It is a make-or-break year, but not for Miles - for Crowton and Studrawa. In my opinion Studrawa should have went this year. Miles definately needs to take more control of the offense. He has a smash-mouth offensive philosopy while Crowton has more of a finess-style philosophy. I think we saw Crowton's influence in this year's uninspired offensive schemes. Miles only had one real game-management blunder which cost us a win over Ole Miss. I don't think we will see that happen again.
Crowton may be some great play designer, but play caller he is not. But i don't think i agree with you, if the offense is stagnant again this year, and we lose 4 games, i think Miles is on the hot seat, because he didn't make those changes last season.
I would agree with you about the losses but the more I keep looking at it, Miles' contract and buyout would be so expensive I can't see LSU and the big money guys getting rid of him until after 2011. It's a throwing the baby out with the bath water situation. If you fire Miles and then have to pay him millions of dollars not to coach, then you don't have the $$$ to bring in a top-notch coach.
It will be interesting to see what the future holds. As good as Nick is, no one has seen what happens when he stays for 5 years or more. In the past, he has struggled with motivation when reaching the top. Players seemed to get burned out on him. The power has shifted to the West, and it will take breaks, to win (much like the multiple breaks Bama got this year). Its a tightrope for all teams between success and failure.
He will be on the hot seat, but the phrase "make-or-break" suggests he will be fired (at least to my mind it does). He will not be fired. Crowton might; Miles won't.
This is a very good point. Dont forget nicky always seems to have a choke of a loss almost every year (UAB with us UL-M with gumps). I would love to see what happens if gumps choke on san jose state or duke. I think you would have the mobs calling for nicky's head. What goes up must come down.
Another good point here. Look at USuCk they have had top 5 recruiting classes for the last several years. Now with Kiffen I wouldn't be surprised to see them continue the slide to the basement.
