Judging from the box score only, you'd be very surprised to find out that LSU actually beat Louisiana Tech last night. It's an ugly looking set of statistics for the Tigers. But the ugliest line in my opinion is the time of possession stat. Because it tells the story of why the Bulldogs were able to make a game of it.
LA Tech had the football for 36:20. LSU for 23:40. 12.5 minutes difference. LA Tech ran 84 offensive plays to LSU's 52.
Viewed from that perspective, it's amazing the LSU defense was able to keep LA Tech out of the endzone as much as they did.
Showing posts with label LA Tech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LA Tech. Show all posts
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Points for Pondering and Procrastination
I can't help the business day move faster or cure that insomnia or have the magic solution for whatever ails your soul. I can give you some thoughts about LSU football for you to consider in the meantime:
1. The alien invasion has happened. Turns out our doom will resemble Invasion of The Body Snatchers. Because LaFell was definitely played by an alien last Saturday night versus Tech. He caught everything tossed his way, got some yards after the catch while looking confident and fluid while doing it. I welcome our new alien overlords if this means I don't have to scream at Lafell anymore and keep my bloodpressure lower. Who knew aliens could be so fun?
2. Our special teams are a continuing disappointment to me. Our kick coverage is killing me and giving my Dad an ulcer. On kickoffs, we have terrible lane/gap discipline. All you have to do to return a kick on LSU is hedge toward the middle and then bounce it hard outside. On punts, we go too far before breaking down. Our gunners and first guys down the field break down just about even with the returner. I'm no genius but you want your tacklers to keep the target in front of them and not at their flank correct? Kinda hard to tackle when your enemy is already beside you and heading the other direction.
These methods have been in practice all year and are being exploited more and more. I worry that Alabama won't be the last team to return a kick for a score against us. But I think we are working on a solution. We had a 4th and 1 or so against Tech at their 5. We ran a piss pour effort at gaining the first down on a run. Tech then took over at their 5. This was brilliant! Instead of kicking a field goal and then kicking off, giving Tech the ball somewhere around the 40, we buried them in the shadow of their own goalposts! I think Dooley was embarassed for being so terribly outfoxed. I know I would be.
3. Saturday night was the night you really wish you had the foresight to put $5 on a program. You would've been able to know who you were watching in the defensive secondary and offensive line in the later stages of the game. We used the zoom on a friends camera to figure out what the names on the jersey said. Took us a while, but we got it. First time in a long time I have looked around after a game and saw not one program laying around. Sure coulda used one. Whatever your methods, it would've been better to see those youngsters in there sooner.
4. As I said earlier, I wanted to see Tolliver get some Mardi Gras time. He got his fair show of throws and made some fine plays. I have been saying and will continue to say this guy is a future NFL standout. Once he gets more time in the system and puts on some muscle, he could be something. I really enjoy watching long passes thrown his way that look overthrown. He just finds this gear and glides underneath it for a huge gain or td. We're in good hands with Tolliver.
5. How does everyone in the conference have a cool flyover by now and we don't? State even had one, I don't care if it was a biplane. That was their president. It was his plane. That rocked. O'Keefe used to do stuff with NASA, get something to make a low orbit or buzz the Space Shuttle on by.
1. The alien invasion has happened. Turns out our doom will resemble Invasion of The Body Snatchers. Because LaFell was definitely played by an alien last Saturday night versus Tech. He caught everything tossed his way, got some yards after the catch while looking confident and fluid while doing it. I welcome our new alien overlords if this means I don't have to scream at Lafell anymore and keep my bloodpressure lower. Who knew aliens could be so fun?
2. Our special teams are a continuing disappointment to me. Our kick coverage is killing me and giving my Dad an ulcer. On kickoffs, we have terrible lane/gap discipline. All you have to do to return a kick on LSU is hedge toward the middle and then bounce it hard outside. On punts, we go too far before breaking down. Our gunners and first guys down the field break down just about even with the returner. I'm no genius but you want your tacklers to keep the target in front of them and not at their flank correct? Kinda hard to tackle when your enemy is already beside you and heading the other direction.
These methods have been in practice all year and are being exploited more and more. I worry that Alabama won't be the last team to return a kick for a score against us. But I think we are working on a solution. We had a 4th and 1 or so against Tech at their 5. We ran a piss pour effort at gaining the first down on a run. Tech then took over at their 5. This was brilliant! Instead of kicking a field goal and then kicking off, giving Tech the ball somewhere around the 40, we buried them in the shadow of their own goalposts! I think Dooley was embarassed for being so terribly outfoxed. I know I would be.
3. Saturday night was the night you really wish you had the foresight to put $5 on a program. You would've been able to know who you were watching in the defensive secondary and offensive line in the later stages of the game. We used the zoom on a friends camera to figure out what the names on the jersey said. Took us a while, but we got it. First time in a long time I have looked around after a game and saw not one program laying around. Sure coulda used one. Whatever your methods, it would've been better to see those youngsters in there sooner.
4. As I said earlier, I wanted to see Tolliver get some Mardi Gras time. He got his fair show of throws and made some fine plays. I have been saying and will continue to say this guy is a future NFL standout. Once he gets more time in the system and puts on some muscle, he could be something. I really enjoy watching long passes thrown his way that look overthrown. He just finds this gear and glides underneath it for a huge gain or td. We're in good hands with Tolliver.
5. How does everyone in the conference have a cool flyover by now and we don't? State even had one, I don't care if it was a biplane. That was their president. It was his plane. That rocked. O'Keefe used to do stuff with NASA, get something to make a low orbit or buzz the Space Shuttle on by.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
SUNDAY SOAPBOX: Big Win - Where's the Peak?
It was great watching the Tigers on TigerVision with my Dad and Mom last night. We haven't watched a game together in a long time. Although I've gone through periods of Tiger ignorance in the last decade, depending on where I've been stationed, Dad has been stalwart and has season tickets. So he's fun to watch the game with.
Anyway, we synched up the video (thanks, TiVo!) with Jim Hawthorne and crew on audio, and (eventually) enjoyed a nice crushing homecoming victory.
What a great weekend for the Tigers! #1 across all the polls, SEC West champs, and therefore a guaranteed spot in Atlanta for the championship game.
Happy Birthday Coach Miles!
As for the game itself, the Tigers put up nearly 600 yards of offense and 58 points, playing the second and third team some of the third and all of the fourth quarters. LA Tech was held to about 260 yards offense and 10 points. So, basically, LSU dominated as you would expect.
And now it's Sunday, the sun is shining, and there are puppies and butterflies and lemonade stands, and all is perfect.
Not so fast. There are a couple of points worth pondering. First the challenging stuff.
Not So Special Teams
The kickoff team was flat out embarrassed - at least three times. Give the LA Tech returners a little credit. But Oh My Gawd! Of the four Bulldogs that returned kickoffs (there were TEN returns, which is a COOL stat!), the lowest average is 21 yards per return. Livas had 5 returns for a 37 yard/return average and one for almost 80 yards! Ummm - that, like, sucks.
Fisher and David have been more than solid all year. And there are some individual athletes who have been very good on special teams. But the special teams themselves - specifically the kickoff and punt coverage teams - have been suspect all year. Having the opposing team start with great field position will be tough to overcome against the remainder of the schedule. And Chad Jones, stud that he appears to be, made some really dumb punt return decisions last night that have been a pattern with him.
Coach Paveto splits his time between special teams and linebackers. Perhaps it's time Coach Miles finds a special teams coach.
Matt Flynn
I can't help but wonder why Flynn comes out of the locker room struggling and only hits his stride after increasing my stomach acid. Wazzup with that?
My guess is that Flynn's relative lack of game experience keeps him from starting strong. Early in the game, though, he can be dangerous to his own team - forcing passes and over- or under-throwing open receivers.
I'm still a Flynn believer and he's definitely better than RP at this point. But I'd like to see Flynn put a couple more 300 yard plus games together without the interceptions.
Penalties
8 for 62 yards, including a late hit out of bounds. Not heinous, like last week. But certainly nothing to be proud of.
NOW FOR THE GOOD STUFF
I did see lots of butterflies today, and a puppy. There are many, many things right with the world.
Few Fumbles
We haven't. It's really pretty cool. Flynn has thrown some picks, but this team just has not fumbled the ball much at all.
Offensive Production
595 yards, some big plays, and 58 points. Regardless of the opposition, when you factor in that the Tiger bench played most of the second half, that's a pretty impressive stat. Teams will have to score more than 30 points to hope to beat LSU. That's a nice place to be, considering our defense is still one of the finest in the country.
Team Depth
LSU has talented backups across the board. It will be interesting to watch the LB competition to replace Highsmith and Sanders next year. The young cornerbacks were fun to watch, as well. The offensive line is going to be in fine shape next year, as will the defensive line. I'd say the biggest question on offense for next year is QB (will RP keep his cool and get on board?), and on defense, who will step up at the corners. But all in all, LSU will remain powerful next year.
THE BIG QUESTION - DID WE PEAK AGAINST VT? OR WILL WE PEAK IN NOVEMBER?
The Hokies are a very good football team and LSU made them look inept. Following that game, and injuries to Flynn and Doucet, the Tigers played well enough to win (except Kentucky), but did not seem to dominate anyone except MTSU. Even Tulane made the Tigers sweat for a half.
So, did the Tigers peak early? Let's hope not, because noone is going to lie down for the Tigers from here on. Everyone will be looking to knock LSU off the hill (again).
Personally, I think LSU has yet to peak. I think we caught a glimpse of the team to come against VT. Injuries and poor play have kept the Tigers from besting that effort. I have faith that the Tigers will play scary good football in the SEC championship game and then crush Oregon (or Kansas or Oklahoma) in the BCS bowl game.
I think LSU will peak in January 2008!
Anyway, we synched up the video (thanks, TiVo!) with Jim Hawthorne and crew on audio, and (eventually) enjoyed a nice crushing homecoming victory.
What a great weekend for the Tigers! #1 across all the polls, SEC West champs, and therefore a guaranteed spot in Atlanta for the championship game.
Happy Birthday Coach Miles!
As for the game itself, the Tigers put up nearly 600 yards of offense and 58 points, playing the second and third team some of the third and all of the fourth quarters. LA Tech was held to about 260 yards offense and 10 points. So, basically, LSU dominated as you would expect.
And now it's Sunday, the sun is shining, and there are puppies and butterflies and lemonade stands, and all is perfect.
Not so fast. There are a couple of points worth pondering. First the challenging stuff.
Not So Special Teams
The kickoff team was flat out embarrassed - at least three times. Give the LA Tech returners a little credit. But Oh My Gawd! Of the four Bulldogs that returned kickoffs (there were TEN returns, which is a COOL stat!), the lowest average is 21 yards per return. Livas had 5 returns for a 37 yard/return average and one for almost 80 yards! Ummm - that, like, sucks.
Fisher and David have been more than solid all year. And there are some individual athletes who have been very good on special teams. But the special teams themselves - specifically the kickoff and punt coverage teams - have been suspect all year. Having the opposing team start with great field position will be tough to overcome against the remainder of the schedule. And Chad Jones, stud that he appears to be, made some really dumb punt return decisions last night that have been a pattern with him.
Coach Paveto splits his time between special teams and linebackers. Perhaps it's time Coach Miles finds a special teams coach.
Matt Flynn
I can't help but wonder why Flynn comes out of the locker room struggling and only hits his stride after increasing my stomach acid. Wazzup with that?
My guess is that Flynn's relative lack of game experience keeps him from starting strong. Early in the game, though, he can be dangerous to his own team - forcing passes and over- or under-throwing open receivers.
I'm still a Flynn believer and he's definitely better than RP at this point. But I'd like to see Flynn put a couple more 300 yard plus games together without the interceptions.
Penalties
8 for 62 yards, including a late hit out of bounds. Not heinous, like last week. But certainly nothing to be proud of.
NOW FOR THE GOOD STUFF
I did see lots of butterflies today, and a puppy. There are many, many things right with the world.
Few Fumbles
We haven't. It's really pretty cool. Flynn has thrown some picks, but this team just has not fumbled the ball much at all.
Offensive Production
595 yards, some big plays, and 58 points. Regardless of the opposition, when you factor in that the Tiger bench played most of the second half, that's a pretty impressive stat. Teams will have to score more than 30 points to hope to beat LSU. That's a nice place to be, considering our defense is still one of the finest in the country.
Team Depth
LSU has talented backups across the board. It will be interesting to watch the LB competition to replace Highsmith and Sanders next year. The young cornerbacks were fun to watch, as well. The offensive line is going to be in fine shape next year, as will the defensive line. I'd say the biggest question on offense for next year is QB (will RP keep his cool and get on board?), and on defense, who will step up at the corners. But all in all, LSU will remain powerful next year.
THE BIG QUESTION - DID WE PEAK AGAINST VT? OR WILL WE PEAK IN NOVEMBER?
The Hokies are a very good football team and LSU made them look inept. Following that game, and injuries to Flynn and Doucet, the Tigers played well enough to win (except Kentucky), but did not seem to dominate anyone except MTSU. Even Tulane made the Tigers sweat for a half.
So, did the Tigers peak early? Let's hope not, because noone is going to lie down for the Tigers from here on. Everyone will be looking to knock LSU off the hill (again).
Personally, I think LSU has yet to peak. I think we caught a glimpse of the team to come against VT. Injuries and poor play have kept the Tigers from besting that effort. I have faith that the Tigers will play scary good football in the SEC championship game and then crush Oregon (or Kansas or Oklahoma) in the BCS bowl game.
I think LSU will peak in January 2008!
All's Well That Ends Well: Tigers Win 58-10
Rockin' start, followed by "what the hell is going on", followed by "OK, that's better", followed by "think we'll get 70?".
More tomorrow, but I'd like to thank the Tigers for making my 55-10 prediction look prophetic.
SEC West Champs!
Shoe in for #1 across the polls (OSU got Zooked!).
All's well that ends well.
More tomorrow, but I'd like to thank the Tigers for making my 55-10 prediction look prophetic.
SEC West Champs!
Shoe in for #1 across the polls (OSU got Zooked!).
All's well that ends well.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Prediction: LSU 55, LA Tech 10
Has there been a quieter week of LSU football news? I'm so bored, I can't stand it. Even the bye week had more hype to it, thanks to the Varsity bar fight. Normally I can at least get a laugh or two slithering around the various fan forums. Not this week. Full-up, drool-caked yawn fest.
Here's hoping the Tigers found it easier to stay fired up and focused this week than their fan base has. I think the HUGE numbers of penalties and poor turnover ratio of the mid-season schedule provided a focal point for Coach Miles and the boyz this week. I have faith in that. I have no other choice. Cause if LA Tech surprises us tomorrow night, I may not be able to stand it.
Three Points to Ponder.
Here's hoping the Tigers found it easier to stay fired up and focused this week than their fan base has. I think the HUGE numbers of penalties and poor turnover ratio of the mid-season schedule provided a focal point for Coach Miles and the boyz this week. I have faith in that. I have no other choice. Cause if LA Tech surprises us tomorrow night, I may not be able to stand it.
Three Points to Ponder.
- Productive Offense. The Tigers started out the season so dominant on defense that it was difficult to imagine that fans would be counting on extremely productive offensive play to win games. Yet that is where we are, and thankfully, the offense is coming through in spades. Even despite being the most penalized team in the SEC, the Tiger offense is putting up 37.2 points and amassing 440 yards per game. Because Coach Miles and his staff have used damn near every weapon in their arsenal on offense, the individual stats don't stand up and scream, "We got it goin' on!" But the Tiger offense does have it goin' on. And the versatility and potency of the squad has only been marred when they stop themselves. Look for a clean game against Tech, LOTS of substitutions, and some big plays from K. Williams, Charles Scott, and the receiving corps. I see a 500 yard game with few punts and scoring at will.
- Ryan Perrilloux. I imagine the gameplan is to feature RP in the second half. He needs it. If he's going to stick around and be the helmsman next year, LA Tech is THE opportunity for him to distance the Varsity fight and his previous transgressions (real or perceived) and get on with gettin' on. This could be the "Tipping Point" game for RP - one way or the other. Let's face it - the offense is talented almost all the way through the second string. There's really no reason why the second half shouldn't be every bit as impressive offensively as the first. Good luck, RP. Though I have my doubts that you'll be able to grow up in time to seize the opportunity sitting at your feet, I sincerely hope you do. Time to be a man, brother.
- A preview of next year's defense. With Dorsey and Beckwith ailing, I expect to get a gander at some of the stars of next year's defense. For me, this is the only question about the 2008 Tigers, assuming no coaching changes (yeah, right - bye bye Pellini, enjoy Nebraska) and RP does the right thing. What will the defense look like? Who will step up on the LB corps? Will Tyson Jackson follow Glenn Dorsey into the NFL? Will we be able to replace our talented cornerbacks? Will Danny McCray learn to cover the pass as well as he plays the run? I'm all eyes and ears.
Too bad this one isn't on TV. I'll be listening to the game on the radio. And I predict it'll be as boring as this week has been. But that's a good thing. And if the penalties are under control, and we get to see (hear) some of next year's stars in action, I'll be bored AND satisfied.
LSU versus Louisiana Tech. Seven in the pm, November 10th, 2007
At first consideration, there is considerable consternation concerning this week's competitor. Not a great deal is known about the Bulldogs of Louisiana Tech University. They are a fellow inhabitant of the state. We haven't played all that much. When we do, it's forgotten by LSU fans as boring and a walk over and repressed by Tech fans as physically discomforting and embarassing. Several of LSU's most lopsided scores have Tech as the victim.
Don't take too dim a view of this hapless school. Louisiana Tech is younger than the Fighting Tigers Football squad. I can't expect much out of a school that didn't exist back when Dr. Charles Coates was overseeing the LSU squad against Tulane. So what is there to talk about? Well take heart dear reader, I was born and raised in Ruston, home of the Dawgs. This may provide some insightful commentary and analysis of our foe.
As most any American, red-blooded male will recite the wisdom taught by GI Joe, "knowing is half the battle." Indeed. To learn about and understand your foe is to learn their weaknesses, respect their strengths, prevail in the end. And what do I know of Tech that can get us half way home?
1. They just recently approved liquor and wine sales inside the city limits. Bars still close at midnight, but you can get the fire water anywhere now. To pass this little bit of self government, they had to put it to a vote. Our law requires that you put all options on the ballot: keep things as they are, allow liquor sales, or BAN IT ALL OUTRIGHT. Nothing wrong you say. Well, the Ban It option put up a significant percentage of the final vote.
How does this relate to football Joshua? Tangentially at best I must say. But any town as boring and deadening as Ruston needs hard drinking. If Tech is to become a serious program, they need the type of bar brawls that only Wild Turkey 101 and Jagr can fuel. And that society is in its infancy when it comes to this essential ingredient of young adulthood week nights and fan fun on Saturdays. I cannot take a team of this character seriously.
2. I am worried about injuries not for LSU, but for Tech. You see, folks in Ruston like things quiet and staid. The football games there are sparsely attended and even less vigorously supported by those in attendance. The sheer noise of Tiger Stadium on an average to sub par night this coming Saturday might cause bleeding from the ears and nasopharyngeal passages, stroke, shock, heart attack, water on the brain, aneurisms and hurt feelings for the Bull Dogs. Their fans will be even worse off because of this rude and nasty feature of Tiger Stadium.
As for the match of the teams, Sun Tzu said, "Warfare is the way of deception. Thus, although you are capable, display incapability....When your objective is nearby, make it appear as if distant; when far away, create the illusion of being nearby." Tech will be relegated to forming an illusion of being nearby and competitive, when the reality is nowhere close. LSU, who we know as extremely capable, will probably spend finding new ways to define incapable, but more by design than flaw. Mistakes are part of the growing process when resting starters and playing untested underclassmen.
Louisiana Tech, while having a decent year under first year coach D. Dooley, cannot even be considered in the same frame of reference when it comes to talent. LSU, even if taking it easy, resting key players and getting the young guys in for snaps early and often, will still look vastly better than the Dawgs. And this is actually a great spot to play Tech in. I'm sure no small amount of mental and physical exertion was put forth last week in Tuscaloosa. A game like this is the next best thing to a bye week.
What to look for? I would like to see Tolliver get some catches. I think he has a bright future. I would like to see none of Dorsey. I would love to see the defensive secondary get a ton of snaps. We will need all the experience they can get when next year rolls around. I would also like to see none of those yellow hankies. But I will settle for a restive, somewhat sloppy effort if can mean a focused and ready LSU ready to take care of business in Oxford and stone Arkansas at home en route to a challenging SECCG. Enjoy yourselves and those purple jerseys folks!
Don't take too dim a view of this hapless school. Louisiana Tech is younger than the Fighting Tigers Football squad. I can't expect much out of a school that didn't exist back when Dr. Charles Coates was overseeing the LSU squad against Tulane. So what is there to talk about? Well take heart dear reader, I was born and raised in Ruston, home of the Dawgs. This may provide some insightful commentary and analysis of our foe.
As most any American, red-blooded male will recite the wisdom taught by GI Joe, "knowing is half the battle." Indeed. To learn about and understand your foe is to learn their weaknesses, respect their strengths, prevail in the end. And what do I know of Tech that can get us half way home?
1. They just recently approved liquor and wine sales inside the city limits. Bars still close at midnight, but you can get the fire water anywhere now. To pass this little bit of self government, they had to put it to a vote. Our law requires that you put all options on the ballot: keep things as they are, allow liquor sales, or BAN IT ALL OUTRIGHT. Nothing wrong you say. Well, the Ban It option put up a significant percentage of the final vote.
How does this relate to football Joshua? Tangentially at best I must say. But any town as boring and deadening as Ruston needs hard drinking. If Tech is to become a serious program, they need the type of bar brawls that only Wild Turkey 101 and Jagr can fuel. And that society is in its infancy when it comes to this essential ingredient of young adulthood week nights and fan fun on Saturdays. I cannot take a team of this character seriously.
2. I am worried about injuries not for LSU, but for Tech. You see, folks in Ruston like things quiet and staid. The football games there are sparsely attended and even less vigorously supported by those in attendance. The sheer noise of Tiger Stadium on an average to sub par night this coming Saturday might cause bleeding from the ears and nasopharyngeal passages, stroke, shock, heart attack, water on the brain, aneurisms and hurt feelings for the Bull Dogs. Their fans will be even worse off because of this rude and nasty feature of Tiger Stadium.
As for the match of the teams, Sun Tzu said, "Warfare is the way of deception. Thus, although you are capable, display incapability....When your objective is nearby, make it appear as if distant; when far away, create the illusion of being nearby." Tech will be relegated to forming an illusion of being nearby and competitive, when the reality is nowhere close. LSU, who we know as extremely capable, will probably spend finding new ways to define incapable, but more by design than flaw. Mistakes are part of the growing process when resting starters and playing untested underclassmen.
Louisiana Tech, while having a decent year under first year coach D. Dooley, cannot even be considered in the same frame of reference when it comes to talent. LSU, even if taking it easy, resting key players and getting the young guys in for snaps early and often, will still look vastly better than the Dawgs. And this is actually a great spot to play Tech in. I'm sure no small amount of mental and physical exertion was put forth last week in Tuscaloosa. A game like this is the next best thing to a bye week.
What to look for? I would like to see Tolliver get some catches. I think he has a bright future. I would like to see none of Dorsey. I would love to see the defensive secondary get a ton of snaps. We will need all the experience they can get when next year rolls around. I would also like to see none of those yellow hankies. But I will settle for a restive, somewhat sloppy effort if can mean a focused and ready LSU ready to take care of business in Oxford and stone Arkansas at home en route to a challenging SECCG. Enjoy yourselves and those purple jerseys folks!
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