Brad Wing is the reason we beat Alabama

And the rest of the special teams, too.

Alabama's kicking is atrocious all the way around. Kick-offs, place kicking, and punting. Who's better offensively and defensively is almost too close to call, but when it comes to special teams, it's not even close. I've had Alabama fans point to their total offensive production as support for their argument that Alabama is better offensively.

My response?

Alabama has run 542 offensive plays for 3661 yards, and scored 37 offensive TDs. LSU has run 528 plays for 2997 yards, and scored 37 offensive TDs. Each team has scored an equal number of TDs offensively, but LSU requires fewer plays and far less yardage to do it.

The reason?

Field position. We consistently pin opponents deep and force them to drive the entire length of the field, and often, they fail. Conversely, we consistently give ourselves a short field through trading punts and netting positive yardage on returns (and turnovers, too, but that's not the point here). We don't pile up the yardage offensively because, quite simply, we don't have anywhere to go.

If a team can match up to LSU defensively (which in and of itself is unlikely), there is a high probability that considerable stretches of the game will be dueling punts, and no team can match up to LSU there.

 

Speaking of Brad Wing, I am so glad his penalty happened in the Florida game. I was certain that we would see that flag for the first and only time against Alabama.

 

After reading the post title, I was imagining Wing making a 55 yard drop kick as time expires to beat the Tide 27-24.

 

I think you make a great point here. Pinning them back and forcing a "competent" Offense versus a disruptive Defense is a sure advantage for LSU.

 

Great post with objective numbers. Just wanted to add that turnovers (which lead to great field position) is a major factor too. We are one the best teams in turnover ratio. Add that to having a top-notch special teams...there's no room for error for our opponents. I love that we are playing smart, yet physical football. This team is the epitome of what I want a football team to look like.

 

You said it. I've pointed out a number of times this season how impressive it is that they play such disciplined football but with such reckless abandon. Sorta reminds me of my screen name.

 

Exactly. My wife looked at me as we were rewatching the game Sunday and said "I've noticed that they are not commiting stupid penalties like they were last year.". I couldn't disagree with her! Team is playing smart, and disciplined football.

 

Brad Edwards of ESPN agrees with you whole heartedly.

Feild Position will be important is this game, and Wing will ensure that Bama starts deep in their own territory on every series.

If our guys up front can contain Richardson, McCarron is going to have to go to the air .. and that will equal even more good f.p. And if LSU plays their cards right, and puts a stop to that screen pass to Richardson, .. or better yet anticipates it ... it could equal a pick 6. .. and those are always nice to have.

 

field position, special teams and kicking is HUGE. when u have two great defenses, eventually u just have to get within 35 yards to score

 

I have been pumping this kid since the beginning! He is as much a weapon as Ware, TM7, RR, ect. to our team. He will have another great game against the Gumps...and I think Miles will do something special on one of his punts. :thumb: :LSU231: