LSU v Idaho – Week 3

So, didn’t think I’d be sending a blog this week? Me neither. This weekend and week have been non-stop, but I’ve used the few snatches of free time to hammer out a half-a$$ attempt at this blog. Plus, it’s doubtful I’ll be able to put something together for the next 3 games, since I’ll have limited viewing of all three, so I felt obliged to get something out.

Please know, regardless of how busy I’ve been, getting motivated to write about a football game against the Idaho Taters is ridiculously difficult. Content below may be sub-par – you have been warned!

Taters

I’m a fan of potatoes. A big fan. So, I guess that makes me a fan of Idaho, in a round-about way. I was pulling for the Spuds to at least have a decent showing, and test our previously un-tested Tiger squad. No luck there. The Spuds got an early gift of an INT returned to their own 5, but really, didn’t muster much of an attack. Can you say “mashed potatoes?”

French Fries

I just realized I ate French fries twice on Saturday. And LSU played Idaho. Coincidence or just terrible eating habits? Discuss amongst yourselves.

Mett’s INT

Just terrible. Utilizing the revolutionary invention “rewind,” I went back several times to see if I could see what Mett saw, and I can tell you that the throw was ill-advised, to say the least. Everyone was covered, and he didn’t even try to force it to one of his teammates, instead gifting it to the Tater “D”. Kudos to owning up to your mistakes, but don’t make any more!

Shep = “Stone Hands”

O Russell Shepherd, you really are not a good receiver. I hereby dub you “Stone Hands”, a nickname you have unsuccessfully earned. After a couple drops again in this game, I repeated to my BIL what I wrote in a previous blog about Shep (Since he didn’t read it). You cannot throw the ball to RS. You have to gingerly place the ball in his hands. After that, he’s pretty good. And LSU ran one of those sweeps with him in which Mett does exactly that – places the ball ever so softly into RS’s paws, then, let him run. I think we should implement more RS plays like that, instead of looking to throw to him, if he has to be involved. It really is uncomfortable to watch him try to catch…

D’s INT

FOUR interceptions by the defense. 0 Sacks. What is the identity of this defense? Look, I’m not complaining because I think overall they are a great unit that is improving with every week. It’s just interesting to me that our strength was supposed to be our line with a weaker secondary, but every other week the other unit steps up and shines. This is a fabulous problem to have!

No HoneyBadger?

No Problem. Martin seemed to step up as the ball hawk we’ve been missing without TM7. I honestly can’t tell you if he played well, but he was in the exact right spot for 2 INTs, and he took one to the house. Credit Collins with an assist on Martin’s second INT. He made a nice deflection right to RM.

Gobble Gobble

Edwards pick six reminded me of a hungry pilgrim, having a thanksgiving turkey thrown in his face. He gobbled up that pick and rumbled into the endzone. Hey, that’s one more TD catch than Shep has…what, too soon?

TigerVision

$40, seriously, for Idaho? Why do they charge so much, and more importantly, why do we keep paying? Terrible graphics – the best description I saw on FB was that the picture was like watching TV without your contacts. How spoiled are we that even though I watched a 60 inch TV, I was still disgusted that it wasn’t in HD! As many on FB pointed out, my cell phone records in HD, for crying out loud!

Cocky Fool

Watching the game on TV, I got an up close view of the Idaho QB’s attempts at riling up the home crowd. Backed up deep in his own endzone, this fool goes to bobbing his head and “welcoming” the deafening noise aimed in his direction, all with a smirky grin on his face. O, you think that’s funny, do you, taunting our fans? Well, let me tell you what I found HYSTERICAL. 3 consecutive false start penalties, backing you up inside your own 5. AAAHAHAHAHA! You asked for it.

BLUUUUEEE

So he’s out this week, and will be out for a while. Such a shame. It’s not that we don’t have a stable of capable back ups but the kid was having a great year, so far. I wish him a speedy and successful recovery.

The Cardinal Rules

The Stanford Cardinal just flat out tarnished the golden boy. I didn’t watch the whole game (priorities…LSU was on!), but at the end of the game the USC line couldn’t block the Stanford defenders to save Barkley’s life. Sure, the Cards were playing a prevent defense, and the play takes longer to develop, but he was pummeled. I saw his stat line. Not good. Everyone has an off week, but that was very inopportune for USC. I loved it!

Arkansas Beatdown

The team that must not be named took yet another team behind the woodshed and held them to 0 points. Sure, Arkansas has some serious issues, but the team that must not be named is simply destroying everyone in their paths. Do I think they are better than the Tigers? Hard to say at this point since both teams are playing inferior opponents, but when you’re 1 and 2 in the nation, isn’t everyone inferior?

Aints Woes

Man I hate losing to Scam Newton. Though the offense looks a little out of sorts, they did plenty enough to win. It’s that swiss cheese defense that is a huge problem. They are a deplorable unit. I had higher hopes than last year for this group, with the addition of Coach Spag, but they are awful to watch. I think we’re in for a long season.

100 Million Dollar Man

So, is Drew Brees worth it? Well, no way he earned a million dollars for each of the first two games (yea, I did the math, based on an 18 game schedule). Hopefully he’ll earn what I feel he owes the Saints over the rest of the season.

Check Your Calendar

I was unaware that there could be any person living within a 100 mile radius of LSU, that isn’t an LSU fan. But, alas, they apparently exist. When planning a fall event, rule #1 with just about everyone I know is to check the LSU football schedule. I have events on the next 2 Saturday nights. This w/e, playing Auburnt, not such a big deal, but the Florida game…really? And I CHOSE to host a wedding party the day of the A&M Game. What is this world coming to? Look, I got married on a Saturday during football season, and the most important aspect in picking a date was LSU’s opponent and estimating game time (ULM, 7 pm kickoff, 1:00 wedding – holla!). I’ve already warned everyone involved in the wedding party that I will not be the hostess with the mostest while the game is on! I just want to sit and watch football!

iPhone DYK

Did you know that if you have an iPhone, even for a mere 2 hours, that the SECOND you step out of the doors of ATT (or other service provider), any issues with the phone have to be addressed by Apple? Me neither and I found out the hard way. Decided to use the few extra hours I had pre-game to upgrade my mom’s phone to an iPhone 4S. 2 hours after purchasing it quit working. So, 30 minutes before kickoff me and my BIL rushed to the only ATT still open only to be told we had to go to Apple. They wanted to make a reservation with an Apple “Genius” for 8:00 – um no, the game is on. Lots of commotion and an insane amount of back and forth, but mom is all set!

ULM

I predicted a ULM win over Auburnt, and man, I was almost right. IMO, Auburt is extremely lucky to get out of that game with an OT win. Lots of credit to the ULM squad for playing two great games against the “far superior” SEC.

Prediction

Again, this game is a no-brainer. Auburnt has looked horrible, and their 1-2 W/L record should really be .5 – 2.5 because they barely squeaked by ULM this past weekend. I don’t expect them to give LSU much of a challenge but we do get some increased speed and an away game atmosphere. Since it’s the SEC opener, I will actually make a score prediction. LSU 45, Auburnt 10. Is the Florida game here yet?

Seriously Shameless Plug

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LSU v Washington 2012

U-Dub Drubbing

Well, well, hello LSU Tigers. So nice to see you! I thought the Tigers looked really good as a whole. Offensively and defensively, and of course special teams, the Tigers took a big step toward fulfilling the pre-season hype. Yes, there is plenty of room for improvement, and we’ve played two inferior opponents, so it’s kinda hard to judge, but I was much happier with the Week 2 Tigers, than Week 1.

Bad Omen?

Ok , so after the Tigers looked flat last week, it could have been a bad omen when OBJ fumbled the opening kickoff. Your star of Game 1 makes a big mistake right out the gate…lack of focus or just a good hit? I can imagine he was pretty jacked up to start the game, as he should be, but a mistake like that could be debilitating. Kudos to the “D” for only allowing a FG.

Stone Hands?

Things got worse before they got better for OBJ, bless his heart. So, he fumbles the opening kickoff…ok, shake it off. Then, you drop three big passes. You have to worry about his psyche at that point. Do we have another Devery “Stone Hands” Henderson on our hands? Nah. OBJ will be fine. He made a great leaping grab, and had a few other nice plays to get back on the horse. Hey, wouldn’t you rather his drops come in Week 2 v. U-Dub, than Nov 3? He’s too good to let mistakes like that happen often, so we’re moving on! But if you want to label a “stone hands,” see Russell Shepherd below…

A Case of the Drops

So close to perfection for Mett. 6 incompletions, with 5, five, FIVE! of those dropped. And one for a TD (more on RS later). I thought Mett’s passes were good balls. Not all perfect, but so very catchable. ‘Cmon Man!

SHEP…

So, each year I guess I have to have one player to bash. The last 4 years I’ve been (un)fortunate enough to have the former Tiger QBs as my whipping boys. No doubt, this year’s MBP (Most Bashable Player) will be Russell Shepherd. RS is possibly the most disappointing recruit in recent memory, well, at least the most disappointing that has stayed on the team and that the coaches continue to play. I thought the role of WR was the best fit for RS, but he can’t catch, so that creates obvious issues… Want to argue that point, first ask yourself – if he’s got good hands, why isn’t he our punt/kick returner? He’s got the play making ability, but you have to hand him the ball gingerly, it’s not going to happen if you throw it at him. I can’t understand why we think he has to be on the field…because he was a prize recruit 4 years ago??? He dropped a TD that hit him in the chest, though it would have been a tough play. Seriously dude, you dropped a TD that hit you in the numbers…good Lawd! I hope he proves me wrong!

Shut Out

UW was supposed to be able to move the ball on LSU, at least a little. Even the experts agreed they’d at least find the end zone once with their talented QB. No one considered that the Tigers defense would come to play as well as they did. Pressure, sacks, stops and interceptions were the name of the game Saturday. Negative running yards allowed for most of the game was pretty cool too! So yes, I believe this Tiger D should be credited with a Shut Out. The only UW score came on a FG off of a fumbled KO. That’s not the defense’s fault. They didn’t let UW get any closer, and forced them to kick a FG. That’s a huge win, especially right out the gate. I give the Tiger D a bagel – who’s with me?

Mett

Ok, so Mett proved a little more to me this week. It’s always good to take a step forward after another week of practice. He looked good, confident, strong, in control! Control, you say…out of the QB position? I know, Tigers Fans, it’s hard to get comfortable watching a QB play with such efficiency. You keep waiting for a delay of game, INT for a TD, etc, but they didn’t come. Again, I know this was “just” UW, but I’m very encouraged by what I saw out of Mett Saturday. Three more far inferior games before we play someone decent (Auburn is definitely in the category of inferior – did you see that crap against MSU?), so plenty of time for Mett to build on what he has begun. He won’t always have the plush stats of this weekend, but as long as he stays in control, we’ll be fine. Keep it up!

Frosh

LSU is young. We have multiple Freshmen getting playing time. And doing well. Mills is looking better and better the longer he stays on the field. The future looks bright yall!

Schedule

Dear Anyone that Makes the LSU Schedule,

This schedule sucks. Three of the Home games are against teams that shouldn’t be. I didn’t even know they PLAYED football in Idaho. And, other than the UTube video of them scoring against themselves, have you ever heard of Towson? UW could have been a better game, it just wasn’t their year, and I’m ok with opening with N Texas, but not to be followed by more crappy games. It’s insulting to the fans that have to cough up the stupid amounts of money for these weak games just to get to watch the 3 good games (or just the 1, on Nov 3, against the “team that must not be named”). These shoddy games should be free admission to anyone that has nothing better to do than sit through a scrimmage with fireworks.

It’s also insulting to the players. I can’t blame them for coming out flat. I mean, honestly, how pumped would you be for Idaho? I would rather have someone like Michigan State or Virginia Tech on the schedule before we open SEC play. At least it would be entertaining to beat someone from a Bowl Conference. I’d rather a bye week than wasting my time drinking and cheering for a terrible game. At least maybe the 100 events that’re packed on my calendar LSU’s off weekend could be spread out some! Grrrrrr…

Football Board Blues

I’m thrilled the Tigers won. I’m thrilled they won in such convincing fashion. But really UW, you had to score your only points of the game in the first 2 minutes, ruining the football board for 90% of the participants? I mean, if you weren’t on the line for UW-3, you weren’t winning. I’m not complaining, I did win last week, but still…

That Wing…

Brad Wing was back punting this week, and though he didn’t have many opportunities, he made the most of them. The guy is good. The 62-yarder (supposedly into the wind) was fancy, and the 2^nd punt was a touchback, but pretty enough. He’s a huge weapon. I think I have my first kicker-crush!

OMG, it’s The Honey Badger!

Like, OMG, TM7/HB is in the HIZZOUSE. Yea, I already regret typing that. Anyway, ESPN was obsessed with Tyrann Mathieu’s presence at the game. I was glad to see him cheering the team on, but really, did we have to see him after every play that he might have been a part of? There were probably 2000+ weed-smoking college juniors in those stands, so really for what he offers as a fan, he’s not so special right now. I mean, he didn’t even bother to wear one of the many free purple/gold tshirts he’s been given to support the Tigers. I’m glad he was there. But folks, can we just get over it already?

Up in the Polls

So LSU finally puts the beat down on a team and played a dominant game against a lesser opponent. The pollsters agreed with me that LSU showed a little of the pre-season hype, so the Tigers moved ahead of USC in one poll. This top 3 will go back and forth all year long, based on who they play, and how much they win by. All I know is that I don’t want to be #1…right now, that is.

Can I get $200?

Special thanks to our party hosts for the game. Big screen, good food, good times! Unfortunately, our auctioneer was not able to raise enough money for that new HD projector (or 60” HD TV), but I give him an “E” for effort!

ULM!!!

How about that. ULM beats Arkansas. Roughing up their star QB and playing to the end in a really great effort. I predict a 2^nd SEC win over Auburn. Yes, seriously. If you don’t believe me find a replay of Aub’s game. FUGLY. Doesn’t bode well for our strength of schedule in the SEC West…

A&M/Mizzou

Welcome to the SEC! The pageantry was top-notch, the excitement and pride was there…BUT…the delusional belief that they would come in and win that first conference game was a little premature. Don’t get me wrong, both came out at the bell swinging, riding that emotion and trying to make a statement. However, there is always a second half that follows the first, and they just don’t have it in the tank quite yet to finish. And Mizzou – those unis are just plain awful.

RG3

The Saints allowed RG3 look like an NFL MVP. The ‘Skins had a great game plan, no doubt, but the Saints D looked like swiss cheese. Coach Spag, if that’s the best plan you got, we’re in deep trouble.

‘Aints?

I am not being a fair-weather fan, writing off the Saints after one really rough loss. However, that was a tough game to watch. The defense is no better than they were last year, no surprise there, but the offense was the biggest disappointment. No rhythm, no flow, 3 and outs, just ugly. And Colston fumbling on his way to a TD was a dagger. This game really seemed like a comedy of errors and that the Saints couldn’t do anything right. It’s like Isaac washed away all of the Katrina magic from the Dome. Guess its time for the Who Dats to make their own magic!

LSU v Idaho Prediction

I predict that there will be a lot of baked potatoes eaten in honor of our opponent. That’s all I’ve got. I really can’t muster enough excitement to even predict the score. Blah.

Shameless Plug, Revisited

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Week 1 2012: LSU v N Texas

So, I’ve decided to break the silence. After the debacle in the “Game that Must Not Be Named”, I couldn’t write anything PG rated, especially that wasn’t alredy thought, said, tweeted, posted, blogged, etc by someone else. To sum up the “Game that Must Not Be Named” in one word today, I would use embarassing. So, let’s move on!

  

LSU: 2012 Edition

With the Tiger faithful anxious to put the “Game that Must Not Be Named” behind them, the mood in the stadium was exciting. There was a hum of anticipation and talk of how good it will be to have a QB (and not a QB controversy), the potential of the front 7 of our defense, and our limitless supply of starter-caliber running backs. From the Golden Band’s first notes of pre-game, until about mid-way throught he first quarter, the game was fun. Then, it turned into a time-out infused beating for me.

QB Starved

It would be an understatement to say that LSU fans are starved for a quarterback that can be entrusted to manage a game, against quality opponents, while utilizing the various weapons around you. Zach Mettengbergers ovations, anytime his name was mentioned or his face appeared on the jumbo tron, were loud and enthusiastic. At least in the beginning…

Captains

Taking the field representing your peers as one of their captains says a lot of how highly these four boys are regarded. It was a very good sign, to me at least, to see the LSU starting QB as one of four captains chosen by the Team. Your QB must be a leader, but also must be respected by the team and coaches.

Mike’s impersonation of Les

As interst in the game dwindled early and often for me, my attention turned to Mike the Tiger for entertainment and he didn’t disappoint. He appeared dressed as Coach Miles, complete with windbreaker and ill-fitting white cap. It was funny, but it was missing something. Needed grass…

Creepy Tiger Eyes

The Video Jumbo Tron in the North endzone is something to see. LSU utilizes this nugget of technology to introduce the starters. High def images of each player appear as the player is introduced. A new wrinkle is each player appearing with tiger eyes and face, morphing into their actual eyes and face. As cool as it is, it is kinda creepy. Our TAF fees at work.

You’re my boy, Blue

Tiger fans sometimes get a bad rap for being “fair-weathered,” only supporting our team when they’re winning. Just to set the record straight for anyone watching on TV that couldn’t tell, the LSU faithful are not “booing” running back Alfred Blue. In fact, we are showing our support and love after each successful run by the talented running back, using his last name as a rally-cry: BLUUUUUUEEEE!

Innocent Until Proven Guilty

This old adage is tried and true. The key part of this phrase is “Prove”. I keep going back to this phrase anytime Mett is mentioned as LSU’s savior at QB. (And not because of his prior legal issues.) As talented as he may be, we don’t know yet what his legacy at LSU will be. Will he be the answer to our QB deficincies of year’s past? If so, he needs to PROVE it.

SWA

There is NO DOUBT that Mett is very confident in his abilities as a QB. Just ask him. But, being a successful quarterback takes more than just self-confidence. It also takes talent, preparation, your team’s trust and execution. Without these things collectively, all that SWAGGER is useless…all you’re left with is just some SWA.    

I Hate the Red Hat

When I am at home, I love a TV game. When I’m at the game, I hate a TV game. When the “man in the red hat” takes the field, signaling a TV timeout, it makes me want to take him out at the knees, Tanya Harding style. Saturday’s game seemed to be the worst ever. It seemed at every opportunity ESPNU was taking a commercial break, and they lasted forever. Pair the long commercials with an uninsteresting game and quite possibly, it was the Slowest. Game.EVER.

OBJ

Most years, a new player emerges in Game 1 that will have a huge impact on the Tigers’ season. (See Tyrann Mathieu vs Oregon in 2011). Odell Beckham, Jr is Mr 2012. Making a splash as punt returner, returning two for a TD (yes, I know one was negated, but that shouldn’t diminish his effort), and further cementing hisself as the go –to receiver, OBJ is going to be a pivotal part of LSU’s success this season.

I LOATHE You

O the bubble screen, how I loathe you! It started out innocently as just a little annoyance in the first quarter, but as the frequency of this play increased, the higher on my hate meter this play rose. Until, finally, it boiled over onto loathing. And we’re just in the first week of the season. It’s going to be a long, bubbly season.

Fast, Faster, Fastest

This little English lesson could easily be a description of the LSU’s defensive front 7. The interior lineman are fast. The Linebackers seem faster. And there is no doubt that the defenseive ends are fastest in the land. No one will run on LSU this year. Passing, that’s another story…

Sacked

Never in my wildest dreams would I be writing that the hardest sack, and the only sacks recorded, in this game would be by North Texas. LSU’s highly taughted defense didn’t register a sack, while I was in attendance. (I did leave early, b/c I was BORED). Mett took a shot to the chest that I witnessed on replay from the consession stand (yummm, nachos). With a secondary that has been forced to play some untested players, it will be extremely important that our front 7 make it more difficult on the opposing QB to get that pass off. And soon. Washington’s going to exploit any DB weaknesses.

Reid

Eric Reid is the face of LSU football. He is a great person and student, and a heckuva safety…as long as he doesn’t have to cover 1 on 1. He got burned several times when the corner blitzed and he was left to cover the receiver. Loston didn’t help much, grossly overplaying on one play in particular. See above on how our front 7 have to get pressure on the QB, especially when we send 8.

Australian Rules

With Brad Wing visibly limping, LSU was forced to rely on Aussie2.0 for punting. Add this to the Ooops section below, but the first punt of the season was almost a disaster. The snap was high, but Aussie2.0 whiffed at the catch and had the ball go over his head, forcing him to scramble, scoop, close his eyes (I’m not sure this actually happened, but I can imagine he probably did) and swing his leg wildly, connecting with the foosball and exactly the right time. And he got a good bounce, too. Lucky Mate.

Mettenberger

Could LSU finally shake the cloud of shoddy QB play in recent years with the emergence of the Mettsiah? Largely unproven, but extremely talented and confident, Zach Mettenberger could be a good QB. But, against N Texas, he wasn’t the best player on the field. He double clutched often, over threw receivers, held the ball too long (he probably learned his lesson on that one), and the INT at the goal line, right in front of me, was BAD. But, he seemed to be a leader, made some nice throws, showed toughness. I do think he has a ways to go, but he didn’t need to do much against N Texas.

WR

Mett came out a little anxious, I think, putting a little to much on the first big throw, but enter the acrobatic talent of Jarvis Landry. A one-handed grab for a first down, and a tough two-handed grab late in the game showed some of the potential he has to complement OBJ. Imagine when Mett hits them in stride, in the numbers…these guys will be good.

RBs

Surprise…LSU likes to run the ball. I’m finally getting on-board with this run-first concept. Of course, it’s easy to enjoy with Kenny Hilliard, Alfred Blue, Michael Ford and eventually, Spencer Ware. There are two other guys, Hill and Magee that aren’t to shabby and a fullback the size of Hurricane Isaac. Two 100 yard rushers in one game for the first time in 5 years. Clearly the strength of the offense. Lucky for this group, this year’s passing game may actually be a threat to opposing defenses, which will allow the RBs some breathing room, b/c they won’t be able to stack the box. Props to Keith, who sits behind us, for making this prediction: LSU will lead the SEC in rushing TDs. I agree!

O-No Line

It’s hard to complain about an offensive line that paved the way for 2 100-yard rushers and over 500 yards of offense, but, they weren’t that spectacular in pass protection. N Texas got too much pressure on Mett. Come on big boys, tighten up!

Oops…

As usual, the first game of the season was riddled with mishaps. Well documented are the abundance of LSU penalties and the Isaac damaged scoreboard in the South Endzone, but how about the lesser recognized blunders: As the Golden Band from Tiger Land took the field, the drum major, alone on a island, leading the band, dropped his baton as he marched toward midfield. DOH! On the opening kickoff, LSU’s kickoff specialist Hairston, could be spotted scrambling to pick up the tee before the first offensive play could be run. Guess they didn’t discuss who’s responsibility “tee recovery” would be. Note: an LSU assistant was seen fetching said tee for the remainder of the game. Not to be outdone, the North Texas tee fetcher made a mad dash to recover their tee after their first kickoff. As he hustled off the field, and hit the sideline, he took quite a spill onto his keester. (Didn’t witness this personally but by the reaction of the crowd, more than a handful of people did. It sounded like someone had tried to go over the big red balls on “Wipeout”) OOOUUUCH.

Overall

This was one boring-a$$ game. I was yawning by half-time, after drinking a coke (which is big b/c caffeine usually has me bouncing off the walls!). I understand that LSU didn’t want to “tip their hand” by running any plays that weren’t more flavorfull than plain ol’ vanilla. But, for the love of Mike the Tiger, could we at least make this entertaining? Seriously the most memorable thing I’ll take away from this game is that it was the first time I’ve ever eaten jalepnos on my nachos. Why haven’t I done that before? So tasty.

Anyway, I wasn’t overly impressed with the Tigers. It’s the same gripe I’ve had every time we play a lesser oponent in the Les Miles era – we only do what has to be done to win. Unlike “The team that must not be named” and those pretty-boys from S. Cali who both took their lesser opponents to the woodshed. Instead we come out flat…Dominant is one word not in our vocabulary.

Shameless Self-Serving Plug

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