2. ESPN research’s guys came up with this stat, and it’s a stunner. Guess which quarterback finished second in the nation last season in red zone passing efficiency. The answer? Jordan Jefferson of LSU. He finished 36th in the category overall as a sophomore in 2009. He has acknowledged he has had problems making quick decisions. But in big situations, Jefferson delivered more than any of us realize. A fluke? Or a sneak preview of a big year to come? College Football Nation Blog - ESPN
Expect a big year every year its the reason we are fans. If LSU would have had average offensive production last season we probably end up in the SEC championship game. The defense was on the field too long last year and was learning a new system and still was the 11th best scoring defense in the nation. That's with little pass rush from defensive line. This team has the potential of forcing a lot of "experts" to be eatin' crow at the end of the year.
We had a good red zone offense, the problem was we didn't get down there enough. Not surprised at the JJ stats, but as has been pointed out throughout the off season those stats are somewhat misleading. With a majority of high percentage pass completions it can make one look better than they really are. That said, I expect we will see a much improved JJ and O this season.
Jefferson also plays better during the hurry-up 2-minute offense it seems like. We had several effective late drives last season. Curious.
i've never really understood all of the JJ bashing. when has a first-time LSU QB performed exceedingly better than what JJ did last season? there is room for growth, of course, but there is always room for growth with any QB - -even drew brees. if you look at all of the things stacked up against JJ (lack of running game, crappy game planning, not getting plays called fast enough, etc) could you really have expected anything more from him? realistically, of course. but i am also one of the people who does not understand all of the miles bashing. other than a few (well documented) mishaps, he has done the job at LSU. he surrounds himself with great coordinators (even though he is a bit too loyal at times,) he recruits quality kids and he's an affable guy who wins games. i try to forget the 90s, but because of this the 2000s certainly have a lot of us jaded -- myself included. at the end of the day, we are still one of the top programs, and i believe we are going to prove the doubters wrong this season. JJ included.
First of all, Best of Luck on the season. You are talented enough to "be there" in every game. If I had a wish for LSU this season, it would be to get back your MOJO on offense. As I posted in a much earlier thread, LSU was last in the nation in offensive plays per game. I understand there are games where play counts are limited, but for you guys, it became a trend... in the Auburn game you ran 66 plays to their 61 and you won time of possession by 2 minutes... since that game, LSU ran fewer plays than any opponent (yes, even Tulane and LaTech) averaging 57 plays to your opponents 74 plays... and never won time of possession. Sure, there are quick scoring offenses that could care less about time of possession/plays run, but that's not who you've been the last few years. Suggestions for a great year: 1) Get the damn play called. 2) Allow your qb the confidence to audible and the time at the line to read a defense. When coaches call in the play, then want to see the D set, then also want to call the audible, the QB becomes robotic. If the qb can't read a defense and change the call, you need another qb. 3) Let your qb call a few plays all by himself. When a receiver comes back to the huddle and says I can beat my guy inside, you don't always need a T/O to get it okayed by the coaches.... let the kids "play" once in a while. 4) Change your tempo and run hurry-up a few series... it's okay to run plays when your kids are still sweating from the last play!! Let 'em play, Les. Let 'em have fun!!
