It's elementary Watson. There were 3 primary shortcomings: 1. Offensive line gives one of the worst performances in years. 2. Offense gives yet another stinker. (Deja vu. Broken record. Same old same old.) 3. Defense can't keep the Clemson offense off the field. Clemson has a weak defense and mediocre D-line but runs over our O-line? Despite Clemson's weak defense, LSU has 8 or 9 three and outs? LSU gives up six sacks to the 73rd ranked defense and has 9 first downs to Clemson's 39? Is it a coincidence that both the O-line and O are the responsibility of Studrawa? Why have one person doing the job of two coaches? Send Studrawa back to the O-line and hire an OC. Mitigating this is the Kragenthorpe illness and O-line injuries. But it has been six years since LSU had a decent offense and excuses are wearing thin. Three losses in the last 4 bowl games. Enough is enough. As Les's pay has gone up, his bowl winning percentage has plummeted. The new LSU tradition is dangerously close to becoming angry, confused football fans around New Years. While most criticism has targeted the offense, the defense's role should also be examined. Regardless of what the pitiful LSU offense does, a great defense can shut down the Clemson offense and turn the game into a punt fest. That didn't happen. LSU's touted defense gave up a remarkable 100 plays. Ouch. That was unacceptable and not what Tiger fans expect from their beloved D. And if the D was gassed from being on the field the whole time, shouldn't Clemson's offense be equally gassed? And isnt LSU supposed to have far deeper depth--so more fresh bodies? The defense does not get a pass. That said, given the injuries the D had, some help from the offense would have been welcome. They shut down Clemson's running game and contained Boyd's running after the first half. Bottom line is many of Clemson's big plays were successful by a HAIR-a hair. Boyd had an amazing night and there are at best a handful of college QB's who can play like that. As the announcers said, he had an off game against South Carolina, but this is the best they've seen him play. He was a man among boys. Chavis played aggressive D on the final series (I'd rather go down that way) and not a prevent scheme, so credit to him there. Clemson playing like that way is an easy top 8 team. With Boyd giving a NFL caliber performance, it's a testament to how good LSU is that they still should have won the game despite the offense stinking up the joint. A new, dedicated offensive coordinator, hard work and some better wide receivers could make a big difference. Les isn't the quickest to make changes, but eventually he has.
miles knows better but his stubborn attitude won't change,he stills believes he can dominate any team he faces with running big boy football,thus 3 out of 4 bowl losses with a vanilla offense.
Last I remember its a team game. I believe most have openly expressed the issues on all fronts throughout the year. What is surprising is that people will say "same old same old" while never adjusting their "view" of the reality of where this team is. Not saying it is acceptable, but given the issues on O with O'line injuries, Metts inconsistency, and the youth on D the team fared well. I think majority of blame should go to Alleva, then again LSU winning 10 games a year keeps the money flowing pretty damned good.
But Les inexplicably moved away from the running game against Clemson. In my mind, that is one of the most befuddling decisions he's ever made...and he's made a bunch.
The Tigers over the past 2 or 3 years are like the Ravens or Falcons in the NFL. Really, most of Les' career here. Good to great regular season. Like an NFL team who makes the playoffs and then gets blown out in the post-season. To fans who want championships, it's kind of like a little bit of a tease. Very, very frustrating at times, but what 'cha gonna do? Browns fired Marty Schottenheimer for this very reason in the late 80's. Look what happened to the Browns after that. Not the Browns really, but the Ravens. Remember Browns turned into Ravens in 1996(?) 1 championship and a lot of post season losses. Is that the destiny of LSU? 1 and done? Are you o.k. with that? That is the question for us all, I believe.
