A great deal of things contributed to the win last night. First off it was a different energy from the whole staff and the players but I think most expected that. Second the players were allowed to play loose with new guys getting a shot and making the most of it. The passing game certainly helped. As some said we do not need to throw like the west coast just keep people thinking instead of reacting. Almost every player will tell you that when they are zoned in and just have to react the game slows down. That small second it takes to wonder what's coming is all the difference needed for an offense to be successful. It will only get better when one of those slant routes gets taken to the house and not only safeties but LBs will be back pedaling off that line of scrimmage. With the stable of backs we have they will set records if defenses start respecting our ability to pass. Ala Saturday Night!!!
Here are the run/pass numbers per quarter (per Ross Dillinger of the Advocate) 1st Qtr 13 run - 10 pass 2nd Qtr 15 run - 8 pass 3rd Qtr 9 run - 8 pass 4th Qtr 16 run - 2 pass
This was blatantly obvious. The team has lacked energy all year, and in many cases, since the 2011 season (which is very, very sad.). It remains to be seen if the energy level will stay this high, but if it does, we will certainly enjoy the rest of the season. Our team played with a fire last night, and I hope it was out of something more than emotion and that it can be sustained.
A lot can be attributed to practice. Coach O said we went from 80 plays at practice to 20. Word is we've been burning out players. so we studied much more film and worked on speed of play. Hence the efficiency increase, no wasted timeouts, and no confused looks to the sideline. Energy goes up when you can simply play your game. 82 plays as opposed to 50. Which kept the defense fresh as well.
Then you mustn't think that the increased effort contributed in a significant amount, and that's one of the areas where we part ways. Can't agree with that.
LSU passed for 216 last night, which is 31% higher than our season average coming in. In addition, we had 30 attempts, which is 18% higher than our season average coming in. Finally we had passes to the slot, to the tight end, etc., much of that coming early, which we virtually never do.
Exactly! They made the defense defend the middle of the field against the pass, which is unheard of in recent years. Plus the quick high percentage slant passes put them in good down and distance, keeping the chains moving. Also for the first time in a very very long time, the defense didn't know what was coming next. That moment of hesitation creates bigger holes for RBs and better separation for WRs. They also did a much greater job of spreading the field with 3&4 WR sets. Using almost the identical play book used by the previous morons, O and Ensminger mixed it up with better playcalling that let LSU use the huge advantage they had in talent. It wasn't about harder effort, it was all about putting them in better position to succeed.
