With the first few players having reported already for the fall, I thought it would be good to post this (found it on cbssportsline.com): Sounds pretty upbeat....I like it! Especially the last part about Mauck... MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: QB Matt Mauck -- The Tigers were 5-1 with him as the starter last year, but they faltered down the stretch without his playmaking and leadership. If he stays healthy and improves as a passer, the Tigers will be a lot better off. BREAKOUT STAR RB Joseph Addai -- He rushed for 456 yards and 5.5 yards per carry last year as a third-string redshirt freshman. Now he moves into a more prominent role and the Tigers need him to produce. NEWCOMER TO WATCH TB Alley Broussard -- If Addai can't get the job done, the Tigers can always turn to Broussard, a highly regarded true freshman. PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP Offense -- QB Matt Mauck, RB Joseph Addai, FB Brandon Hurley, WR Devery Henderson, WR Michael Clayton, TE Eric Edwards, LT Andrew Whitworth, LG Terrell McGill, C Ben Wilkerson, RG Stephen Peterman, RT Rodney Reed Defense -- DE Marcus Spears, DT Kyle Williams, DT Chad Lavalais, DE Marquise Hill, LB Lionel Turner, LB Jason LeDoux, LB Eric Alexander, CB Corey Webster, SS Adrian Myers, FS Jack Hunt, CB Randall Gay HEAD COACH Nick Saban, fourth season at LSU, 26-12 INJURY IMPACT Mauck was gaining momentum and growing into his role as a starting quarterback when he suffered torn foot ligaments against Florida. He wasn't as mobile in the spring as he had been last fall, but the injury also helped him learn to be more patient in the pocket. If the summer is any indication, Mauck could have his mobility back to add to his new pocket presence. "Matt had a good spring, much better than we expected," Saban said. "He's had a total successful rehab. In summer workouts when he's had to run 11 110-yard runs for time, he has beaten all of our skill guys."
In a perfect world, sure. But his ability to move and run was a key in their victory against Florida last year. Albiet, it was also how he got hurt. Still, him running the QB draw proved successful and I'm not sure I would turn my back on it. In other words, if you have a weapon, use him.
Scramble out of trouble, sure. QB draw on occasion, you bet. But we don't need a running QB for an offensive weapon. We need a passing QB. If we can't throw the ball downfield, everybody will just stack the line and stop the running game. (See Alabama game, Auburn game or Cotton Bowl last year for evidence) It's good to hear that Matt's drop-back passing game is improved. I want to see Henderson and Clayton catching balls at full stride, going long, now and then. That will damn sure open up the running game for Addai.
I agree. I think the scheme should be tailored to his strengths. Running those draws and the occasional option can do so much for an offense. Being able to effectively run greatly increases the chances of breaking a big pass play, especially if its an option pass or rollout. You could see defenses getting timid last year with Mauck in the game. The pocket passes is easier to prepare for.
I'm not advocating a QB oriented running game. It is, was and always will be about balance. A sound passing game, a sound running game and a QB that can do both well is the ideal.
At the stage of the game he was hurt in, and with the score out of Florida's reach, he should have never even been left in the game. I remember saying on the drive BEFORE his injury that there was no reason Saban should have him in the game any longer.
LSU should be ok this year as long as Mauck can learn the patience in the pocket that he so needs. Having a mobile quarterback is a plus but a quarterbacks number one responsibility is to get the ball to the receivers. I think that we will be ok this year as long as we stay healthy. BTW, I am new here. This is my first post. I look forward to talking LSU sports with my fellow LSU fans. GEAUX TIGERS!
