Weighing in on the state of LSU football 2009

Not me man, i would consider that a major disappointment. If we lose 4 games that means we are dropping 3 more, so that would be a loss to probably Alabama, Ole Miss, and Auburn or Arkansas. If we aren't the ones who represent the West in Atlanta, then we better damn well be at least battling Alabama for that spot, and not battling Arkansas, Auburn, and Ole Miss for 4th or 5th in the Division. If we do lose 4 games, that also means that we will probably on finish ahead of Mississippi State in the West. Do you really think that this team is and should be fighting with Mississippi State to stay out of last place in the West? Totally unacceptable.

 

Hey, I hear ya. I just came into the season expecting 10 wins and a trip to Atlanta, so a 1 game swing from that expectation would, to me, be a minor disappointment. But having said that, no way in Hell would I consider that acceptable on a yearly basis.

I just think we as fans sometimes fail to properly temper our expectations. We know that there are problems with the offense, and I think the reasons for that unit's ineptitude have been discussed ad nauseum, with a good deal of accuracy. A more experienced QB sees things happen more quickly, a more experienced OL gives an inexperienced QB more time to see things develop, the play calling could be better tailored to hide the inequities of these units, etc. The culmination of all of the above has prevented us from being able to minimize our shortcomings.

As much as we hate to admit it, the loss of Ryan Perrilloux left a void that we were ill equipped to fill, and we are still struggling to.

I expect changes to be made on the offensive side of the ball, just as changes were made on the defensive side after last season. If it doesn't happen this season, yes, it will be a disappointment, but I can accept the extenuating circumstances.

Realistically, though, we only have two teams left on the schedule that play defense, and of those two, only one has an offense. I expect that we will be favored in, and win, every game except the Bama game, and Hell, we can win that one too.

 

Well, as CLM has pointed out several times we have to do the best with what we have. Meaning, perform at the highest level our weakest link will allow us. What is that weakest link in the question. Is it the OL or is it JJ. Unfortunately those 2 go hand in hand, but the OL limits anything we can do. Hopefully CLM and co can make the correct adjustments over this 2 week perion to shore up the OL, to at least open up the run. If we have to win with defense and smash mouth running, leaving only dink and dunk passes for JJ then so be it.

 

I agree and for that reason he needs to get it out of his head about run run run and be creative so it helps open up SOME running since we can't throw screens and run sweeps on every play. Thought the game plan vs. Florida was terrible and didn't help our "weakest links".

With speed like Florida has, misdirection plays work very well to keep them honest, for example. Screens too. We didn't use our gifted TE enough on pass plays either but that may not have worked since JJ was locking in on primary receiver.

 

The offense exudes no confidence. That is 80% mental, 20% physical. As a result, I have no confidence in the offense.

I think we have gotten carried away on getting "athletes" at all costs and not paid enough attention to getting some players that understand the game on a championship level.

You can watch a middle school game, and can normally pick out those that "get it" at an early age. We need a few of those guys, to provide leadership and guidance.

Athletes play, leaders win. :geaux:

 

I think these coaches make adjustments. If they don't and it's same old story that equates to losses it's a problem. If they make adjustments and we still lose at least we tried something different.

The other issue is we seem reluctant to play our younger players for the most part. Outside of Peterson last year I think we had very little help from our freshman the last 2 years.

It's obvious that Bama and UF are not afraid to use the young kids. I think Sabans second year he started or played a fair amount of his kids. The same could be said for Florida 2 years ago. Those kids grew up to have one of the best defenses in the country this year.

Let's see what happens but I hope CLM realizes that he has to get these talented guys on the field sooner rather than later. Otherwise this will be used against him in recruiting.

 

I say CLM sees what is in front of him and realizes that we do have a chance to make a statement and do something this year. Look for Shepard, Lee and anyone else that can make a difference to be a part of the plan the rest of the year.

 

I see the state of 2009 LSU Football at 5-1 (only loss being to the defending BCS Champ, #1 Team in the nation, and current longest winning streak in the nation), Top Ten in the BCS, AP Poll and Coaches Poll.

I may be wrong about this but I don't know much.

 

Doesn't the fact that people think that a 5-1 start needs "salvaging" say a lot about the state of LSU football?

 

I think it says more about last season's fast start and quick fade at the end.

Folks think they've seen this act before and don't really want to see it again.

ESPECIALLY in consecutive seasons after winning it all.

As $aban once said "Today's accomplishments become tomorrow's expectations."