Will the QB's develop like Hodson (SEC title his RSF year) or like Ro and Jamarcus, who took a couple of years for the light to come all the way on. I don't see any way around growing pains at DB, that's why I think best case will be 10-2. No matter what, the difference between 10-2 and 8-5 is gonna be razor thin. The SEC just keeps getting tougher and tougher.
Didn't Miles hire Joe Robinson as ST Coord? I figure this guy will take our talent and turn special teams into a strength. That is, of course, if we can find a consistent, dependable punter. :crystal::geaux::crystal::geaux::crystal:
I expect Fall practice to calm some of my concerns. Special teams in general does concern me. However, with our new ST coach I think we'll be much improved there. We should be able to find an adequate punter, a better punt return man, and better punt/kick return defense. CB-play only concerns me for the first half of the season. By the second half I expect Patrick Peterson to be starting & tearing it up. My main concern, as it should be for all LSU fans, is the QB play. I heard that Hatch was so nervous for the Spring Game that the trainers had to calm him down every time he came off the field - and Lee was even worse. How are they going to perform with 90k fans screaming? I have faith in Crowton putting them in position to succeed, but their performance in pressure situations is very concerning to me. New DC's & our LBs do not concern me at all.
Well, I watched that from about 50 feet up and I can vouch for that. Hatch paced like a kid rehearsing to ask a girl to his first prom. I'd say this is a question every year for every team with a new QB, regardless of who they are. I can't put my finger on it, but I'm not worried about QB. I'm far more concerned about CB and LB. Our CBs generated a lot of sacks last year due to coverage, not to mention kept the big play totals relatively low. Otherwise, our pass rush wasn't great in my opinion. With young CBs, perhaps we'll blitz less, which means even more time to throw, which means our young LBs and CBs may get pwned. HOWEVER, I'm hopeful that the first three games will cure all ills...
To answer the question: 1. CBs for the Auburn game. And LBs. 2. Turnover margin - it was awesome last year and a key to winning. 3. Special teams, particularly punting and punt returns. 4. Injuries to OL and particularly TE.
#1 Our road schedule, #2 Special teams play, #3 QB's, #4 Inexperienced secondary. Hope to see significant improvement in #2 - #4 before we face Auburn.
An inexperienced quarterback, weak punting, and almost no return game indicates bad field position. The defense can be great but if we give up ten yards per exchange we will give up some points.
