I would have kicked the field goal. Not to run up the score but because Jackson would benefit from every chance he gets for the experience. We might need a clutch field goal from him in the SECCG or the Bowl (Sugar?)
Did you notice also that Saban had Scout Team members on the offensive line on the last possessions? Lots of second and third teamers in on defense as well. Great gesture by Saban to give those players some playing time on national television.
Yes. I noticed that. I also noticed now Houston Nutt left his first string in for the whole game, instead of letting his reserves get some snaps after the game was out of reach. :geaux: :lsug:
That was an great hit. I nearly broke my laptop as I jumped off the couch after that hit and the laptop jumped with me.
I thought Saban called it about perfectly. Arky has come back and he had to put the game comfortably out of reach. Then let the subs get the playing time. Barrington looked good the first few carries, then the Arky defense saw it was just runs and they sat on him. But I saw some SMILES on that boys face! He loved being in the game, and it showed. I was happy for him. I like his attitude.
Barrington was in an extremely tough situation, and, even though he was getting some PT, I kind of felt for him. Arkansas knew he was going to get the ball, and was just teeing off on him. Also, he was trying to run behind offensive lineman that were in the game off the far reaches of the LSU bench and, I believe, the hogs still had most, if not all, of their starters in. As far as Saban "running up the score," that is just rubbish. There is no classier coach in the game than Saban. He knows when to call off the dogs. There was no "magic number" that he was shooting for (e.g., 50) - just a lead that would certainly be safe. There is a huge difference between running up the score and delivering a knockout punch. Saban and the Tigers did the latter. They could, easily, have put 70 or more on the board had they wanted to run it up.
I remember Barrington on one run where either he tripped and got tripped, but if not for that he may have broken a long one. He had a big smile on his face knowing how close he was to breaking it. He seemed to be having fun. Of course when the ARK running back scored the meaningless TD late in the game he started staring up in the crowd like look at me. Even one of his teammates had to corral him back to the sideline. I do not think you should ever give up, but do not beat your chest or anything similar to that when you are still losing by 31 late in the 4th quarter.
To be ranked in the top 10 year in and year out, all you have to do is win the games. It has nothing to do with blowing people out or scoring 50 pts a game. All you have to do is win your gam es, that is it. My point is that it won't help LSU to lose 3 to 4 games a season, only to win games by 40. To stay ranked this high, all Saban and the Tigers have to do is win. That is it, the big secret!
