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.
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