Miles will certainly be in for criticism if the Tigers don't beat the Vols. Championships are certainly one of the criteria for judging coaches. But if he loses in the SECCG, to say that his fate is sealed as a "loser" is irresponsible. No coach can stand that scrutiny, with the possible exception of Lombardi. Bobby Bowden certainly heard the "can't win the big one" criticism when he took 2 undefeated FSU teams to the Orange Bowl only to lose to Barry Switzer's OU Sooners. The difference is that FSU fans knew something of the past and knew that Bowden was their best chance for long term success. Now, I know Miles didn't build the program, but he is the guy that has kept it at a higher sustained level than ever before. Sure, there are some things that need to be fixed that have been discussed ad nauseum on this forum. But, if we were to turn on him because he lost one game against a good opponent, we will risk the return of the instability of the 80s and 90s that so many have forgotten. Thankfully, we aren't the people making that decision. GEAUX TIGERS
There's nothing to explain. Simply put, he'll never have this 'easy' of a shot at the NC. Has there ever been a more opportune time to make a move, or to cement yourself as the number one team in the country? No. I don't have to explain to you what a wacky year it's been. And it was the perfect opportunity for us to get in. We didn't have to worry about what anyone else did, all we had to do was take care of business. But we didn't. As or right now, he has done nothing to prove that he has that ability. He was put in an extremely favorable position, and still managed to screw it up. You can't say that someone is certainly 'championship caliber' when they've never won one.
This is a good point. It actually reminds me of when Jimmy Johnson left those Cowboys and Barry Switzer took over and won the Superbowl. Jimmy and Howie said today on Fox that the LSU job is better than the Michigan job. Everyone, ex-coaches, etc. have openly admitted this year that LSU has the best talent in the nation.
I'm glad you brought that up because I forgot to mention it. In addition to the field being so wide-open this year, we have far more talent than any of the other front-runners. In fact, it's reasonable to believe that the talent gap will never be this favorable for us again. In other years, you'd have USC, Texas, UF, OU, etc. also vying for a spot in the show. With such traditional powers out of the running (save for tOSU), it's hard to conceive a more favorable set of circumstances. If Miles couldn't pull the trigger when the path was practically paved for him, why should I believe that he'll be able to pull it off when there will be a lot more obstacles to overcome?
at the end of the day championships define excellence. counting on the Tigers bringing the seccg trophy home saturday.
There's a difference between "criticism", and wishing a coach was gone. Like I said, name a better replacement...that's at least a possibility. Jimbo has zero HC experience, so...no. I too am old enough to remember Bowden as a revered head coach at a revered program in the 80's and 90's...pre NC. I'm sure there were those few knuckleheads that criticized him, though. Spurrier was brought up in terms of NC's, but let's see if Miles doesn't win a CCG in his 3rd year before we dismiss this issue.
This is a big game Saturday, no doubt about it. Tenn has improved over the course of the season. LSU has not improved over the course of the season. I have no idea why LSU hasn't improved over the course of the season, but, we have not. Tenn crushed Arky. Tenn beat Kentucky. Kentucky and Arky both beat LSU. Advantage: Tenn I would take Tenn and the points, because I expect LSU to be favored.
How right you are. I can't help but recall Kansas State and all their seasons of 8-plus wins but ZERO titles of any kind because all of their wins were against cupcakes and when they played a team worth anything, K-State would lose.
LSU beat Bama. LSU beat Florida. Both teams beat the phuck outta Tennessee. Advantage: LSU so by your logic, nobody wins this game.
The Tenn victories were more recent than our victories. Would that not make a difference? How does the D stop Tenn? Do you see the LSU D stopping Tenn?
