I think too much is read into these sort of games. LSU beats a team like Idaho, but shows some mistakes, and people worry. The object of a game like this is to try different things and learn from mistakes. I bet we never throw another pass like that at the goal line the rest of the year. Instead, expect to see fades, or straight up ground pounding. We'll beat SEC teams similarly to how we beat UNT, UDub, and Idaho. Just like we beat better teams last year similarly to how we beat the cupcakes.
I agree. Started to post that we'll play up when we need to but didn't want to argue about the "playing the way you practice" philosphy believers. I do buy into that belief, somewhat; however, it's hard to get up for "lesser" games.
No question. Remember how much pissing & moaning there was after the UNT game? Yet we came out against UW and looked much sharper the following week. That's not to justify a lack of focus or intensity, but it's difficult for us keyboard jockeys to relate to the psyche of 20-year old collegiate athletes. I'm surprised we threw it as frequently as we did in the 1st half. So much for Miles and his overly-conservative grip on the playcalling. But I'm glad that they're letting Mettenberger make his mistakes. He's got kind of a big head, so he needs to be humbled a bit & learn valuable lessons. I also think that Michael Ford looked very good on kickoff returns. He hasn't had a lot of reps this year, but he has very good vision and explosiveness, which are very conducive to good kick-returning. Good starting field position would be a tremendous asset in conference play.
For both the players and the staff. The staff isn't going to apply the A gameplan to Idaho, or UNT. Hell, they only applied it for a minute against UDub. These games, with as much respect as our opponents to date garner, are glorified practices/scrimmages. They are to try things. Do you all really think Shepard beat out Ware at RB?? Of course not. But they tried some things, let Shep get involved. They tried other things to. It's experimenting. That's all.
I recall us using the term "sleepwalking" in the 1st & 2nd quarters of non-SEC games last year. It is what it is: good, solid scrimmages, used to try plays, series, new players, old players in new positions--but a scrimmage nonetheless. I am just as guilty as anyone, of course, getting rattled, pissed off (and, yes--a little scared) during these cupcakes--then going all Rocky Balboa by the third quarter. Ah, the stress on we fans is substantial......
Take this as a blessing. Maybe if we hadn't been so emotionally invested in so many games last season, we would have had some left in the tank on January 9.
There were a lot of great things that LSU was able to accomplish sat. Overall though there were too many mistakes against a team like Idaho. The biggest think was how well Idaho was able to move the ball on the LSU D. They had a great game plan to get rid of the ball quickly to nullify the LSU DL and pass rush. Still in all teams that spread the field and get rid of it quickly have given the LSU D problems. LSU has to play better than that come SEC play. Mett played well and is a HUGE step up over the last four years but he has to have a better feel for the game. He has to quit forcing the ball in there because against Bama that wont fly.
Again, the only reason I can think of for the soft zone is Chavis not having full belief in our young secondary. I understand the concept, but after a few short/quick passes, me thinks he would have the DE drop back into coverage for the dump pass to the RB...
This is Idaho, not W Va. Idaho should NOT move the ball that well against LSU. Sure our DBs are young, scheme issues are not. Its not a good sign. Its not by any means a dire situation. LSU still has an excellent D. Dont get me wrong there. As a whole though LSU has to step it up if they want to beat Bama. LSU is certainly a top tier team. IMO it looks like LSU/Bama is the championship game once again this year(I dont think the loser will play in the BCSCG again this year). Meaning I think the winner will win it all. Im not sold on FSU.
