could happen!

I Hate CBS
2:30 kickoff for Georgia? BOOOOOO! U Suck.

Monday, October 13, 2008

LSU v Florida; Oct 2008

Well, I can’t say that this year’s installment of the LSU/UF game was inspiring as 2007. In fact, it was down right miserable – if you’re a Tiger fan. I have to say that this game would be easier to write about, if I had actually watched the game.

Why I Didn't Watch
Can you blame me? It’s not like I didn’t start out wanting to watch the game. I arrived at my cousin’s house with beer in tow, ready for a good time. And I had one, chatting in the kitchen, as far away from the TV as possible. I played with the kids, nibbled on some snacks and wandered in to the TV room every 10 min or so. I just couldn’t sit in front of the TV watching them self-destruct.

Shots Anyone?
I’m not a big drinker, and I definitely don’t like to take shots, but I did throw the suggestion out there that maybe we should start when LSU gained only 4 yards on three possessions and we’re down 17-0. We didn’t take shots, thankfully since I drove myself home much earlier than I anticipated!

Not Surprised
I honestly can’t say that the outcome of the game surprised me that much. The LSU team as a whole has had some bright spots, but overall, they have played exactly the way they did on Saturday, just against weaker opponents. Think back to the first half at Auburn – we tried to dig a huge hole, but Auburn isn’t as opportunistic as Florida, thankfully. Even the first two rent-a-wins and the Miss State games weren’t all that dominating, save for Charles Scott.

Where’s Waldo (Scott)?
It was like that stupid where’s waldo game. You need to find the main character on offense, one Charlie Scott, and he’s on the sideline. Actually, maybe he did play more than I thought, but I didn’t watch the second or fourth quarters, in their entirety. I’m just thinking back to those first three series…

Live from New York
My parents were in NY this weekend but their vacation didn’t stop them from watching the game. It’s a shame but my reputation certainly precedes me when I get a text from my mom early in the first half making sure I am watching my language around the kids. Ouch. My reply was that I was fine, b/c I had already stopped watching the game.

Whoa is the O
I just don’t get it. I don’t know if it’s bad play calling, bad protection/blocking, bad routes, bad runs, or bad QB play (I think I covered every offensive position), it was just BAD.

Nail in the Coffin
It’s rare to have this kind of play in the first 2.5 minutes of a game but I knew LSU was doomed, when on the first Florida series, we hold them to third and 12, Tebow makes a bad pass, which McCray has a play on…and he tips it to Harvin for a TD. You could hear the air go out of the balloon. You can beat a team, but you can’t beat luck, and subsequently, momentum.

I Like Florida
Don’t let that confuse you, I wanted LSU to make a gator skin purse out of them. And if you don’t like that I like Florida, you can just stop reading now. I think they are a well-coached, very talented team. Their offensive scheme fits their personnel and their D is speedy and aggressive – overall they are very explosive. Which brings me to…

How did Ole Miss Beat Florida?
Gotta chalk it up to “everybody has a bad day,” but seriously, what the hell was Florida’s problem when the Rebs came to town and beat them at home?

Blitz
I just wanted to remind everyone that blitzing does still exist in college football, though the LSU defense has failed do anything to get pressure on a QB in at least the last few games.

My Blood Pressure
Did I yell at the TV – of course, though only for a short time. It didn’t take long for me to realize that this game was getting out of hand. I was as calm as I’ve ever been during a LSU game in recent memory. Why get all worked up when the end result will be the same, no matter what I say/do?

Four Yards on Three Offensive Series
Really? It seems mathematically impossible that a team down 7-0 then eventually 17-0, would fail to find a fire to carve out a first down or two. I’ve always said that we have “arguably” the best O-line in the country – I’m now arguing against them. After the first 3 and out, with one net yard, you would think we’d abandon the script and run Scott a few times in a row on the second series. Just smash-mouth up the middle. How silly of me! We did double our yards on that second series…to two net yards.

Out Coached
I don’t think anyone can argue with me when I say LSU was out-coached in this game. We had a poor game plan, didn’t make adjustments (especially on offense), and just didn’t come in mentally prepared. I’m not on the fire Miles bandwagon after one 30 pt loss, it’s college football and it happens, especially in the SEC. But, it’s the coaching issues that do concern me the most. You had a bye week, and this is what we get? Thank goodness we don’t have another bye week this season.

Hatch Does a Great Tebow Impression
Hatch’s TD run from a few yards out was a great impression of the hard running Tebow. Hatch got rocked on the initial hit, but kept those legs churning and pushed his way over the goal line. I was impressed by the short yardage effort.

Tebow
Did you see that goofy picture of him in The Advocate Sunday? It’s worth finding a copy. Caption is of Tebow “celebrating” at midfield – he is actually SKIPPING with a ridiculous grin on his face. I’m trying to be PC here, but, well, the picture didn’t do anything to solidify his sexual orientation, if you get my gay-ward drift.

Jump Pass
Didn’t see it, but as I was driving home early in the fourth quarter, I heard the call on the radio that Tebow attempted that DAMN jump pass that I loathe, but the LSU D tackled Tebow for a loss. Thank goodness. If he would have burned us for a TD a second time with that cop-out, candy-ass jump pass, I would have been beside myself with annoyance, among other feelings.

Tennis Tournament
As I mentioned in my last blog, I turned down tickets to the Florida game to play in a tennis tournament. I had several comments made that I should have forgotten about the tournament and gone to Gainesville – but who is laughing now? I did not win the tournament but Becky and I played very well and had a lot of fun (and got an October tan, which is awesome)! We won 2 and lost 1, which was as close as we could get to winning without doing so. We think some underhanded “funny business” was going on to keep us out of the wild card slot on Sunday. In all honesty, I’m not sure I could have played on Sunday anyway. Man, I was some kind of sore!

Final Score
I didn’t know what the final score of the game was until Sunday morning when I opened the paper (the actual paper, not the sell-out online version). Saturday night I left my cousin’s house early in the fourth quarter, went home, and tried to soak out some of my tennis soreness in the bath tub. Does it count that I was reading a book with a football storyline while I soaked in the tub?

FUGLY
If I had to sum up the Florida game in one word for the LSU team it would be FUGLY. No explanation should be needed. As my co-worker (who was at the game) texted me after the game ended - “That Sucked.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.