The Advocate: LSU to go 9-3, "Bama’s biggest obstacle is Bama"

It's just fun to trash Alabama. We don't EVER need a reason.

 

The smart ass can't spell.

Ironic, really, considering a loose translation of the phrase means "if you believe the hype you're a fool." Some would say it deals with defining a false sense of grandeur.

Which goes back to my original statement on Florida—they were lucky to be where they were at the conclusion of last season and they weren't as good of a football team as a lot suggested.

 

FIFY, now go enjoy your spelling victory on a park bench with some chocolates.

 

I've never suggested or thought you didn't have a sense of humor.

That, was funny.

 

He's one who can improvise in situations as well as any player I can remember.

What should have been an incomplete pass or fumble in our game resulted in a TD. I was impressed with his ability to not only get possession but see the open receiver.

Setting aside a personal dislike for that type of offense...he is entertaining to watch when he's on his game.

 

Point is speed and quickness kill. Manziel was quicker than Bama's D but not quicker than LSU & Florida's last year. We will see what happens this year but with our quick LBs (Deon, Kwon et al) and DL (Hunter) I like our chances against aTM.

 

I could see LSU going 9-3 based on the number of new faces we have on D. Depending on how it develops and how well the O does we can do much better.
The key will be the stretch between Auburn Sept 21 & Ole Miss Oct 19. That 5 weeks will be a test. I'm not worried about Auburn but the following 4 weeks @Ga, @MState, Fla then @Ole Piss will be a physical and emotional grind. I would pick us to win any single game but any of the 4 can be lost. Of course Bama and aTm will be difficult but with open weeks & Furman to rest & recover we will be playing on better ground. I don't see Arky as a challenge at this point.
I think it will be another season of tight contests. I like the way Les has guided LSU to many more wins than losses in the tight games and expect more of the same.
I hope for 10-2 or 11-1. Where we finish in the division is too hard to tell. I don't see Bama being challenged in their schedule except by us and maybe aTm (I doubt it) and dont think any one else in the west has what it takes to challenge. It is likely to come down to Nov 9 again.

 

Let's see how well Johnny Foozball can work his magic this year without 2 All-American O-linemen protecting his scrawny butt.

 

Yes. Sort of.

When it came to offensive production A&M's offense was able to move the ball just as well against LSU as they did Bama. There was less than 10 yards difference between the two teams in yardage allowed by the defense.

You're right in the sense of speed. But, it wasn't Manziel's speed, per se.

A&M took advantage of the same thing that Ole Miss, Miss. State, and LSU did. They attacked the week part of a nickel defense: the third safety playing the STAR position. The lack of depth in the secondary led to a three safety, two cornerback nickel package and the STAR position—Vinnie Sunseri—isn't fleet footed. He was the safety that had the mental skills to handle the calls and sets in that defense. By no means could he defend a guy like Swopes.

By A&M attacking that position they racked up 45% of their total offensive production (yards) in the first quarter alone. 20 of their 29 points came from the first quarter as well.

A defensive switch made in the second quarter that brought an inexperienced, but quicker safety in Nick Perry helped slow down that offense.

Now, that said, one distinct advantage LSU and UF has comes from scheme and what kind of players that scheme utilizes. If you look at the difference in the defensive ends in a 4-3 scheme versus a 3-4 you'll find leaner guys, guys how have a wider wing span a lot of the time, but most importantly guys who have more quickness due to their size. Those quick defensive ends for the Tigers and Gators were able to get outside the tackles and contain Manziel quickly—more quickly than those in the 2 deep for Bama. Because of that it allowed Manziel to have more scrambling room against the Tide than against LSU or UF,