I truly get the pathetic QB play of recent years and that whole timeline. It makes a lot of sense. However, I still feel that Les changed after the '07 title. I truly feel he was bothered by the names, "The Hat," and "The Mad Hatter." Les has not been nearly as ballsy since then. Everything has been very conservative, he hasnt had that bravado. I really feel when he is coaching balls out and to win is when Les is at his best. Since then LSU has become much more conservative. Poor QB play or not, you still have to at the very least attempt to go down the field to keep the D honest. Almost every route was very short which allowed the D to play close to the LOS.
Kragthorpe didn't have either the time or strength or both due to his illness. So basically Mettenberger didn't get groomed right. I mean our OC was Stud. That should say it all.
He may have been a junior but it was his rookie year in the league. He made a lot of rookie mistakes that he's now beyond. Mettenberger threw for a whole lot of yards last year but, was still learning how to read defenses and check off to second or third receivers.
You know, he always maintained that he was never actually taking risks. He knew what that team was capable of, and he trusted them to do those things. There's no risk, if you're sure of the outcome. Honestly, we haven't had a team that complete since then. For all the hype 2011 gets, I believe 2007 beats the pants off them.
Our '11 defense was better, and I think our running backs were better in '11. '11 was the best LSU team I've ever seen, with two mediocre senior QBs who were almost just good enough.
I definitely agree that he had total faith in his players. IMO thats when CLM is at his best. When he coaches with that swagger I feel the players perform at an ever higher level. The UF game was all time great with the fourth down plays. When Miles tries to focus too much on Xs and Os he isnt at his best. He gets too conservative. Which is what I feel has hurt us since '07. I get the QB play was pathetic but again, you have to threaten the deep pass. Even look at how little Miles "gambled" since then. I think the '11 team was super special. The OL was just too dominant. Outside of Bama, LSU imposed their will on everyone. I cant see the '07 team winning. I agree with Stacey in regards to the '11 D and RBs being better. Despite having Dorsey and Steltz, the '11 team just had so much depth. I think the '06 was better than '07.
