I think Nick Has gotten better as head coach. I made a blanket statement like this before, but I have had time to dwell on it and here are some reasons why I think so: 1) In 2001, Nick had (arguably) more talent on offense. And about the same talent on defense. We had a great year, won the SEC and the BCS Sugar Bowl, but lost 3 games. 2) When the chips were down (no pun intended)he made running back by commitee work better than any other team except Colorado in recent history. 3) He lets Jimbo and Matt run the O, and only jumps in when they aren't attacking the weakspots. (Usually down the middle of the field) 4) He has identified the best personnel to take the best advantage of the situations. This includes recruiting. 5) He has been more stern on focus this year than any other, he doesn't even know what BCS means. The team emmunlates the coach and I have seen Nick very intense this year. 6) He gives more public praise this year to everyone, in the past he has been almost too calculated. Just my opinion. I'd give him the best coach of the year award for NCAA football. He is the cream of the coaching crop. No dis to Stoops, Carrol, Fridgen, Snyder, Richt or anyone else. This year I objectively think he's done the best! I think Mangino has done great with Kansas, but they just haven't won enough.
I would add to number 3 that he gets involved in the offense when we get away from the run game as well.
IMO the difference on D is we now have shutdown corners, and are able to run a VERY wide variety of stunts, and the D-Line is dominating.
Recruiting is everything. For the first time I can remember, and I've watched every season since my freshman year in 1973, this tiger team has no glaring weakness on offense or defense. Every starter is SEC material. The special teams are great because there are quality athletes playing. LSU is not used to the kind of talented depth on this team. We have high-school All-Americans sitting on the bench, hoping for an opportunity to get in the game. Nick recruited these players. The man knows talent when he sees it, knows where to position a man, and convinces them to come to LSU. Many of the Louisiana players have a long-held love for LSU football, but the out-of-state players, at least, are coming to play for Nick.
At Michigan St he had to compete with another big time in-state program. The closest big time schools are about about 400 miles or so from Baton Rouge. Plus Michigan has the mystique that MSU does not have. A lot of those Big 10 programs are very close to each other. He has a more favorable environment here. I still beleive that 2005 has the chance to be the best LSU team. Next years schedule doesn't line up right but in 2005 our current sophmores and freshmen will be seasoned and will be steamrolling. This year I was expecting a 9 win season, we've gotten this far, hell lets keep on going.
