I hate to say it, but just think how bad LSU would be without Mettenberger. No Defense and Hill would be neutralized without the threat of a passing game. Just think how good LSU would have been if we had Cam as OC instead of Crowton and Jefferson.
It hurts too bad to do this. Was thinking about how good Cam would have made Jarrett Lee. Still, it wouldn't have mattered if the head coach started ahead of him.
I could have written this exact post. Usually, I'm pissed and surly after a loss, but it wasn't the case yesterday. I guess it's because I realize the same thing. We couldn't stop them AT ALL yesterday. The one time we did force a 3-0ut after scoring the tying TD, OBJ fumbled the punt and Ga stole all the momentum back. It just sucks that our O and D can't get in sync. The D has carried us the last few years and when we FINALLY get a top level offense, the defense is now the Achilles Heel of the team.
I agree with this post. We have to take what the D gives us. I think most will try to stop the run first because they know LSU will want to run first and foremost. I know its typical to establish the run, then use play action to pass. LSU doesnt have the road grading OL of '11 that was super special and could impose their will despite the fact everyone knew we could only run. This year we have to establish the pass to open up the run. I was never too sold on our run blocking in the previous games. Most runs were either really big runs or shut down. We dont do like Bama and get a consistent 4-5 yards per run. Back to the topic of grades. Yes UGA was #9 but this isnt a top tier UGA D from the previous years. As Red mentioned I could go C- but nothing higher. There is no reason we shouldnt be able to run better with this dominant passing attack we have.
Our last three losses (Georgia, Clemson and Alabama) have come on the opponents last drive of the game with under two minutes remaining. Admittedly Chief has made a few poor play calling choices, but when the correct play is called the D has to execute. Too many blown/busted coverages and finger pointing in the secondary yesterday.
Again, a lot of that falls on coaching as well though. There is no reason for the poor communication, busted coverages, pathetic tackling, etc. Youth or not, LSU is not a very well coached team except for play calling. Say what you want but Bama has a lost a lot of players but they dont have the drop off LSU has.
You have to call the game to win. LSU gave all three teams far too much cushion. We didnt call aggressively in any of those games. I rather lose playing to win, than giving up yards with an uber conversative D. To top it off against UGA and Bama we blow coverage for a big TD.
I completely agree with your reasoning here, but we have absolutely zero leadership on the defensive side of the ball and it doesn't appear anyone wants to step up. Communication and getting people in the proper alignment generally comes from the leader of your defense whether it be a LB or S. Both Barrow and Loston seem to be going through the motions and Martin did a lot of finger pointing yesterday.
I give the wr's and Mett an A +. The punter and kickers an A. The entire D an F. The oline a C. Hill a D for running like a puss. Les a B. Cam an A. Chief an F.
