I wrote in another thread you have to go back to 2003 to find a greater than 6 point difference in the final score. Don't know that I expect anything different this year.
I think this hurts us the most. LSU usually has the running game to fall back on and we really haven't had it this year. I can't blame it all on Jefferson either because last year in the beginning of the season we basically had no established passing attack (hell, we didn't even really know who our QB was gonna be), yet we still ran the ball well. Charles Scott was slaying teams in the beginning of last year without a consistent passing game. I think he started last year off with four straight 100+ yard games and he looked impressive. We had no passing game at all in that 1st half against Auburn, but Scott still looked awesome. I think we do miss that fullback and some of our O-linemen from last year. But we still haven't had a 100-yard rusher since November 1st of last year when Scott hit 100 against Tulane. So it has basically been a whole season's worth of games since LSU had a 100-yard rusher. Auburn will make it 12 games since we've had a 100-yard rusher if we don't get over the mark. I personally think they should give Scott the ball 20+ times in that one to see if we can get him over 100. He tends to be able to wear people down later in the game and he should be able to have success against Auburn's D. But anyway, the point is that it's not exactly a new problem. Our running game has not been really stong since the back half of last season. As much as I love Scott, he doesn't seem to be coming out of the backfield as fast as he used to. I think this is hurting him. To me, he looks much better running out of shotgun formations. Maybe because he gets the ball right away and has some steam built up once he gets to the line. He has looked better in the last couple of games. But he still has only two games with over 60+ yards rushing. When we run in obvious formations, he is really not having much success. When we don't make it so obvious, he does a lot better. So I think everyone could help this situation out. Playcalling is another killer because there has been no imagination. We could have called a play action rollout for JJ near the goal line against Florida giving him the option to run/pass it in...we could have tried a bubble screen to LaFell because he's very physical and can usually bully his way for a few yards against mostly smaller DBs...but we opted for an option play that everyone in the world knows hasn't been working and two other run plays to the RB. You have to help your players out and make the D guess. As said, JJ needs to take more chances and make quicker decisions. He said himself that after watching film he needs to take more chances. Of course, Les then says JJ should make “timely, wise decisions” rather than taking chances when under pressure during games. So I'm not sure Miles' coaching style is really helping that much in this case. Taking a chance is a "timely,wise decision" on 4th down when the game is basically over if you don't get it. My guess is that LaFell/Toliver will beat most defenders when you put the ball up for grabs if it's in a reasonable area. We've got to start doing that. And the D-line is still a big problem. Just because the others are holding things together, it doesn't make everything okay. No real pressure/sacks in four games is unacceptable. Not only that, I see no progression. How many offsides penalties were they whistled for last game? So they're actually hurting the team (the OL is guilty of this too at times). And the LBs are making many of the tackles on running plays, so the DL isn't doing much against the run either at times. They've got to start plugging people in there until they find something that works.
One thing I've noticed with our running game- we're not pounding it like we used to. We have Charles Scott and he's the perfect guy to pound the ball, control the clock, move the chains, wear down the D and take the pressure off JJ. But for some reason, I don't feel like we're pounding it in there right. I feel like we're finessing with a 230 lb RB. This could be a personnel issue on the OLine. One reason, I think, why we don't see very many screens is because JJ isn't very accurate. I remember us trying some swing passes to KW and TH, but those guys had to make acrobatic catches, and the plays usually went for negative yards. One more problem in the passing game- Does anyone ever notice that JJ isn't hitting the receivers in stride? Many times, our guys are (once again) having to make the acrobatic catch, and then we're tackled immediately. I'd like to see JJ hit Lafell or Toliver while they're running. We could get some really big plays like that. And lastly, CALL A FRIKKIN PLAY. GET UP TO THE LINE AND RUN THAT FRIKKIN PLAY. IF IT'S A RUNNING PLAY, AND THE D IS STACKING THE BOX, AUDIBLE OUT OF IT AND THROW THE SCREEN, QUICK SLANT, QB DRAW, ETC. Ok. I'm done now. :crystal::geaux::crystal::geaux::crystal:
See, I think he's pretty accurate on the short stuff. But yeah, he does tend to start off games throwing passes too high (and for screens too hard). I think that's nerves and I still think that has to do with interception paranoia from last year because Lee used to throw screens that were interception invitations. But at some point, you have to get over that paranoia. KW missed a perfect screen from JJ during the Georgia game that could have got us a few yards. TH caught a couple in that game and looked good (he had a nice gain on one right before half that was called back because of an illegal shift). But then he dropped a pass against Florida that could have been a big play (although the ball was thrown extremely hard). I honestly can't remember many crazy catches this year. Last year our WRs were almost getting killed. I think RR had a really difficult one against Georgia that was behind him. That was a big play late in the game. Toliver made some really touch catches against UGA because the coverage was so tight, but I thought the passes were on the money. Most of the time, JJ at least puts it in a reasonable place. He does have a tendency to throw behind receivers because he takes too long to pull the trigger, but it's not too bad. He had a nice one to Lafell against Florida that allowed for a run after the catch. But most of the routes have been out routes that don't really allow the receiver to take off after he catches it. I think that's the biggest issue. Sometimes it's the call and sometimes JJ's route choice. I agree that they have to work the middle of the field more (more slants, etc.) because our guys can do more than most after the catch (Dickson included).
Great thread, Dude! Who is the "Dickson" of whom you speak? That is one of the MAJOR problems this year! Wow...just wow. I think this is twice this year I agree with you! That's exactly what I've been saying to those talking about this being a JJ problem. I think it's JJ not being allowed to play his style of game...being handcuffed by the coaches wanting him to be something he's not. I always agree with Mrs. O...and it is no different here.:thumb:
narrow that down to 2 1 , 2 and to some extent 5. O line & Gen blocking: if we block well for both run and pass it forces the D to defend on their side of the line. WE must win the LOS. what's it takes to do this? Either personnel changes or personnel improvement. Coaching doesn't need to be an obstacle, if its the Meerkat get rid of it. block first, then find the plays to execute. If they cant block there is no use running ANY play. Basic fundamental football rule A. Beat YOUR MAN! if you cant do it then the coaches need to try something different! try a back up or switch something, status quo....NO! ( same with kick offs and punt returns, block protect we should know how to do this ) 3,4 & 6 = coaching We are missing Jimbo. Miles realizes it. Play calling is pretty much like that article everyone is in disbelief of. AND we better HOPE it's Crowton and not Miles. CRowton needs to QB coach, before he installs HIS offense. Insisting that the meerKat works cause it does elsewhere? :nope: How do they NOT see the anguish on the players faces as they gaze in horror at the play called in from the sideline? :shock: ( ok that one was exaggerated lol ) The WR's blocking instead of running routes on a pass play has got to be due to not getting the play to them. What else can it be? How does a top rated OC NOT call a screen more when faced with the obvious protection issues we have? :huh: You can scream it is JJ all you want but who here doesn't think JJ is capable enough to throw a SCREEN for crying out loud! :insane: sorry it just dont compute.
Now that I think about it a bit(translation - knock back some scotch), the thing that has bothered me the most is Mike not roaring before the game. Do we still mic his cage? Is he just not coached to do this anymore? Too young? Maybe I have just been drunk/late to seats and missed it? Anyone know? I would love to hear him for this game if for no other...
Amen to that, I cant imagine how fast things go if you are on the field. Must be real hard for someone to be thrust into that position. I just hope we can get our protections a little better. Who calls OL protection? Is it QB? Center? OLC? We are a fairly young team that is having the same struggles as other SEC teams. I think we will see something better against assburn.
