So . . . what? Why didn't Dubose succeed with the fine talent that Gene Stallings left? Why didn't Zook succeed with the talent that Spurrier left? Why? Because it doesn't mean a damn thing. Every coach comes into a new situation and makes of it what he can. Les inherited Nick's 9-3 team and went 11-2, 11-2, and 12-2 with it.
No what you were told was that Bama's Stats are linked to the quality of the competition that they play. It does not say that their stats mean nothing. In the composit comparison, taking into account Bama and LSU's opponents, and their opponents opponents, all games except those played against LSU or Bama, the comparison comes out at 16.3 Bama vs 16.4 LSU. Qualitatively, this would mean a 1 point game. 13-14, 20-21, etc. This is the sorce of my confidene that LSU should win the game. But more than that, it the source of my confidence that Bama will not do to LSU what they've done to the likes of Ol Miss, Vandy, or TN. Qualitatively, and quantitatively, Bama will not do to LSU what they did to Arky either. It's just not going to go down that way.
All we can do is take the ball and score, which we have done. We can't help that we never have very far to go, and thus don't rack up tons of yards.
You are right. Les did do well with the full cupboard that Saban left him. That should be celebrated. As should Saban succeeding with far less at his disposal. Both guys have done a great job. People don't understand just how hard it is to win a championship. So much has to go right. You need injury luck, referee luck, lucky bounces, lucky plays, etc. Only one team wins it all, and no matter how you do it, it is special...Even if you had the best talent on arrival...Because many have failed in the same situation.
On the coaching topic... Does Les cook something up for this game? I don't think it will be a fake FG or punt, I just think he will have a flea-flicker (spelling?), or reverse pass, or something up his sleeve on downs 1-3. I also think Saban will have something too. He only tends to use those plays when the offense looks uncomfortable or he feels the team needs a pick-me-up. On the other hand, Les will pull it out whenever. There is too much time in between games and these guys have each other scouted so well that they are bound to find some kink in the amour where a trick play can work well.
There were better players at LSU when Les got there compared to what Saban inherited - no doubt. And then both guys improved on what they inherited.
[FONT="]During Saban's five seasons at LSU (2000-2004), he had 24 players that were selected in the NFL draft. Of these 24 players, 17 were already on the LSU roster before Saban ever coached a game as a Tiger. Saban lost 12 games in his first 3 years at LSU[/FONT] and 3 during his fifth and final year.
Just STOP!! You know the rules. What Saban did Saban gets credit for; what other coaches did Saban gets credit for. Why just last Saturday Saban's Mich State team beat Wisconsin. Pay Attention!!:rofl:
