After all the hype and preseason comments concerning this young man, where was he this game? I can't remember seeing him on a single play all game. Miles has gone out of his way to say that this guy is going to see time. I really hope we don't hold back as much as everyone is saying we did this this week when we play Vandy.
Personally - when it became obvious that we weren't dominating them I think the offensive gameplan stalled on the basics and the coaches stayed there on purpose. So Shep didn't see the field.
It's a huge flaw of Les Miles that it takes a virtual act of congress for a true freshmen to step on the field at LSU. So be patient. He won't show up on the field until Les' hand is forced (see Jefferson stepping on the field in 08 ONLY when Lee got hurt). Same thing for Randle seeing any "significant" playing time.
I've gotta disagree. I think they both see significant touches this year. I expect Randle to eventually become the #3 WR towards the middle part of the season. I really wish we could have seen Shepard running the zone-read.. no reason for JJ to take hits if he doesn't have to.
Oh I am not doubting that will happen. I am just saying it will be because he is forced to. Meaning the offense needs a lift and some new wrinkles and on comes help in the form of Shepard and Randle. I mean it made no sense that Shepard did not debut vs Washington just to get acclimated to this level of football. Even it was just a couple of plays that wouldn't give away all our secrets regarding his usage. Great point about JJ possibly getting injured with all the run design plays. That should have been Shepard running at least some of those plays. I am pretty sure 90 percent of LSU fans were pretty damn nervous when Lee lofted that ball over the DE's outstretched arms on his one and only pass of the night. Les Miles might be the only Div I head coach to have arguably the most talented player coming out of high school (and certainly the most dynamic offensive threat), enter school in January, prepare admirably for some 4 plus months, and NOT have him anywhere near the field in the first game of the season.
IMO, there are 3 reasons Shep didn't play: 1.) We only ran 40-something offensive plays. UDub had the ball all night. When we did have it, we either scored on the 6th or 7th play, or went 3 and out. 2.) We didn't blow the game open far enough. If we had held them once more in the second half, Shep may have gotten in late in the game. 3.) Miles doesn't want to show everything before he has to. :crystal::geaux::crystal::geaux::crystal:
4.) Shepard is actually going to be red-shirted. I know I'm going to catch some flack, but consider this: CLM keeps publically saying how diverse the O is going to be with RS playing some role, leading opposing D co-ordinators to have to devote at least some time to game planning for something they've never seen. Makes them waste some valuable prep time, RS gets to keep practicing (you can practice in a red shirt year, right?) and still has four years of eligibility left. :geauxtige:geauxtige:geauxtige
