So many discussions revolve around how many players run sub 4.4 40s. This usually makes the focus of discussions skill players. LaDuckFan just noted how the Poule Deaus can put 4 sub 4.3 offensive skill players on the field at any time. I am sure this is true and so can most top 10-15 teams from any conference can make the same boast. So what? I think it is the speed of the front line especially the defense that makes all the difference and makes LSU and other SEC teams superior. It is in a measured but rarely noted distance that this is borne out 10 & 20 yard times. Our guys are almost as fast as the quickest backs in this critical distance. In addition they are so strong that they can manhandle most O lines. BTW this makes our O lines work so hard in practice & SEC games they shine in bowls & OOC games. If the backs can't get started then they can run away. This is what happens when we meet even top level OOC opponents. Watch our games against Notre Dame, tOSU, and the others over the last several years. This game will be won by our lines, both O & D and if we don't make too many stupid mistakes we will see a win by a larger margin than expected. :LSU231: :crystal::crystal::crystal:
Exactly. Also, it's the combination that makes a difference. Schools in the Pac 12 or the ACC may have good team speed, but can't match the physicality of the SEC. The Big 10 may be just as physical, but they can't match the team speed of the SEC, especially on the defensive line.
Very few players run a 4.3 in the 40. Many players can run fast, but knowing where to be is the problem. Undrafted Ryan Clark out of LSU (They said that he was too small, too slow, too everything) is still playing in the NFL. Hes into his 11th. year in the NFL, playing in Dick LeBeau's defense. A little trivia: Dick LeBeau still holds the record for the Lions All-Time Interception Leader (He had 62). What former LSU Player holds the second place record for the Chiefs (with 57 ints.) ? He was a 1st. round pick. What former LSU Player is 3rd. in Ints. for the Colts(with 35ints)? An 8th. round pick. Like I tell people, I don't care about speed. You can play football or you can't!:thumb:
That's exactly what it is. We'll see if they are in the right positions come September - but they certainly have a leg up with their natural strength and speed. Thankfully the southeast is loaded with these athletes.
The Oregon speed numbers have been inflated. Their running backs are fast, but they are smaller guys . . . tracksters, many of them. They average 4.4 speed at 184 pounds. I'll take our power backs who average 4.5 speed at 218 pounds over lighter sprinters.
What I said and what you didn't catch that in the end to end box of a play LMJ, Barner Lache et all will have to run further than D linemen to get to the corner. The speed difference shows up in the second 20 of the 40 yds.. A tenth of a second is what 1 yd in 40. Even shedding blocks there willl be d linemen & LBs at the point very quickly. Good blocking on your OL's part is critical because a unblocked D lieman will blow up a play even on the corner.
