I really criticized Pelini after the Tennessee game and rightfully so. I think there was a serious problem with the way the defense was schemed and coached in the first two games. Pelini did not make any or at least adequate adjustments for what Keller was doing to the defense during the AZ ST game. He should have made better adjustments to counteract the three step drops by playing aggressive man defense but he still played 10-15 yards off receivers. Then, he did the same thing in the TN game. Ainge was scared and horribly inaccurate but Clausen took advantage of what he had saw Keller do to the defense. It appears that Pelini has adapted his scheme after the Tennessee game. The defense has performed great in the last three games and credit should go to Pelini. I would like to see us replay Clausen or AZ ST to see if the problems are really fixed or just masked by the fact the QBs get scared playing LSU because they get beat up by the D-line. Leak had an accuracy problem (injury, pass rush). Conner had an accuracy problem (not really a QB more of a WR, pass rush). Cutler had an accuracy problem (bad O-line, pass rush). I don't like how posters or the media say fans should be ashamed of criticizing Pelini. The broadcasters said that toward the end of the Vandy game after the defense had just played two great games after adjustments were made. Of course, people were criticizing Pelini after the TN game and rightfully so. Of course, people are crediting the way his defense has played and rightfully so. Why should it have to be one or the other? Just like it happens to players, he had a bad couple of first games. He has adjusted and is doing great now.
at first I thought he was just like Tepper, He has proven me wrong, and I am glad for it. he is doing a great job!
he is starting to get very comfortable with his players. when he really knows what he can and can't do, ooooowwwwweeeee, boy we are gonna get REALLY aggressive.
Looks like what all the "experts" have been saying about him (even following the poor start) is coming true. The national media (namely Gameday) would say that no matter what, learning a new system has growing pains--no matter how talented you are and that Pelini would settle things down and the players would pick it up. I must say that I'm calling myself out--I'll eat some crow on my own account--for jumping all over him and his defense like flies on crap. He really silenced some critics that thought our defensive play over the previous two weeks were inflated because we played Vandy and MSU.
He adjusted the positioning on a fair % of snaps since ASU, other than that the scheme has been consistent...tonight though he used some 3 man fronts just like Alabama did vs. Leak. I do not think he had confidence in the players in the ASU game, because they didn't warrant it...we saw it, they were confused and he knew it. He played the D he thought would be best...I was disappointed he didn't make effective adjustments, but in the end ASU's OL is just good, their WRs are good, and their QB is good. Oh yea, their HC is one of the better offensive minds in the country. I was more concerned with UT, as we played the exact same D all game...even after UT began to capitalize on it. However in that game, the D was cramping midway through the 3rd quarter - he can't exactly run any adjustment he wants when the players aren't capable of playing to their ability. They were still confused too. Vs. MSU they appeared more comfortable, missing only a handful of assignments. The D was 95% the same as UT, we outmanned them. Same thing for VU..same D, overwhelmed them. Tonight I didn't see one instance of confusion or blown assignments. The scheme was different, based a lot on what Alabama did..that was good to see. Overall, I think Pelini is just making basica game-to-game adjustments based on the opposition. He doens't give two rats asses what the fans think, he's massively experienced with defense and knows what to do. The players are executing better and that allows them to be in teh right spot...and when they are there, they can be aggressive with their decision. I was never a Pelini basher though..I knew he was the real deal before we hired him. Players make plays.
It's a hell of alot better than it was after the Tenn game. I was gunna volunteer to help load up the U-Haul truck. I'm still scared to death of Miles.
Think how much better our defense would look like this year if the secondary guys could catch. By memory I think the LSU defense has dropped a minimum of 6 easy interception opportunities. I am not talking about ones for diving catches but ones that him them in the breadbasket.
[. I'm still scared to death of Miles.[/QUOTE] see i don't understand this. before the season started i can distinctly remember people posting clips of miles in OU's stadium ready to kick the hell outta everyone in there. people didn't really no how to react to him at OSU but in KJN country we feed off of that. he just hasn't learned that yet and i think maybe he is curbing his attitude a tad untill he has proven something here.
He's definately holding back, personality wise. He would have played any sucker in the country at OSU...but here, 'we've got a chance to be good'. Once he gets settled in, he'll let 'er rip.
