Miles is like Charlie McClendon. He's not going to make any of his players look bad. He's not going to say that Shepard can't handle the playbook yet and his arm isn't all that good. He's not going to say that Randle just isn't as good as LaFell and Tolliver, yet. I've seen a lot of freshmen come in and play since they became eligible in the early 70's. I can count the ones who were immediate stars on one hand . . . and Shepard and Randle are not among them.
Goes right along with Miles mo. He has his staff read these boards to see what the fans think, then due to his hard headedness does the exact opposite. Maybe if we start posting reverse information then he will do what we really want. Like don't ever play RS we don't want to see him on the field, or maybe, give GC a raise and make him tge Asst HC. LOL
I don't think they are either, Red. I would like to have seen them in the game for a series or two, just to see what would happen. After all, RS was a redshirt, and that got burned early in the season. I think (hoping) that many that are calling for them to receive playing time feel the same. I know some want them to assume full control of a position and start, but I don't think the majority does.
I guess you haven't paid attention the last 4 seasons under Les Miles. Not sure why it's a surprise that it's business as usual with Les Miles regarding the playing time of freshmen.
I don't think anyone expected him to know the whole offense. Just a few plays tailored for him like Tebow his first year. I refuse to believe a smart kid and former HS QB couldn't learn 5 plays. The kid has been playing football his whole life. The evidence on the field shows the plays he did run he know pretty well. He took what he was given and excelled to the most productive rusher on the team. As far as being a star we we'll never know. He did all he could with the limited opportunities had. Too bad the coaches were unable to figure out how better to use him.
I know Ive heavily questioned Miles. Id love for him to prove me wrong. Outside throwing JJ under the bus I really like the man. He has a great heart and truly wants the best for LSU, as well as the kids. All that said, this is a business. Its a what have you done for me lately game. Its not like the days of the Bear when you could drop for a few years. College football is now a huge business. Its also far more competitive so you cant allow yourself to fall too far behind. Im not for firing Miles, I think he deserves this upcoming year. I know we arent a bad program right now but we are still underachieving. The kids arent coached up. When we do see some improvement in one facet, we see a drop off elsewhere to counter act the improvement. I know you wont bring your A game every week, its impossible. LSU brought their A game just once, against Auburn. Look what happened. I just wonder if Miles lost his grip on things. Miles was never a great coach, it was his faith in his team. His willingness to lay it all on the line. We dont see that the last two years. You have to play to win, Miles isnt. He is too conservative with the play calling/game plans. I hope he proves me wrong but Ive seen LSU faulter and lose focus at the end of the last two years. LSU came into the bowl game out of focus, not a good sign going into next year when we have a much tougher schedule. If LSU plays like it did this year we will lose more games. As for not playing Shepard, makes no sense no matter how you slice it. I know the blind followers always point to the fact that Shepard doesnt know the playbook or have the arm. We all know thats the fact for QB. Shepard should be used as that Harvin like player though. He gets in for maybe 8 plays, 5 of which are touches. Everyone knows whats coming when he is in the game. They need to line him up all over the field and utilize his big play ability. With our crappy O we need all the play makers we could get on the field. There is none bigger than Shepard.
You're my boy pharpe...rational and intelligent post regarding Shepard. Hell, it took Ole Miss three to four years to figure out how to utilize Dexter McCluster in the Wildcat and look what he did to most SEC defenses. You can't tell me that Russell Shepard could run 8 to 10 plays a game out of the Wildcat. He's more of a threat to throw than McCluster. But then again, with the worst o-line in years he likely would've been killed back there.
