I loved seeing us physically dominate Kentucky the way we did yesterday. The problem comes when you play teams with similar talent and strength and conditioning programs which are almost identical. For those of you who may not know, the S&C coaches at Florida, Bama, Florida State, and Ole Miss are all guys who worked at LSU in the past and were mentored by Moffitt. They run a program that is probably about 90% of the same S&C as what is done at LSU. And, as we all know, those schools are getting comparable talent for the most part. When that happens, you aren't just going to line up and cram the ball down their throat anymore when they know you can't pass. At some point you are going to have to develop a passing game and some semblance of unpredictability on offense. When talent and attributes (strength, speed, power, etc.) are a wash, that is when coaching and preparation really makes a difference. As much as Les loves it (and I do as well) you can't just line up and blow everyone off the ball, all the time. See LSU vs Bama in our last NC game for an example of what happens when you have neither a passing game or unpredictability, or us vs. Wisconsin for a more recent comparison.
ALso the pass patterns called. How many times when we had a 3rd down and 5-8 yds were they had 3 wides all on vertical routes and there was no one in the middle.
Jennings seems to have better touch on the vertical routes than on crossing patterns. They are trying to keep him in a comfort zone as he learns this game. And he is improving. Last week he had happy feet and scrambled too quickly. This week he stood in the pocket and got off his pass. Next he needs to improve his accuracy and quit locking onto his primary receiver. We had men open and Jennings never even looked. You can't beat a top SEC defense like that.
I would like to have seen Harris get more opportunity. I know Harris is young but he has lead the team better when given the time. Last night he sat all game so he pressed when put in the game. I think he should have been put in the first half of the game. AJ is talented but he hold the ball and does not throw when guys are open. He only looks for Dural. Harris spreads the ball. The play calling appears to be more diverse when he is in. Harris has lead the team better. Sure he was rocky against Auburn but AJ was against Miss St.
So, basically, even when Jennings has completions, it's because the receivers make great catches? That's a large percentage of every quarterback/WR completions. Jennings has not been terrific, but can we at least let him have credit for completions he's made?
I felt Harris should have had a series or two in the second quarter. The game was well in hand as the D was throttling UK. Inserting Harris is needed NOT because of Jenning's deficits but to have Harris better prepared. Likewise Harris should have had more time in the 2nd half. Again this has nothing to do with Jennings position and isn't meant to threaten him as starter. We have 2 unproven QBs who need to develop. Game time situations are the best proving ground. BTW I saw no place to put Harris in last week against Fla as they were totally different situations.
I agree, we ALWAYS miss these opportunities to get some valuable reps in for the backup QB. Especially one that needs to take over as starter if we are to have any chance at winning the eastern division in the next couple of years.
