Bagged Our Limit
Duck Season opened Saturday at 7 pm…and ended a mere 3.5 hours later. I admit, I was a little nervous to see how the Tigers would respond to the offseason drama, but I was not disappointed. I told Genin that I could tell him who would win the game after the first Oregon Offense v. LSU Defense possession. And since that’s how we started the game, I was sure that we were going to be fine after about 60 seconds. I think the coaches did an excellent job getting these kids ready to play on that kind of stage, after the hype, drama and hard work. Oregon was outcoached as well as out performed, and I can’t give enough kudos to everyone on that LSU sideline.
Mentally, they were so ready to play – I could tell that from the couch, and physically, man we look good! If we get Russell Shepherd back to help out the passing game, and if we can get the O-line to play like that did in the second half for all 4 quarters, we’ve got something going.
Lee
That was one bad Tropical Storm. 10+ inches of rain at our house, yet on Monday morning, our yard had no signs of the water. That’s how bad we needed the rain. And the wind…all that did was cause one big mess in our yard. But the cool breeze…so nice.
The other Lee
J. Lee isn’t getting a whole lot of love or very complimentary remarks about his play Saturday night. I, however, think he played marvelously. 10 for 22 sounds mediocre, but 14 for 22 isn’t so bad (there were at least 4 drops) and I think they’ll open up the passing game the next two weeks and get some confidence there. I really thought Lee looked really sharp on most of his passes. There were a few he threw off his back foot, but hopefully that’ll get better. To those of you who think he “JUST” managed the game and played not to lose, I say, of course he did, and that’s all he has to do. Don’t think so? Google Matt Mauck or Matt Flynn, and see how they “JUST” managed LSU for one season and how that worked out for them.
Turnovers
Ours was TERRIBLE. I totally blame the Center, though the play clock was ticking down and Lee really needed to not waste valuable seconds pointing out a blitz. Check to the hot read and let’s roll. So I guess I’m contradicting myself and maybe Lee was to blame. O well, it didn’t hurt too bad. So, let’s talk about turnovers that hurt. All four by Oregon. And that punt coverage strip and recovery for a TD by Mathieu was a thing of beauty. +3 in turnover margin to start the year isn’t too shabby.
Vanilla
I’m beginning to think that my definition of a vanilla offense is the kind that runs the ball at least 50% of the time, and really, is not that vanilla – more like normal. I did feel like the play calls were to protect Lee’s confidence, and not force him to throw the ball unless he absolutely had to, which luckily he didn’t. However, I really enjoyed watching Ware and Ford run, especially in the second half. Our O line seemed to blow away the D line, and our RBs bulled there way to one first down after another. The fact that I found a run-heavy game enjoyable disturbs me…I guess I’m growing as a football fan. Word to yo motha (get it, Ice Ice Baby? - "Vanilla" Ice - no? nevermind)
Just That Good
Our Defense was seriously bad-a$$ on Saturday. I don’t know if I’ve seen a better, faster, more exciting group at LSU. We’ve had some great players, but as a collective unit this group could be really special. The over-hyped Duck Offense never got going, and no, ESPN, Fox, CBS and every other sports commentator, it wasn’t due to Oregon’s own miscues…our Defense had everything to do with causing the fumbles, drops and bad passes. You think LaMichael James just ran to the line and fell down? He!! no, he ran into a wall of defenders that had destroyed the tall, stick-like offensive linemen and met James in the backfield.
Wade, is that you?
I’ve haven’t been as nervous about extra points since Wade Richey’s playing days…until now. I know you’re nervous, but Drew, honey, you have to make extra points. No excuse for that shoddy miss.
Duck Uniforms
So disappointing. They really weren’t that bad. I was so wanting to be able to make fun of the ridiculousness that is the Nike-hyped, highlighter jerseys. Those neon shoes were a bit much, but they had no impact…it’s not like they broke free with a lightening fast run and those shoes were just a blur.
Fast? Of course WE are
I got so tired of hearing of how fast Oregon is supposed to be. Every talking head and writer published on the internet talked about OU’s speed and all I can say is did you see KeKe catches James? For a loss…from behind. How fast is LaMichael James? Not fast enough to outrun Mingo. KeKe came flying across the line to grab LaMichael from behind and drop him for a loss. Now that’s speed. On another play one of our DBs (can’t remember the name, blame it on the beer) took a bad angle on an Oregon RB that broke free, and he still caught him before he could get a first down. I mean really, is speed even an interesting topic anymore?
Mustard-berger and Herbstreit
Brent Musburger is just plain awful. I don’t mind a commentator that is a little biased towards an alma mater, or the like, but his dislike for LSU and the SEC is as blatant as it gets. Now Herbie, he’s a cutie, no doubt, and usually I’m impressed with his ability to remain neutral, but he was very biased for the first three quarters of the game. Every bad thing that Oregon did was their own fault and every good thing LSU did was Oregon’s fault…not once was anything favorable said about LSU…until we were up 20 with a minute left and the talking heads were eating crow after being so high on Oregon. I was glad I could only hear about half of the TV Commentary, due to the Monday-Morning quarterbacking happening on our side of the TV, but what I did hear was just rubbish.
LSU Hands on Hips
Maybe my favorite commentator-crappy sequence was this one: LSU’s D has been on the field during a long, 16+ play Oregon drive. About 3 plays from the end a camera man shows a shot of LSU’s D linemen with their hands on their hips, about to line up for the next play. Commentators, “LSU’s D looks to be out of shape, look at those hands on their hips.” Hey dip-shite – They’ve been on the field for a LONG time, and yeah, they may be a little winded, but 1. They aren’t even breathing that hard, and 2. Hands on the hips doesn’t mean completely out of shape, just winded after 16 straight plays. Fast forward to the next LSU offensive series, when the cameraman gets a shot of Oregon’s D line, with, say it aint so, their hands on THEIR hips. Did I mention that was only after THREE plays? Did the commentators say ANYTHING about that? Of course not. All of this was before half-time. The second half showed who was and was not “in shape.”
Fandemonium
Way to turn the neutral site into Tiger Town! The graphics shown at the beginning of the game of how far the game was from LSU v Oregon was propaganda. WE didn’t choose this site, so don’t make it look like this is some evil plot to trick OU into playing us. You want to “t” it up in Spokane or somewhere closer to home, let’s go, just make sure it’s in a billion dollar, state of the art dome…so it’s fair.
Family Traditions
Shout out for one he!! of a football party/family reunion. As much as I missed out on sitting inside chatting with the women-folk, I had a blast watching the game with the men-folk (and some of the girls), in the fabulous outdoor kitchen/TV room. I hope I kept yall entertained. Good times.
Georgia’s Uni’s
My eyes, my eyes, make it stop! I couldn’t decide if they looked like red peppers or what but all I know is that they took the FUGLY Uniform award of the weekend…until Monday night…
Not to be outdone
Maryland’s Unis – blech. They made me feel like I was watching a chess match for some reason. I liked my cousin Kurt’s description that they looked like an English soccer team’s (or a “futbol” team) uni’s. They certainly didn’t look like FOOTBALL jerseys. This Nike v. Under Armor founder fight is kinda making Oregon and Maryland look ridiculous. But, I guess that fashion forward angle probably gives them some recruiting leverage. For the record, the streamlined, “Pro-Combat”, Kevlar and bullet proof uniforms didn’t do squat to help the Ducks Saturday…just sayin.
My Shepherd, Toro the Puppy
So, I realize my aversion to dogs makes my recent acquisition of a puppy a little puzzling. Allow me to explain. I don’t hate dogs…I’m scared of them…there is a difference. However, Genin loves animals, and though we both agreed we’d never have indoor pets, I promised him one day we could get an outside dog. A few weeks ago Genin mentioned really wanting German Shepherd. After several attempts, we finally got in touch with a seller and met him at his Lawn Mower Repair Shop (this is actually a pertinent fact)in downtown BR. He had 3 males and “Toro” came right up to Genin while the other 2 hid. That sold us on him. Toro got his name b/c the lawn mower repair shop also had a few new mowers for sale…all Toro brand. He really is cute and friendly and has already survived a Tropical Storm, skeet shooting and his puppy shots. As long as he doesn’t whine through the night forever, I’ll keep him!
So Long MLB
No one cares about baseball anymore. We appreciate the MLB filling in the slow months when football isn’t on TV. Now that football is back, will anyone watch “Baseball Saturday” or Sunday or Monday? He!! no. For the record, I never watched baseball. I’d rather the Disney Channel or Lifetime than the MLB, and that’s bad. O, and I hope the NBA stays locked out.
Really, this is when my electricity goes out?
With all of the rain and wind, I knew losing electricity was inevitable. However, I really wish it would not have gone out with 30 min left to go in “College GameDay”, with the first Saturday games kicking off at 11. I cleaned and cooked early to be able to watch GameDay and the early games, then, POOF, no juice. Needless to say, until I got to BR for the LSU game, I didn’t watch any football Saturday. Including Auburn miraculously saving itself from the ultimate “1st game after winning the NC” upset.
Tennis Thursday
I will not be able to watch the Saints game Thursday and I’m bummed. Of course that’s the night I volunteer to play in a tennis match, and of course the match is at 8pm…right in the middle of the game. But, it could be much, much worse. The other option was playing the following Thursday at 8 pm…right in the middle of the LSU v. Miss St game. I didn’t realize it, but thankfully I picked the lesser of the two evils. So, don’t post on Facebook the Saints scores…I want to watch it on Friday! And don’t forget that LSU plays Miss State on a THURSDAY – 9/15.
The Nutt House v. The Dawg House
Who is on the hotter seat in the SEC – Houston Nutt at Ole Miss or Mark Richt at Georgia. Richt’s been at Georgia longer, but at least he has had success there. Nutt can’t say the same at Ole Miss…or Arkansas for that matter. I like Houston Nutt, and he has fielded some good teams (beating LSU several times), but I really can’t call him a successful coach. And those prissy folks on The Grove don’t seem like they’ll be as patient as the UG fans. Later, Nutt-case.
First Game
Which team’s first year head coach had the better first game showing: Michigan (Hoke), Ohio State (Fickell), West Virginia (Holgorsen)? Unlike the rest of the sporting news world, I don’t care.
Robert Griffin, III
I watched some of the Baylor game and this kid, RG III looked like Drew Brees out there. For a while, he couldn’t miss and was hitting every pass. Couldn’t figure out if TCUs D was that bad, or if he was that good. I know the answer – TCU isn’t as good as an SEC D, but RGIII was still impressive.
We’re # 2!
In the AP poll, that is. I’m with Coach Miles, I don’t care about the rankings right now. Just as long as we have the opportunity to finish #1.
Not to Jinx Us
But how awesome would it be if LSU and Bama were both ranked in the top five, then for the 2nd time in one year, LSU beats a top 5 opponent! As of the Week 2 Polls, LSU will have to beat SIX top 25 teams to make it to the National Championship, not counting the SEC Championship game. That is tough sledding folks. And that kind of schedule is what gets you to the NC with one loss. Hey Oregon, Boise – how many top 25 teams do you play this year?
Bloggers
I admit, I went to a few message boards when all of the Shady-gate information was coming out, and man are those bloggers wasting some time. I felt so much stupider for spending 10 minutes of my lunch break reading what these folks seem to have endless amounts of time to think up, and, unfortunately, share with the rest of us. I know I’m writing a blog here, too, and everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but it’s just out of control in places like Tigerdroppings.com. I went looking for information (yeah, I knew it would all be speculation but I went anyway), and all I got was name-calling and childish rants. I wish they were more high-quality, like my ranting, of course!
Go Saints!
Good luck to the Who Dat nation Thursday. Should be an excellent game against the defending Super Bowl Champs. Win or lose, I’m ready to see what the 2011 Saints are all about.
Putting this Last
Because I’m so tired of it. I haven’t weighed in on the LSU arrests because it seems like yesterday’s news and I’m just ready to move on. I don’t know anything about the incident at Shady’s so I feel like I can make a non-biased comment. I truly believe (hope) that the BRPD would not make such high profile arrests, with such heavy charges, if there wasn’t evidence that supported the arrests. If that is indeed the case, Jefferson and Johns should never see an LSU uniform again.
If Jefferson is innocent, I feel bad for him, because this will be a golden year wasted, and I hope he can red-shirt to get his year back, but he should not be allowed back on the team until all charges are dropped. It’s not fair…innocent until proven guilty, right? But Les Miles and the Tigers can’t afford the distraction or the potential that he may be found guilty and ruled ineligible, retroactively. I also hope that if/when Jefferson is allowed back on the team, that Miles will not just hand back over the starting QB job. He may have earned it on the field, but he didn’t off of the field, even if his only crime is being out past curfew. Lots of lessons to be learned here, by the young and the old. Kudos to Miles to handling it the best he could, and preparing his team for victory.
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