I also think Mauck's mental preparedness is where it needs to be. He stikes me as being composed as our leader. Marcus Randall, on the other hand, has only been put into games where we enjoyed an enormous lead. He still manages to be jittery and ineffective. If he can't go out and have fun in a game where we're up 52-0, then is isn't ever going to be the man for LSU. My husband said LSU is up the creek if Mauck is injured. I pointed out the same is true for most of the top-10 teams. The starting QB is the starter for a reason.
Ok, good comments. I still believe that Matt is still a bit of a head case at this time like pretty much every QB is. If he crosses that Rohan threshold (which I believe is coming)... WATCH OUT... undefeated is a done deal. But I still think that one really bad game could happen with him. That is fine by me because he is head and shoulders above anyone else on the roster (and most in the SEC). I will be happy with one loss as long as it does not cost us a shot at making the SECC game. Even if it does, I won't be too upset. The LSU D has not gone up against great receivers yet. But, you can have the best receivers in the SEC and it won't do you any good against LSU if you don't have a QB that can read the blitz and a line that can give him a few seconds to get rid of the ball. Hopefully we won't see this sort of team until January so I am not too worried about receivers. The TE may be another story. Eric Alexander has not done too good of a job covering TEs. He is in position, but he has not turned around and made the plays. That could change since he is good enough to get in position. Good point about the opposing receivers though. It will be interesting to watch. This is turning into a really fun season.
Concerning the LSU DB's facing good receivers: After watching most SEC matchups this year, everyone plays soft zone. Receivers like kight look good because they have 7-10 yard pad. LSU's pressure and man coverage has limited this kind of pad, and when a receiver gets pad(i.e. some georgia receivers in the first half) the QB pressure has made it difficult to complete the pass. That's what has lead to very poor pass efficiency for opponents. Leak better bring the running shoes. Pressure + inexperience = mistakes.
I have said from my first day on this board that LSU will go undefeated this year. Matt Mauck is the most underated QB in the country. People on here must not realize how mgood he is. What are you going to say about J.R. in a few years. " he's good but,....." sit back, relax, and enjoy our NC year. the first of back to back championships.
I don't like to bring up old dirt but Mel said it all in 1992. "Sure Manning is a great prospect, but he's no Freddie Kitchens!"
I agree that if Mauck goes down, we are in trouble. Randall does look very jittery even in mopup duty with a commanding lead. I had never noticed before, but at the Western Illinois game, a friend of mine gave me tickets on the 1st row. As Randall was waiting for the snap, his hands were shaking furiously. At first I thought it was just something he was doing with his hands like some qbs do, but the more I watched, the more I began to think that it was nerves and if he is nervous in that situation, I dont even want to think about what would happen on national TV against a formidable opponent.
The Mauck INT at Miss. State was not a poor decison. Devery had beaten the deepest defender in the coverage aand the pass was underthrown. I worry about Matt's accuracy since his receivers get open. He needs to keep hitting them. Simple as that. But, the running game must continue to improve. Justin Vincent could be a huge boost for having a more consistent running attack starting this weekend.
