It’s been a long while, but I’m back, at least until I get too busy again. So what is compelling me to come out of my marriage-induced hiatus, you ask. After the NFL lock out, college players reporting and a recent lunch discussing football with my buddy, Dave, I realized that Football: 2011 seems different to me. There’s a feeling, a buzz, a little bit of excitement about the impending football season. A feeling that’s been absent for the last few years. I could blame it on a shifting of life priorities, marriage, or my decreasing passion for all things football, but quite simply, LSU football just hasn’t had the feeling of anticipation leading into the season, or a building exhilaration throughout league play and into the post-season. But, it’s 2011, and LSU and the Saints are packed with potential.
*Disclaimer: I’m not a fact checker. If my facts are wrong, I don’t care. I’m not a journalist, so what does it matter if I just make stuff up? Just roll with it!
In Retrospect: LSU circa 2008, 2009, 2010
Ho Hum. We win a lot, some by a hair or a fluke, lose some legitimately and some because of hair-brained nonsense, and yet double digit wins and bowl games aren’t enough for me. My confidence in Les waivers, I still hate Crowton, and I’m hating Ryan Perrilloux more and more for be such a fu…screw up. Jordan Jefferson’s struggles never seem to improve (and the flashes of a great talent make it all the more discouraging) and yet I still tune in for every game. Defensively, we’re impressive, but giving up too many big plays at just that moment…ugh. We stay among the league’s top few teams, but Arkansas, WTF?...Arkansas? , is on our heels. Glad it’s 2011.
Hail to the Chief!
Helllll no, not “that” one. He’s a clown. I’m talking about John Chavis. What a really fantastic hire by Miles. And yes, I just used “fantastic” and “Miles” in the same sentence! Chief has put together a very solid, stout defense, using a combination of stars and sleepers. Though prone to giving up big plays due to their aggressive style, definitely one of the brightest spots of LSU football the last few years. Looking forward to see them build on their successes.
Miles Stays in BR…again
When the speculation that Les would leave BR, yet again, surfaced at the end of 2010, I was on the fence on whether or not I wanted him to go. The guy is growing on me, with some nice hires and recruiting, but we’ve yet to turn that dominant corner (yeah, I know we won a National Championship, but that’s how I feel), so I was undecided. Miles holds his press conference, adamantly explaining his decision to stay in BR, portraying himself as being committed to the Tigers and his family’s interests. As my dad, brother and I discuss the pros and cons of Miles, my mom thinks we’re too hard on the man. After the press conference, my mom scolds us for complaining about, and being unsupportive of, such a good, family man. Hey ma, ever hear the saying “Nice guys finish last?” Did I mention mom HATES football? Anyway, I have decided to turn over a new Miles leaf…I’m 100% (ok, more like 99%) in his corner going in to 2011. That could change very quickly after Sept 3, but at least it’ll make the next few weeks more enjoyable.
So Long Gary
Yes, I admit, I was immensely relieved when it was announced that Gary Crowton was finally leaving BR. I’ve never been a fan. Too much talent, not enough success, or even stability, in the offense. It was so frustrating to watch over, and over again, a first-down handoff up the middle, a second-down handoff to the edge, and asking JJ to throw on third and long. The consistency of this pattern was uncanny…and depressing. I don’t know a whole lot about the strategy of football, but when I know what’s coming next, don’t you think the guy on the other sideline that’s paid a silly amount of money to disrupt your offense knows what’s coming too? Good riddance Gare, it’s been a looooong run.
Kragthorpe
Now we’re talking. This is also a fantastic hire by Miles (there we are with “fantastic” and “Miles” again…this is getting scary). He’s a QB’s coordinator, and there’s nothing we need more than a mentor for Jefferson (about 3 years too late). JJ’s “improvements”, a stable of potentially game-breaking running backs, an under-achieving, yet talented, receiving corp, experience on the O-Line…the possibilities are endless…right? Then, the players report, and the announcement is made – Krag is stepping down because of a Parkinson’s diagnosis. My first reaction was sadness for the guy’s health…honest that was my first thought! I am 100% behind his decision. If there’s one thing I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older – yourself and your family comes first – no job is worth putting any of that in jeopardy. But, man, our “O’s” potential is snuffed out before it starts. Silver lining? We have one of the most over-qualified QB coaches in the nation. I hope he stays in BR as long as he feels good enough, and wish him all the best.
Coach “Stud”?
Let’s hope Studrawa lives up to his shortened name. We’ll benefit from Krag’s input, and Stud’s previous experiences as an OC is a positive. I remain optimistic at this point, albeit, cautiously so.
Jefferson: The Next Jason Campbell?
Ever heard ANYONE say, “When I grow up I want to be Jason Campbell”? Absolutely not. He’s not exactly the star quarterback every kid dreams of being, but Jefferson’s career has been such a similar struggle as Campbell’s, that every LSU fan is hoping JJ will be the next Jason Campbell, rebounding for a stellar (I use that word loosely) senior campaign. I am the first one to start jumping on JJ for poor decisions and that dumbfounded look on his face, but I am also the first one that wishes him a season of success in his final year. He’s certainly deserves it after all the criticism. I just hope that the coaches put him in better situations and, if all the reports are true – that he has improved and is as prepared as he’s ever been - he’ll earn that success.
Willie Lyles
Who the hell trusts a grown man called “Willie”? I’m glad LSU seems to have done legitimate business with him. He’s lucky Miles’ staff didn’t punch him in the face for the crap we got for the money. Sucks to be associated with such a D-Bag…just ask Oregon.
The Willie Lyles Bowl
Man, I hate that title, but you know that’s what the talking heads will be portraying the LSU/Oregon game as. Opening with Oregon scares the daylights out of me, because we’ve never really been tested like this so early in a season. We like to kinda ease into a season, I mean, it’s so hot outside and all. But Jerry’s World has AC, and the Quack Attack awaits. If our “O” doesn’t score early and often, this game could be troublesome. Our “D” will hold up, but we’ll have to give them some help. In order to win, we’ll have to outscore the other team. Sounds obvious, and easy enough, but can our “O” make it happen? I think Oregon puts up 24-35 points – can we put up 36? The bigger question looms: how ugly will Oregon’s uniform be? Stay tuned…
Thanks, but No Thanks
My wonderful husband, ever-so tolerant of my insane love of football, despite his extreme lack of interest in the sport, supportively (and innocently) offered to have friends over to cook and watch the “big” Oregon game. My knee-jerk reaction was, “Um, no. I have to WATCH the game, not entertain!” But, as he pointed out, he’d do the cooking. How lucky am I – we host a football party and my hubby would rather BBQ and drink beer on the porch, while I get yell and scream while standing in front of the TV – it’s true love, I tell you! But, as much as I like to have friends/family over, I keep hesitating to commit. I have this amazing pull to go to my dad’s and watch the game with him and my fam. I get the same feeling for every “big” game LSU plays. I have to watch the game with the people who instilled in me this affection for LSU football. The folks I’ve watched every big game with. They’ll yell and scream right along with me, instead of looking at me like I’ve lost my mind…not many people enjoy watching a game like that – see above: my mom’s hatred of football.
Family Reunion:
So I no longer have to struggle with the decision to have friends over for the Oregon game, as my dad’s family has decided that a game like LSU/Oregon deserves a Family Reunion. So it is written, so it is done…I’ll be watching the game with other crazy LSU fans!
CAUTION: “Little Ears”
So, I yell and scream while watching football. And I do tend to use “colorful” language quite a bit (it’s amazing how bad of a potty mouth I get every fall…coincidence, I think not!). This year will be quite challenging, with a 2 year old nephew who talks up a storm and enjoys repeating. I don’t want to be the reason he is banned from pre-school for berating a playmate who doesn’t climb the ladder fast enough. O, the pressure of being a good influence.
Sham-Wow:
Can’t you see this infomercial playing a few years ago: “Billy Mays here - Sign up now to be an LSU Coordinator and you’re guaranteed to be a head coach of a major D1 football program in just a few short years.” Why is it that we can get some of the most talented young guys in the nation as our #2 coach, but don’t see the potential of them ever being the #1 guy? Pelini, Jimbo, Muschamp, Crowton (haha, just kidding). Those first three guys have all had great success and earned national attention as Coordinators for the Tigers, and all should have been considered as a head coach for LSU at some point. Instead, we pass and they eventually take over other major contenders. Sure, their success as a #1 is unproven, but a gamble on the next great head coach might be a fun ride. Couldn’t be any more “interesting” than the ride we’ve been on for the past 6 seasons. And I bet they don’t eat grass.
*Side note: I am well aware that there have been others (Dooley, for one), but I didn’t feel they warranted a mention here.
Jim Tressel: Unraveled
Get it? Like a sweater unravels? …no? ok then. Hey “4 eyes”, let me know how the sweater vest goes over coaching special teams at North Dakota Senior High. The one thing I hate more than a cheater is a cheater that portrays himself to be better than everyone else. And with all the covering up, he still couldn’t field a team to live up to the constant, unrealistic hype. Shady kids make unreliable college athletes. You can’t take a boy with an unstable background, and think that given fame, and the potential for fortune, he’ll behave like an upstanding citizen and follow the rules, regardless of his on-the-field talent. See Ryan Perrilloux’s “Thug Life” tattoo, inked amid his bullet holes, and how that worked out for him and Les. At least RP didn’t cost Miles his job. Nice try though, Jimmy.
Et tu? Miami
So, another one bites the dust. If you don’t think some sort of booster boosting isn’t being done around the entire country, you’re fooling yourself. I think it all depends on the scale, and of course, if you get caught. Read Warren Sapp’s comments on FoxSports, “I guess they don’t have beautiful yachts and stuff in Columbus, Ohio, Happy Valley and College Station, and I see why that’s not on the menu.” O, I bet they can find SOMETHING to entice the kids.
Honeymoon Priority Numero Uno:
Nope, that wasn’t it. Now that your head’s out of the gutter, we’ll move on. Getting married in the fall is not convenient for a football fan. I missed many chunks of LSU football games in 2010 due to parties and wedding events, and I even got married on an LSU game day (gasp – shock/horror). In my defense, I planned carefully to ensure it was the ULM game and really, who cares about that game except for LSU’s third string O Lineman’s parents? But I digress…back to Honeymoon priority #1 – making sure the LSU v. Ole Miss game was broadcast in St Lucia. Upon arriving on the island, our first stop was the Irish Pub (hey – it was a long travel day). After ordering some grub and a Guiness, I look around to find several TVs, all broadcasting sporting events (yea, it was “futbol”, but at least that meant I had a chance!). After visiting the pub every day for a pre-supper snack and libations, I made friends with the bartender, confirmed that yes, they do catch ESPN and convinced him to play the LSU game on Saturday. So, the last full day of our honeymoon, my wonderful husband sat with me in the middle of the day to watch the Tigers play. Sure there was beer and good food, but I give him brownie points anyway. Almost more amazing that my hubby’s sacrifice, was watching the game with the guys that worked in the bar. All in their 20’s, and none having ever left the island, they were astounded by the number of people packed into Tiger Stadium and about how much we pay to watch a silly game. Their reaction to our frivolity was eye-opening. Talk about putting priorities into perspective.
TigerLand Brawl:
As I pull this blog up, about to share it with all of you, I’m getting update emails from our illustrious BR news media regarding Jefferson, among others, possibly being involved in a bar brawl last night. First I hope it’s not true. If it is, I hope they are punished accordingly. However, if Terrell Pryor gets away with what he did (see below) I think the LSU players should be punished accordingly. This will be interesting.
Terrell Pryor’s “Punishment”
Yes, folks, I believe TP essentially “got away” with everything. He got to play in a bowl game, even though the coach knew of his actions (coach is fired for this), then he quits the team, to avoid serving a 5 game suspension, then wants the NFL to let him in the supplemental draft…and those idiots let him. O yea, big fricking deal, a 5 game suspension entering the NFL – you think that guy was ever going to contribute to any NFL team in any way in the first five games? The NFL claims this punishment has nothing to do with the NCAA stuff, fine. Some may say the NFL needs to stay out of NCAA issues. But, why? I think the two should work together to try to enforce some kind of accountability for your actions as a college student. Sure, these kids are just that, kids. At 19 you can’t expect them to have the best judgment, but they understand ultimatums, so don’t give them the opportunity to make katrillions (just made that up) of dollars a year if they can’t follow simple rules when they’re young. That’s just rewarding bad behavior. It’s time for someone to step up and get this under control.
NFL:
Saints Win the SUPER BOWL
Yea, I know, old news. I am a Saints fan, but I would never claim to be a die-hard of the Who Dats. But, I love Drew Brees and Sean Payton. I’m pretty much a goody-goody, so I’ve always been drawn to cheer for the good guys, those teams that handle football like a business and not like a circus. Ex: Peyton Manning with Tony Dungy, Mike Shanahan of the Terrell Davis Broncos, etc. This manner seems to breed success. That’s why Drew and Sean are so appealing to me, before they even won the SuperBowl, they brought integrity to a team previously know for fans with bags on their heads, and coaches who wear dreads to the draft of whack-pot Ricky Williams. Seriously, don’t those Lickem/WonderLick/Whatever the hell they’re called tests show the crazy in a player? So, I just wanted to formally say congrats, and man, am I looking forward to 2011.
Adios, Reggie Bush
Anyone that has watched a Saints game with me knows what I think of Bush – the most overpaid DECOY in the history of the NFL. I love the excitement he brought to the team, but that was quickly overshadowed by one disappointment after another. I mean, I would only charge a mere $3 mil/year to drop every other punt. Pick me, pick me! Funniest thing I heard about Reggie’s departure was from woman on a BR Sports Talk show…something about her hearing Reggie was leaving to join Dancing with the Stars, since all he did was dance around and not run downhill. Always love a female take that makes sense and is entertaining!
Hello, Mark Ingram
Do you know how much it pains me to have to cheer for a former Bama star. Not as much as cheering for a USC player (good thing Reggie didn’t give me TOO much to cheer about), but I’m dealing with it. Ingram is a talented guy, with – more importantly – a good work ethic, humilty and understanding of his role on the team. He was a great pick by the Saints, meeting a critical need they had to fulfill to return to being a Super Bowl contender. And hey, Ingram’s gotta feel good (or maybe not) about knowing where he’ll be in 5-10 years – Miami, aka, the Saints’ Heisman trophy winning, first round draft pick, running back dumping grounds. Seriously, very excited about his potential impact to the Who Dats.
Bill Belichik – Master of Underachievers
This guy is an evil genius. He takes whiny, spoiled brat, under-achieving, end of their prime cast-offs, and makes them successful team players. No, it’s not charity. He’s using them to be successful and the minute they no longer add value, they’re gone (Randy Moss). Billy-boy took full advantage of the lock-out shortened offseason, signing some talented under-achievers. Can’t wait to see how he tames the lazy beast Haynesworth (is “lazy beast” an oxymoron?) and puts a cork in OchoCrazy-O. Could be the steals of free-agency in 2011.
I’m ready for some football.
