Geaux Tigerz I really didnt expect much more then I saw last night. First game of the season, big game next week. blah blah blah... I think we held alot back... I think we beat VT 35-14 that is all
The o-line was terrible. Flynn? Meh. He didn't turn it over, but he didn't make any plays either. I still don't see "it" in him, but I'll hope for the best. Perrilloux has a presence that Flynn doesn't. Doucet is a terrific player. Wish we had someone else returning punts. Pass coverage was outstanding. Kick/Punt coverage was also outstanding. Hester is too slow to be the feature back. Use him as an H-back and commit to Williams as the feature back (w/ Scott and Murphy mixed in). The D-line was a bit disappointing (where was Tyson Jackson?), but I'm not worried about them. Al Woods impressed in limited duty. That guy is HUGE. Was a little worried about the safeties heading into the game. I am not anymore.
Great assessment. However, I thought they played vanilla on defense too. Very basic packages. They didn't blitz much and when they did, they didn't even bother to disguise them. Why bother? You're dominating your opponent and not giving Va. Tech anything to look at on either side of the ball.
My 0.02 cents. 1) I'm very happy and impressed with the outcome, esp the shutout 2) Offense needs work. Can Flynn throw the bomb? That would spread the opposing D a little more and open up for the run. At least chunk it out there a few times since we have a strong, fast receiving core. I think it will come though. I'm not worried at this point. 3) I'm not a fan of running back by committee. Although, with so many good RBs I guess you've got to give them playing time. It is funny that Murphy seemed to be the only RB that got to play 2 series in a row in a mop up function. I think we forced the Trindon Holliday situation as well but it is fun to watch him scoot. 4) As much accolades as we give our D, we didn't get that much pressure on MSU the first half. That being said, they are all monsters though. How many MSU players did they have to carry off the field last night. We were punishers. Our team speed and size was quite evident on defense and special teams. Now if we can get our offensive line to punish, then the sky is the limit. 5) It was like watching an old Nebraska like team out there. Our size and speed didn't crush at first, but it eventually takes it's toll and then the walls fall in. I remember a certain Sugar Bowl that Nebraska did that to us. Nice start to the season Tigers.
I think it is unfair to judge Flynn in the first half because of the completely soggy/rainy condition, and the o line having its problems with penalties and not being able to offer Flynn the protection like what they gave to Russell last year. He was also playing against an inspired M.St. defense which was tenacious.I think he was smart in not pressing and risking turnovers. He was being patient. He looked quite good in the second half opening drive after the o line had some adjustments, and when it stopped raining. Perrilloux looked good, which is a great start. He was handed a worn out defense which is another reason why it is difficult to compare him with Flynn. Yes, it is comforting to see him as a back up.
I am not as worried about the O-line as most of you guys seem to be. Stewart was beaten like a drum by a very good DE. The MSU DL is a good unit. It is pretty much the only bright spot on their team and the only thing that will keep them even slightly competitive in the SECW this season. The reality is that the OL never jumps out of the gate as a well oiled machine. It takes time. Stewart does not have a lot of experience and probably learned a ton last night and will learn a lot watching the film (and getting his butt chewed by Coach Stud ). He was a highly recruited athlete and I suspect a very competitive guy. He has practiced against the LSU DL and Coach Miles praised the OL quite a bit during and after the fall practices. I am not worried about it at all. If we can get through this next game (one O-lineman will not determine this game), I think it all comes together before the next big game (FL) and we run the table. I think that Stewart needs to be given the support of the LSU faithful and a chance to redeem himself. Hand wringing on this is a bit premature. :thumb:
Good point. I guess we were all spoiled by the Russell offense last season with its quick strkes and the premier seasoned group of receivers.
I thought that Offensively, we were very vanilla and conserative in the 1st half. I almost thnk that was by design. They turned it up just a bit in the 2nd half. I think it was all by design. With our new OC, everyone said he likes to spread out the O. I really only saw that once or twice. I have a feeling that we will see alot more vs. VT, then go a little vanilla against lesser opponents. I don't think they want to show to much to early! Regardless, a Win is a Win. We are #2. Unless USC loses, we can't get any better of a ranking. :geauxtige :geauxtige :geauxtige :geauxtige
Keep in mind too, the offense is still seaching for an identity. That will come in time, but definitely not in the first game.
