I smell a National Championship for you folks!!

Hey y'all. I haven't posted here since this board was the Tiger's Lair (unless that's a different board which still exists - I don't know).

Just wanted to let you know that the sensible fans/students/alumni at Michigan State think you have a nice team this year. I've watched you guys play every time you've been on TV up here in the north, and neither Oklahoma, Miami, Ohio State, nor anyone else has anything you guys don't have - you're just flat out loaded! I fully expect to see you in the Sugar Bowl.

Even in the years when your teams seemed to flounder (the Mike Archer, Curley Hallman, and latter part of the Gerry DiNardo years come to mind), anyone who follows college football knows those years/teams weren't indicative of the overall strength of your program. It just shows what the right coach (i.e. Nick Saban) can do given the talent and resources that LSU has always had.

As a Michigan State grad/fan, it hurt like hell when Nick left us, but I understand why he did and I don't begrudge him for taking the opportunity y'all gave him. With the right infrastructure in place (such as LSU has), there isn't a better coach in Division 1 college football than Saban. There may be a few who are his equal (such as Bob Stoops, and MAYBE Frank Beamer), but there's no one better. I just think you look like the best team in the country this year. Even if Nick leaves, you'll remain in great shape due to the foundation for continued success which he laid.

GEAUX Nick!! And go Spartans (we're on our way back to respectability under John L!).

 

be careful...we like to take it one game at a time over here...but i like your thinking!

most LSU fans will agree with your assessment...this is one of the strongest LSU squads in decades....so we will see how it goes

 

Very class post. I've often wondered MSU's current thoughts on the Saban situation. We've been very happy with his persistence, recruiting and productivity. I'm glad to see you guys have made a positive turn from the problems of last year yourselves, good luck to you for the rest of the year.

 

Good post, but I wouldn't go so far as to say Saban is Stoops' equal just yet...:dis:

Stoops' "D" helped UF and Spurrier win their first NC and Stoops won a NC on his own at Oklahoma and has built a juggernaut in Norman.

LSU isn't there yet...

 

Yet, but we could be there this year.

 

another strong recruiting class and the stage is set for the next few years. and you know he will have one of the best classes again.

 

I agree completely. I fully believe LSU's team will be better next year than it is this year. The unknown factor is whether or not Clayton will leave early for the draft. The problem next year is our schedule is a whole lot harder. We get Georgia, Florida, Auburn, and Arkansas all on the road. Plus we add Virginia Tech at home to open the year. If we find a way to go unbeaten with that schedule, there's no way we won't be in the National Championship game.

 

Don't forget though, that there's a possibility that Mauck won't be back next year. If not already discussed, Saturday's TP had an article with Mauck saying he was undecided about returning next year. He graduates in either December or next May and is seriously considering forgoing his final year of eligibility to enroll in dental school. That said- at QB we're left with Randall, who's shown signs of SEC starter talent but no consistency (quite possibly attributable to lack of playing time), and two untested red-shirt freshmen. Granted, Flynn and Russel have been collectively touted as the second coming, but nothing's been proven yet on a Saturday night with the cameras rolling.

In light of this- IF both Mauck and Clayton return next year, Lord help us all.

 

Randall's QB Play

I don't see the SEC starter talent out of Randall. I think he's talented enough to return punts or kick-offs or possibly become a receiver, but he doesn't make what I consider good decisions when he's in a game.

I sincerely hope that Matt Mauck will come back for his senior season, with Flynn and Russell in as back-ups. I almost look for Michael Clayton to return because he isn't putting up numbers that will make the pro scouts salivate at this time--mainly because he's so heavily double-covered and we spread the ball around.

 

Thanks for the comments MSU Saban fan. It's good to hear that we are receiving some national respect. Good luck to the Spartans.