September 28, 2009

In the wake of LSU’s 30-26 win at Mississippi State, a few observations.

1) The LSU offense has been unable to establish a running game with either Charles Scott or Keiland Williams.  They didn’t do much on the ground against the Bulldogs, averaging less than three yards per tote when all the bad snaps, sacks, and kneel-downs were subtracted.

2) The Tigers haven’t used Russell Shepard as much as they need to.  He came in at one point and ripped off two nice gains of 8 and 7 yards, then left the game for good.  This was in the first half.

3) The offense having five “three and outs”, plus the defense allowing 8-19 third down conversions, meant the defense had to be on the field for 86 plays—WAY too many.

4) Chad Jones’ punt return was the second longest in LSU history, and one for the ages.  He was the National Defensive Player of the Week, and the SEC Special Teams Player of the week.  His PBU on third down of the goal line stand saved LSU.

5) The stand not only saved the Tigers on this day, but it was one of the best in recent memory.

LSU seems to be riding big plays by individuals instead of meshing as a team at this stage.  The Tigers travel to Georgia this week in what will be a big step up in class.

Some things that Miles addressed in his weekly press conference today.

1) The lack of a running game had much to do with MSU stacking the box with defenders.  This allowed LSU to have three pass plays of 39 yards or more, but the Tigers need more like that.

2) The Tigers need more practice reps in the “Wildcat” formation before they can put Shepard in for more plays.  My take on that is he was here in the spring, and all camp long, and now four games into the regular season.  A bigger package should already be in place.

3) Miles said he felt the offensive line, save a few pass protections, is playing very well.  I disagree.

4) Miles said that the runs to the short side, or “into the boundary” were the result of State placing more defenders to the wide side.  I agree, but think LSU needs to at least break tendency here and give their playmakers a chance in the open field.

5) Jacob Cutrera, who left the game Saturday with an injury, is expected to play against Georgia.