I've always assumed that the reason our first offensive snap is nearly always a running play is due to Miles being an ex-offensive lineman. It gets our guys up front to start with that aggressive mindset rather than having to be on their heels and pass block. Is there any way to find the number of games during Miles' LSU tenure that we've started with a pass? If that's not possible, any games that come to mind? I'm pretty sure there have been a few but probably more of the bubble screen variety. I can't recall the N. TX or UW games at the moment.
If I recall the UW game first play was a pass. NT was a run. Frankly we all need to come to grips with the fact we will never be some fun and gun sling it around offense. LSU is a ball control type offense. It is how we recruit and it is how we coach. We will always frame our offense around the run. And when you have a stable of RB's like LSU has and will have why wouldnt you. It gives you the ability to control the game. If you disagree watch the Arkansas game last year and their loss to ULM. If you shut down their passing game, they cannot score and you can control the game. ULM did just that when Wilson went down. LSU hung 41 on them last year and their vaunted offense scored 10 points.
Also for the record I was not insinuating anything I just have some friends and some on this board that seem to get upset because we are not throwing the ball 50 times a game..
Our first snap being a running play would most likely be due to several reasons. One, you like to let a qb at least settle in and get a feel- even if it's only one play. Two, we haven't had a QB who was known for throwing, running either, actually. I'll say this though, to see good pass protection is MORE of a tell of dominance. It's much more difficult to pass block than run block.
There does seem to be an unhealthy obsession with "a want" for a passing-dominant offense. I can't understand why we want to be too critical of Miles and a running offense. It's pretty successful. *That's not to say that I never want to pass; however, I truly never want to abandon the run.
like TexasTigers said, the Arkansas game is a perfect example of why the way we run our offense is best. In their second half they did 1 running play the entire half, which gave a ULM team plenty of time to get back into the game. With running plays, the clock is still running, you still burn off a lot of time. It leads to possibly an uglier, lower scoring game, but one where you are less likely to lose. There is a reason Les has over 80% win percentage at LSU, he knows what he's doing.
Absolutely. A few years ago, Texas Tech got way up on OU--and though they still won the game, those fools couldn't run out the clock to save their lives and almost lost the game as a result when OU suddenly decided to actually defend the pass. And of course, TT never fielded a defense under Leach, so it was touch and go, for sure.
We start games with a run for several good reasons. First, you never want to go three and out on the first series, so you go with your most dependable plays and at 5.5 yards a carry, the first downs will come. Second you want to get away from that goal line behind you before risking short passes that could be intercepted. Third, when you run the ball consistently on first down, you develop no tendencies that tip the pass on those rare occasion when you air it on the first play. And from time to time we do air it.
My primary reason for the thread was wondering when/if Miles has deviated from the "first play run" script. For example, in a big game against a good SEC defense, our opponent should be stacking the box on the 1st play and telling their secondary that if we throw it, it'll be within 5 yds. I have no problems starting with a run for the reasons mentioned. However, if we are truly that predictable and other defenses stack the box on that 1st play, we could have an advantage if we allow Mett to air it out with no safeties to worry about. The first play for the Ravens to Torrie Smith had me wondering about it and also if we've ever done that in a big game under Miles.
