On Les Miles

I'm not sure if we'll get to it on this week's podcast, but a couple of people have asked me about Les Miles' firing and what that means.

A couple of thoughts:

• The offense had to be better if you are going to go to bat for your coordinator. I think that played into the firing of Richt, personally. Not that he was given the opportunity to change coordinators, but that no one in the decision chain thought he'd do so.
• Having said that, 2016 LSU is not that different than 2015 LSU, but those losses came earlier in the year. And to perceived weaker opponents. We'll see about Auburn, but Wisconsin certainly is looking like a contender right now.
• LSU should look to buy up, but I'd think you can't come up with enough money to get Meyer away from tOSU. I can't see why they'd hire Saban, or why he'd go there. Herman's not moving until at least December. So what does that leave you to do?
• The biggest danger is Coach O looks great and the team goes on a run to win the SEC. Then what?

All of that is to say, if Les had such a fine line to walk, why keep him in the first place? To win the media battle in the off season (which you can only claim was a stalemate, at best)? 

T

Tweet

Saturday was Best Football Day

Yesterday was a perfect storm of awesome. Beautiful weather. Great crowd. Terrific tailgate atmosphere. When I got to campus about 6:30, there were people lined up like they were giving away booze. Crazy. I'll have more on the crowd later, but mad props to the students for showing up way early and leading the stadium's atmosphere.

I had friends trying to get tickets that said the price never fell below $150, if you could find anyone with tickets for sale. That was after kickoff. Just a nuts market. As hard as the 2008 Alabama game, at least.

Also, to my LSU bros, thanks for keeping your crap together. The LSU invitees at our tailgate were gracious, fun, and most importantly, didn't smell of corn dogs. No one got out of line, even at the game. Besides their attempts to infect our food and set up with LSU themed items, they were as fun and friendly as you could hope. I hate that I had to throw away all those paper towels, the food, and cups, but I did give you fair warning that was going to happen if you put that crap on my table.

TD

Tweet

Quick thoughts on a Sunday

I'll have more later, but there were three things that stood out to me:

1. I was wrong about Mett's ability to carry LSU. See below about Georgia's defense, but he did enough to keep LSU in the game. His throws on consecutive 3rd and 20+ backed against the goal line were just nuts.
2. Our defense isn't ready for prime time.
3. GameDay has nothing to do with Georgia's success of lack thereof in these games. That is all.

TD

Tweet

LSU is here

Tweet

There is no Plan B

As the coffee perks, a couple of last minute thoughts:

• It would be glorious if this is like that 2004 game.
• I'm getting more an more excited about Murray working against LSU's DBs.
• I'm getting more and more nervous about Hill and the middle of our line.
• I'm sure you've seen, but the GameDay guest pickers at Bubba Watson and some dude from West Monroe, LA. 

Bring it loud for Paul Oliver. RIP.

TD

Tweet

Where Have All the Characters Gone?

I was thinking the other day that part of joy of blogging about SEC football is the characters, especially coaching characters. In the past few years, we've lost Bobby Petrino, Houston Nutt (twice), Lane Kiffin, Rich Brooks, Ron Zook, Tommy Tuberville and Phil Fulmer.

I'd probably include Steve Spurrier in there, too. Steve 2.0 isn't nearly as funny as he was when he was coaching at Florida, proving yet again that even the best can catch the mediocrity in Columbia. Each of those that are gone were good for either outlandish quotes, mock-able coaching hires, or some other summer foibles (and in the case of Nutt, all three) that are just the best thing ever for a blogger.

Pretty much the only one left is Les Miles. Saban is intense, but ultimately he doesn't have time for that shit. Muschamp has potential with the crazy eyes, but has his hands full as a head coach fixing Urban Meyer's mess. Franklin and Dooley are both possible characters, but Franklin is more like that dude you knew in college who was around, but everyone secretly hated. Dooley keeps dropping some great quotes, but ultimately is just the guy with access to a good pool and his dad's liquor stash.

Am I missing someone?

TD

Tweet

In the End

It'll take me a bit to re-watch the game and have any cogent analysis.  Just from my armchair perspective, there are places we have to improve to get to the next level.  Yes, Georgia deserved to be there.  Yes, LSU is all that and a bag of chips.  We stood toe to toe with them. Then they stopped screwing around and decided to get serious.

Last night was like thinking the really hot girl was finally ready to say yes to your advances, only to find out that her abusive 300lbs boyfriend was not only still in the picture, but he was on the way over. And she doesn't know it yet, but she is pregnant by some other dude. And your new car is on fire with your brand new computer in it. And your computer just downloaded a virus that writes your hard drive with chicken porn. 

It was gut wrenching.

Georgia got beaten by a better team last night. I am very proud to call this team my team. For the first time since the Alabama game, LSU's coaches were concerned. Unfortunately for Georgia, that great team did what great teams do when facing a very good opponent that has them on the ropes: figure it out and win.

TD

Tweet

Delicious

Artwork courtesy of @GovernorofDixie.

TD

Tweet

Game of the Week

You know, South Carolina vs. Arkansas?  While the game of the Centrury of the Week is being played in Tuscaloosa, likely for the right to beat the bejebus out of the SEC East winner play in Atlanta for the SEC Championship, South Carolina and Arky are playing, with very much on the line for Georgia.  For my money, I'll be watching the game on ESPN.

As for that other game, some Alabama fans have concocted a nearly perfect dish of the game.  Warning, it starts with a bacon weave.

Corndog casserole.  Where healthy hearts go to die.
TD

(h/t Busted Coverage)

Tweet

I Smell Corn Dogs

Cajuns are sensitive about smelling like corn dogs, so pick that scab at every opportunity Saturday. Aiiieeeeee!

Birth of the meme.

Tweet