I respectfully disagree with you that "most coaches" don't use this strategy. It's a pet peeve of mine, so I generally notice it. Sort of like basketball coaches being down by 20 with 30 seconds to go but still using every time out, as if that is going to help their causes. And Miles is second guessed on everything he does, so I'm supposing it would be the same regardless of outcome here. Again, I hated the first, not the mention the second, icing of the kicker.
I'm not defending Miles, at all.... I'm just trying to point some things out (I hate the conservative play-calling) #1 In Les' view, us throwing the ball in the 2nd half, while ahead, leaves us open to turning the ball over. Which is MUCH worse than us punting and putting that great Tiger D on the field. #2 "If" Les had allowed Cam to turn it loose, and Harris throws a hurtful INT, where would his head have been? #3 Les doesn't want his QB to take 2-3 steps backwards. Not after last year's miserable Auburn experience. Not with as much talent as this year's team has. After 1 game, to me, this team has a real shot. #4 LF is a beast. That goes without question. But, handing the ball off to LF7 is a safe call, in Les Miles' world. #5 In Les' world, up 21-13; 3rd down and 6 or 7, handing the ball to LF7 is what he wants to do. Last thing we needed was an INT and momentum/ field position for State.
THIS. I was thinking the same. If Harris throws an INT and we lose that game, that kills him mentally. I still don't like the conservative play calling and praying we open it up as Harris gets experience.
The Good -- That Defense was fast and physical. Got after the quarterback. Stuffed the run. That Defense is talented front to back. Really fun to watch. Loved the blitz packages and dominant effort in the 1st half. Our OLine looks strong. Damn Strong. Our stable of backs are as good as advertised. Our WR look stronger than last year. Really talented. TE's caught 2 passes. This team is as talented as any. Our Secondary can cover! Our D did a great job of tackling. The Bad Leaving our Defense on the field too long in the 2nd half. MOVE THE CHAINS LES! We need to rotate a few more players in the mix on D to limit fatigue. PENALTIES.... nothing else needs to be said. It's another one of those things that comes with Les Miles football. Prevent play-calling. Bad. Bad. Bad. The Ugly The Purple and Gold faithful holding on for dear life with a 2 pt lead, as a State kicker attempts a 52 yarder at the buzzer. It never, ever should have been that close. The frustration with our offensive play-calling
Agreed. The idea is to build Harris confidence. Wins, reps and completions will do that. Harris has all the talent in the world to be EXACTLY what this LSU team needs. He just needs those 3 things.
And that's why we won by 2 instead of 22. There is a big difference between playing conservative and playing scared. There is also a big difference between mixing it up just a LITTLE and "turning it loose ". Miles doesn't protect his QB and offense, he hurts them.
I'm not disagreeing with you. This conservative shell play calling has bit us in the rear end several times over the last 11 years. But it's Miles way of doing things. It burns me up to watch. But the best idea is to get used to it. He's not opening up anything until we're behind and have to.
I'm really trying to get use to it, but now into the eleventh year of trying, I'm starting to think that I never will get use to it. LSU games sure would be a lot more fun to watch with a more varied offense and yes, there would probably more turn-overs, but my guess is that there would be more production which would more than offset any additional turnovers. Last year, I can understand it to some degree with our QB situation, but this year sure looks like we have much improved receivers and a promising QB (I even suspect that AJ is improved) and well... hope springs eternal. Here's to a breakout game for Harris against Auburn.
I agree and i'll add another part... how on earth did you look at the review and still get it wrong...
