You realize Johnny usually accounts for 400-500 total yards of O right? Further, when its a big game, he usually has big numbers...... Yea, we best run the shit out of the ball and keep it out of his hands if we are going to win..
We're going to have to run the ball to keep it out of Manziel's hands as much as possible. On the other hand, we'd better pass well, too, because we're likely going to need to score quickly in the 4th quarter.
No I guess I don't, given the fact that I have been trumpeting Zach Mettenberger as a 1st round draft pick all season long. If we get into a shootout in the passing game with Manziel, Zach will make 1 or 2 big mistakes that will most assuredly spell our doom (sack fumble, interception). LSU could literally run the ball every down with about a dozen play action passes strategically sprinkled in to keep the defense honest and never come of the field until we reach the endzone (barring no fumbles). A&M giving up a whopping 5.3 yards per carry and 211 yards per game, 103rd in the nation. As a comparison, LSU is giving up only 4 yards per carry. If LSU rushes for 400+ yards and wins the time of possession 40:20, LSU wins. Manziel sitting on that sideline for much of the game won't set well with him. He will force things and make his own mistakes.
You don't think LSU can run for 400 yards on arguably the worst run defense in college football? LSU isn't exactly chopped liver when it comes to running the ball effectively. Given Les' propensity to have a want to run the ball, it's a perfect storm for what I am projecting could happen, to happen.
How many times have we rushed for 400 yards? Ever? How many times have we possessd the ball for 40 minutes of a game? If that is what the winning game plan calls for then we are boned before the first whistle. I essentially agree that the keys to the game are to win the possession battle and to run the football. The numbers are just out of whack with reality. But we all know you live on the extreme bro. I would counter your 400 yards with a more plausible 280, and the 40 minutes with 35.
Time of possession is certainly not an out of whack statistic for this game, especially if we go with the game plan of a rush heavy offense. A&M will score in less than 2 minutes on almost every drive. If we're chewing up 4 minutes a drive, and neither team punts, that's a 2:1 TOP ratio. That part is actually easy to fathom. The rushing yards will depend on how much we decide to throw the ball. That part I certainly can't guarantee. Alabama held a 35:25 advantage when they played earlier this year.
So not that anyone cares and I am not "negatiger" as people refer to those types. I am one that likes Miles and wants him to be our coach for a long time. With that said. I don't feel so good about this one nor did I around Bama. I remember telling my brother I see 41-17 Bama type score. I predicted a pretty good beat down. I predict another bad night for us when the clock reads 0:00. I think we score a good bit, but I just don't see us having the horses to keep up. Their big WR will have a field day on our shorter CB's. To islstl's point. They will score basically every drive. Because of their offense and of our defense. If we punt it is essentially a 14 point swing. I hope I am wrong but I just feel based on our body of work, looking at similar opponents and the facts around our team. I just feel this is a loss. BUT none the less I think most of us predicted 9-3 8-4 seasons anyway so I don't know why this is a surprise. We all knew it was not going to be another 13-0 year. So I see a 48-32 type score in favor of the bad guys.
