I just read that LSU ran the ball 58% of the time last year, which was a little surprising to me based on Crowton's history. However, considering our WR issues last year & Hester's emergence, not really. So, what do you see the percentages being this year? We're obviously going to have a a very strong group of RBs & WRs, so it comes down to QB play for me. I see us running the ball about 54% of the time, but not near as predictably as last year. Hester ran the ball on first down like 90% of the time last year because he was just unstoppable up the middle, which I don't see us having this year. FYI: New article here, http://www.sundaymorningqb.com/
I see us running the ball 66% of the time, on the average. That is, of course, unless we find ourselves behind by two scores late in the ball game. Considering the experience, talent and depth at OL and RB, I see no reason why our running game will be anything less than "damn strong". If we can run the ball for 4+ yards on 1st downs, why not? Pound it until they stop it. I think we'll throw it enough to keep the defense honest, and on 3rd and long situations. However, I look for us to be successful when we throw. We have loads of talent at WR (they'll get open), a solid TE, and RBs that can/will catch the ball out of the backfield. Did I mention a solid Off Coord? :crystal::geaux::crystal::geaux::crystal:
Crowton has had excellent passing attacks with marginal QBs before, so I don't see why we would run the ball 66% of the time - that seems wayy to high. Our WRs & TE are too good to not get the ball to.
Didn't a few years back (shortly after Jimbo left) Les said something about wanting to have 60% of his total yardage come from the passing game? Now that actually can be taken two different ways. One is that pass attempts go up and the other is he wants more "big plays" coming out of the passing game hence yards per pass to increase. But just from watching him coach at LSU and Okie St, and taking into the account his "style" of coaching I'd probably say his ultimate goal is to have an offense that has that "tough, physical" element yet be able to still be a team thats dynamic in the passing game.
I expect LSU to run about 58% of the time again, maybe 60%. We have a rookie quarterback that doesn't need any come-from-behind passing pressure. We're gong to get out in front and then protect the lead with long, time-consuming running drives that eat up clock and don't allow the opponent's offense a chance to get the ball back. We have a distinguished offensive line and three experienced running backs who average over 6 yards a carry. We can run the ball and control the tempo and we will. LSU has receivers and they will see the ball often enough but they are also going to be spreading the defense down the field to open running lanes.
Last year yards gained were in favor of passing but run/pass % in favor of the run. 2998yds rushing and 3154yds passing.
With an inexperienced QB it seems unlikely we will run less than last year. I see us running more, a good bit more (maybe 2/3rds) at the start of the year until the QB situation develops. The one thing we need to stay away from is offensive penalties this year. For whatever reason we are always at the top or near the top of the most penalized teams in the conference. We dont need to be putting our QB's in 2nd/3rd and long often with dumb penalties.
I see us passing more in the beginning of the season to see what we can develop against our weaker competition.
That might be the best thing to do. You definitely don't want to wait and get him used to passing when it's third and eight against awbrin.
Again, think about what Crowton has done with mediocre QBs in the past... Not having Carnell Stewart should help, as well as this being the 2nd year in Crowton's system & having Toliver know the offense better.
